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2006 Trip  Information 

We offer a variety of rafting trips.  Simply put, we divide the seven miles of rapids in to sections.

The upper section has the milder rapids, class I - II (rapids are scaled on a I (1) to VI (6) scale with VI being the most difficult) and is suitable for those looking for a fun, calm, outdoor outing.  This trip is suitable for all ages, young and not so young.  We call this rafting tour our "James River Family Outing" . 

The lower section has the biggest rapids, class I - IV and is suitable for first time rafters and experienced rafters.  This whitewater rafting experience is our  "Lower James River" trip and is our most popular activity.

The "Falls of the James River" combines these two sections and includes lunch.  This trip is great for those wanting to spend the day on the water.

All trips begin at Richmond Raft's Headquarters.  Advance reservations are required, especially for large groups.  Call well in advance of the date you wish to go, though you may call for daily space availability.  You need to check-in 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time of your trip.  After meeting your your guide, getting fitted with safety equipment and a safety briefing, you will be shuttled to the appropriate put-in.  The James River is a natural flowing river and water levels and rapids will vary.  The water levels determine where we launch trips so that we may do our best to keep on schedule and provide you with the best trip possible.  The variety caused by the changes of water flows and diverse backgrounds of our guides makes each trip unique and will give you a different experience each time you raft with us. 

Each raft has a guide to assist you down the river.  The number of people per raft depends on river conditions and other factors, but generally ranges from 3 to 6 people plus the guide. 

After your trip we have showers and changing rooms for your convenience.  Our location is just minutes from a variety of restaurants, other attractions, lodging or if you need to get back on the road, just blocks from Interstates I-95 and I-64. 

This section of the James River has class I & II rapids and flat pools of water. Families and youth groups really find this activity fun. Not only will you enjoy the mild rapids but you will be able to swim and see osprey, great blue herons, geese, mallards, and occasionally bald eagles.  The rapids are mild and this trip is an excellent way to get away from it all! If someone in your group is very hesitant about whitewater rafting, this is a good introduction to rafting. 

You should allow 4 - 4.5 hours for this activity.  Minimum age requirement for this trip does not apply, however participants must weigh at least 50 pounds for a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) to fit them properly.

Times: "James River Family Outing"
Spring, Fall & Winter: (May 1 - May 26 and Sept. 6 - Sept. 30)
Sunday - 2pm
Other hours available for groups 20 or more

Summer: (May 27 - Sept. 5)
Saturday - 9am
Sunday - 2pm
Other hours available for groups 20 or more

Cost:  Please be reminded, we are not accepting reservations.
Sun. - Fri: $FEE$ per person, $FEE$ per person for groups* of 20 or more.
Saturdays: $FEE$ per person, $FEE$ per person for groups* of 20 or more.
* 1 complimentary person per group of 20 or more.

This is our most popular whitewater outing with class I - IV rapids!  At the put-in you will not even realize how close to the City of Richmond you are.  After your guide teaches everyone in your raft how to work together to power and steer the raft, you will paddle downstream towards the city.  As you round a bend in the river the city skyline appears.  Soon you will be paddling directly thru downtown Richmond.  The area is known as the “best urban whitewater” in the US.  No other city in the US has class IV rapids within its city limits.  This is truly an "urban whitewater" experience.  

One adventurist described the Lower James River as " where the water falleth so rudely, and with such a violence, as not any boat can pass".....Captain John Smith (May of 1607)

You should allow 3 - 4 hours for this trip from check-in to return.  Minimum age requirement for this trip is 12 yrs.

Times: "Lower James River"
Spring, Fall & Winter: (April 1 - May 26 and Sept. 6 - Oct. 31)
Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 1pm
Other hours available for groups 20 or more

Summer: (May 27 - Sept.5)
Weekdays - 1pm
Saturday - 10, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Sunday - 9, 10am or 1pm 
"TGIF" Thursday & "TGIF" Friday - 5:30pm
Other hours available for groups 20 or more

Cost: Please be reminded, we are not accepting reservations.
Sun. - Fri: $FEE$ per person, $FEE$ per person for groups* of 20 or more.
Saturdays: $FEE$ per person, $FEE$ per person for groups* of 20 or more.
* 1 complimentary person per group of 20 or more.

Rafting the James River is an exciting way to spend an afternoon. The trip starts with class I & II rapids and, after a light meal on the river, continues onto the famous "Downtown Section" of the James River. Here the rapids range from class II to class IV! This section of the river, with the city's skyline as a back drop, is often photographed for use in promotions featuring Richmond and Virginia.  

You should allow 5 - 6 hours for this activity.  Minimum age requirement for this trip is 12 yrs.

Times: "Falls of the James River"
Spring & Fall: (April 1 - May 26 and Sept. 6 - Oct. 31)
Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 11am
Other hours available for groups 20 or more

Summer: (May 27 - Sept. 5)
Weekdays - 11am
Saturday - 9am
Sunday - 11am
Other hours available for groups 20 or more

Cost: Please be reminded, we are not accepting reservations.
Sun. - Fri. $FEE$ per person, $FEE$ per person for groups* of 20 or more.
Saturdays: $FEE$ per person, $FEE$ per person for groups* of 20 or more.
Cost includes light meal on the river. 
* 1 complimentary person per group of 20 or more.

Summer or warm weather: (most of these things can also be purchased at our location)
Bathing suit or shorts & T-shirt.
Old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals (no flip flops, they come off and are lost).
Sun screen and a hat.
If you wear glasses, some type of retainer strap.
Dry clothes, shoes and towel for after the trip.

Chilly or rainy weather:
Richmond Raft provides complimentary paddle jackets and sleeveless wetsuits.
Wool or synthetic (Thermax, Capalene, or Polypropylene) garments are recommended.   They will "wick" moisture from your skin and warm you.  Cotton holds moisture to your skin, keeping you wet and clammy.  Cotton will not keep you warm.
Dry clothes, shoes and towel for after the trip.

Optional things to bring:
A disposable waterproof camera can be fun to have (also sold at our location).

Richmond Raft Co.
Richmond, VA
ph: (804) 222-7238
e-mail: raft@richmondraft.com

This page is Copyright & copy; 1999 - 2007, Richmond Raft Co.