KCCNY owns a 12′ raft and has access to several members rafts as well. We do our best to have a raft on appropriate trips like Lehigh, 2 barrel Mongaups, fall Toh, Hudson Gorge. We’ll add a raft sign up to events we’re planning on bringing a raft, but a raft requires a crew of 2-4 and some planning.
If you’re a new whitewater paddler, you’ll want to get in the raft and then graduate to an inflatable kayak, otherwise known as a ducky. The water is warm, so get out and try our new rafts. Paddling experience helps but isn’t necessary on most of the rivers we raft.
Veteran paddlers – captaining the raft is a completely different way to run a familiar river and a way to get friends and family to experience what you love. The best way to learn is to crew first and when you’re feeling comfortable take a shot at captaining. It’s an interesting challenge as you not only have to steer the raft but you need to instruct the crew.
If you want to crew you’ve got to be willing to pay attention and follow instructions.
Though different captains will use different directions, here’s a good primer. https://www.brexpeditions.com/paddle-rafting-commands/
The other big thing to remember is if you fall out of the boat, don’t try to stand up in fast water deeper then your arm length. If your foot gets caught in a crack you could get pushed over by the force of the current and if you can’t hold yourself out of the water, it’s bad.
Captaining is more involved.
Taking the raft or inflatables yourself requires a bit more instruction and care as they need to be put away clean and dry and stored in a cool, dry place.
So contact us to learn more.