You Can Do It!

Whether you're a novice ready to experience your first river rafting adventure or a veteran looking for a new river adventure, we have the right trip for you. Our river rafting program includes adventures ranging from an easy float down a calm river to rivers with rapids so thrilling they leave you screaming - and begging for more.

Physical requirements for river trips are generally modest, but will of course vary depending on the nature of the rapids. In general, our trips are designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. A lot of the "side" activities on a river rafting trip (e.g. hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking) are optional additions to an already perfect adventure. On the more difficult river trips, you must be able to swim, and on some rivers portages are necessary, and your assistance in this is highly appreciated. Please refer to the River Classification section below for more details.

So, no matter what type of river trip you're up for, we have the trip that matches your physical condition, prior experience, and interests. Just give us a call at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or send us an email at sales@mtsobek.com.

[back to top]

A Typical Day on the River

All our rafting trips are as much about hiking, relaxing, fishing, kayaking, and other fun things as they are about rafting. One of the most unique things about a river trip is that it provides you access to an area of the world that might otherwise be unreachable or inaccessible. And once you're there, we make sure you get to explore it in the best ways possible, which is why some of our river trips have a layover day or two to explore the countryside beyond the river.

Generally, you get up early for a delicious breakfast before taking down the camp. Then you spend a couple of hours in the morning on the river - floating, running rapids, swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. At noon the group pulls over for a long, leisurely lunch (with maybe a hike thrown in to stretch your legs) followed by more rafting in the afternoon. In the afternoon we pull into camp for the night, and there's often time to explore the beautiful surroundings before it gets dark. After dinner we like to gather around the campfire to relax, play games, sing, tell jokes, talk about the day - or whatever the group is up for.

[back to top]

The Great Outdoors - Day & Night

Our river rafting trips take you to some of the world's most remote, beautiful destinations - some of which you can only access via the river. They are far from well-traveled routes and suitable nearby lodgings, but you'll be pleasantly surprised how comfortable we can make you feel in these more rustic and "hard to get to" places. You'll sleep in high quality, roomy tents on soft, thick mattresses. The camp will have a toilet tent and a dining area. When it comes to camp chores, we find that many people enjoy the participatory nature of river trips, and love to participate in loading boats and setting up tents. If you prefer not to participate (we know you're on vacation!) the guides will be happy to take care of it.

We realize that food is a very important component of our trips, and we promise the river guides will spoil you with fresh, healthy, plentiful, and delicious gourmet meals, (no freeze-dried food here!).

[back to top]

Expert Guides - The Best in the Business

After all these years of river pioneering we know well that it's more than just a matter of the destination, state-of-the-art equipment, or gourmet food that gives a river trip its greatness. That, without doubt, comes from the guides, and in that regard we are proud to offer the best.

Their expertise, language skills, environmental appreciation, cultural understanding, safety training, rowing prowess, and culinary skills are unmatched on any waters of the world. Though veteran boaters, their enthusiasm is as fresh as when they first dipped oars in unrun waters. They are adept at sharing stories and swapping tall tales, and will become the best of friends. Each and every one of them embodies the spirit of adventure and the joy of discovery.

[back to top]

Your Raft Options

Essentially, a river trip is a self-contained expedition. The rafts carry not just the passengers, but all the gear, including sleeping bags, pads, tents, and personal baggage, as well as commissary equipment. On the river, we use the following types of configurations:

Oar boats are guided entirely by the river guide, who uses 10-foot oars to steer and power the boat through rapids. Typically, three passengers sit in front and hold on, throwing their weight from side to side ("high siding") to help keep the boat from tipping over. This is recommended for the larger rapids and for passengers who want to sit back and enjoy the wilderness scenery.
Paddle boats are guided from the rear of the boat by a guide using a large paddle to steer. All passengers (usually five to six) paddle in unison to power the boat. Past experience is essential on paddle boats. Since these boats have little or no gear and no frame, they are much lighter than an oar boat, and therefore move faster. This option is ideal for people who want active participation.
Kayaking or "ducky" options are offered on our Middle Fork of the Salmon River trip. In a ducky, you kayak down the river on your own. The name "ducky" comes from the fact that all kayaks go down the river in a row behind the paddleboat - just like ducks behind the Mother Hen. This option is definitely for those who want active participation!

[back to top]

River Classification

Rivers are ranked according to the difficulty of their most severe rapids. The following American Whitewater Association's river classification system will help you decide which type of river you'll feel most comfortable on. We've modified it slightly to reflect our commercially outfitted trips led by professional guides.

Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels, which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed. Flips or swims are highly unlikely.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves, which may be difficult to avoid but are easily negotiated by rafts with experienced guides. Sizeable waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Flips are unlikely though swims are possible. Self-rescue is usually easy.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting by the guides is sometimes necessary. Flips and swims are possible. Participants should be good swimmers with the ability to aid in their rescue (self-rescue).

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very large rapids, which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes, or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims can be long and potentially dangerous so strong swimming ability is essential. The ability to self-rescue is mandatory. Portages may be necessary to avoid questionable rapids.

[back to top]

Safety First

Our main priority is your safety! So, before you dip a paddle in the water, the guides will conduct a thorough familiarization briefing and instruct you in safety precautions. When on the river, we always use caution and judicious safety measures. No matter what class rapids you ride and what physical condition you are in, lifejackets must be worn at all times on the river. Helmets are worn on more difficult rivers. Thanks to the river guides, our river rafting safety record is superior, and you can feel confident in their hands.

There are ample reasons why Mountain Travel Sobek should be your first choice for a journey down the river. With close to 30 years experience in exploring, planning, and leading river rafting trips all over the world, nobody knows the rivers better than we do.

[back to top]