Rafting The New River

Rafting The New River

by Amanda Ashley

Publication Date: June 1999

The sun was getting hot when our guide Ric began to tell us about the first rapid. He gave us a brief description - a big hole followed by a wave train. Huh? Before I could ask, he yelled, "All ahead hard, paddle, paddle, paddle!" The adrenaline surged as my eyes bulged; I dug my paddle hard into the water. Whitewater was everywhere, and I briefly wondered where the lush green walls of the Gorge had gone. Suddenly, out of the water the bow of the raft appeared and I felt myself falling backwards. Splash! I heard Ric say 'surprise' and wondered about his sense of humor. I certainly was surprised and later found out that "Surprise" is the name of the rapid. All of my fears had been realized in an instant. Now floating on my back gasping for air, I couldn't keep the grin from spreading across my face.

Rafting on the Lower New River in Southern West Virginia is big business, and lots of fun. The New River is the second oldest river in the world. It travels south to north through three states. The best section for thrilling whitewater action lies between Thurmond and Teays Landing in Fayette County in West Virginia. The quality and diversity of the rapids is unparalleled. The class of rapids ranges from II to V. The American White Water Association rates rapids on the technical difficulty of navigation. Class I is easy riffles. The highest rating is class VI, being extremely difficult, life threatening.

The Lower New River is considered a beginner river. Unlike some rivers, no previous experience is required. The age requirement starts at 12 and knows no limit. The way to experience the Lower New is on a guided, full-day rafting trip. The cost of a full-day trip ranges from $65 to $90. Packages that include meals and accommodations, as well as other activities such as paintball and ropes course, are available. Full-day trips include transportation to and from the river, lunch on the river, your paddle, lifejacket, and of course, your trained and knowledgeable guide.

I checked in a little early for my trip at North American River Runners. The tall, happy guy at the counter gave me a liability release form. I felt a little lost and unsure of what to wear and what to expect. He explained the basic outline of the day, and then told me what to wear. With the mild spring weather, all I needed to be comfortable was a swimsuit, shorts, sneakers, a windbreaker, and some sunscreen. The tall, happy guy turned out to be the President of NARR, Frank Lukacs. By the time I had myself ready, Frank had me amped to go rafting...his enthusiasm overflows. I knew that if after 25 years of river rafting he had made his life and business revolve around the river, I was in for something special. He introduced me to my Trip Leader (TL), and, chomping at the bit, I began the day.

Armed with a paddle, lifejacket and helmet, I boarded the bus. The TL began a safety talk. Just as I was going to ask if I could take notes, we crossed the New River Gorge Bridge - the world's longest, single span, steel arch bridge. Wow! The TL explained that just a little downstream and around the bend some 800 feet below was where we would finish our trip. As queasy as I was with anticipation, I knew at the put-in that if that bus ride didn't make me sick, nothing would. Our bus driver, a jovial fellow, handled the narrow back roads in a manner that made a rollercoaster look tame. The bus ride took 45 minutes. I would later find out that every bus ride takes 45 minutes.

Back paddle...back right...all ahead...all back! The guide's commands instructed us through the maze of swirling eddys, rocks, sieves, strainers, holes, hydraulics and waves that make up the New. We charged courageously through the 'Keeneys' - three rapids so huge and close together, they almost merge as one. To err at Upper Keeney would surely mean disaster through Middle and Lower Keeney. With added features named Whale Rock, Meat Grinder and Julie's Juicer, you might understand why you wouldn't want to fall out of the raft and swim! Before each rapid, our guide explained to my six other compadres and me the anatomy of each rapid. Then he would give us a game plan and tell us what to do if we swam.

Lunch was set up on the bank of the river. With a hot lunch in the making, we got to relax and talk to the other rafters on the trip. I met folks from Ohio, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC. Some had been multiple times; others like myself were beginners. Our guide Ric explained how water levels at different times of the year affected the river. At different levels, some features disappear, while others develop and get bigger. I found the idea of the river being different in the summer than in the spring kinda cool. I knew I would want to go again, no matter the level. It wasn't until after I ate that I realized how much of an appetite I paddled up. Fueled up, I was ready for more.

Back on the water, Ric asked us if we were ready to surf West Virginia-style. We cheered our answer. Our next stop was 'Greyhound Bus Stopper,' so named because at high water levels this hole becomes a river-wide monster. However, at today's level, it was perfect for us to surf. Surfing requires some extra paddling but is well worth the effort. The force and grace of the New can really be felt as you play in and explore the rapids. When we weren't paddling like a well-trained crew through Dudley's Dip, Hook 99 and Double Z, Ric told us wondrous tales of days gone by. The Gorge is full of history - old mine ruins and some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife to be found.

The Kaymoor rapids gave way to Thread the Needle, where Ric let me guide. I got to sit in the back of the raft and navigate through two really big rocks. It wasn't as easy as Ric had made it look all day. Cheers to him for his skill, technique and sense of humor. I handed back the stick (lingo for paddle) just in time to prepare for the last big rapid of the day. With the engineering masterpiece of the Gorge Bridge looming high above, we charged brilliantly through Fayette Station rapid with whoops of delight. We bounced down the wave train full of excitement and fervor for more.

We finished the last rapids with tales and reflections of our day on the river. As soon as I thought the excitement of the day was over, I saw the bus on the shore!