Advanced Class III-V. The pioneer whitewater enthusiasts who first ran this northern section of the Arkansas didn't bother to label rapids with intimidating names describing their thrills. They are simply numbered, but you may lose track counting off the 8 rapids on this section. Each Class III-V rapid is punctuated by continuous whitewater in between, including a steep ledge drop into No. 5. Lunch included. The paddling demands good physical condition and a minimum age of 15 years. (AVA reserves the right to change minimum age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
The pioneers who first ran this northern section of the Arkansas didn't bother to label rapids with intimidating names describing their thrills. They are simply numbered, but you may lose track counting off the 8 rapids as they come at you in quick success. Each Class III-V rapid is punctuated by continuous whitewater on this exhilarating section, including a steep ledge drop into No. 5. Stop for a hot, chicken fajita lunch by the river before continuing into the thrilling Narrows for an afternoon of more whitewater!
Before you head out the door, double-check the meeting time listed on your confirmation. This is the time you will want to arrive at the outpost. If you arrive earlier than the listed time, you may spend a lot of time waiting around for the other groups to arrive. If you arrive 20+ minutes after the listed time, you will forfeit your reservation.
Once you arrive at our outpost, check in with our friendly office staff and sign liability waivers. You can also download and print your waivers in advance. If anyone in your group is under 18 years old and will not be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, they will need to get their waiver signed in advance and bring it with them the day of the trip.
After you've checked in, our staff will direct you outside where you will receive wetsuits, life jackets, helmets, and splash jackets (if the weather warrants). You'll have time to change into your swimwear and lock your other belongings – wallet, valuables, dry clothing – in your car. Make sure to hang up your keys in the outpost so you don't have to keep track of them while you are on the river.
It's time to go to the river! We'll shuttle you by bus or van to the put-in, where we'll unload the boats and match you up with your guide. You will receive instructions on how to paddle and what to expect on the river, as well as a detailed safety talk. Wondering what kind of safety information you'll receive? Check out the summary here.
Once your group gets out on the water, you'll have a chance to practice your paddling skills, and before you know it, you'll be headed into the whitewater! Splash through thrilling rapids, take in the stunning scenery, and let your guide entertain you with local history, ecology, and more. When you reach the end of your river trip, we'll pick you up and shuttle you back to our outpost.
After you get back to the outpost, turn in your gear and change back into dry clothes. Check out the hilarious and action-packed photos from the day, and get your favorites printed right in our shop, or have them burned to a disc to take home and print yourself. Browse our retail shop for tons of AVA and rafting paraphernalia, from t-shirts and hats to picture frames and coffee mugs.
AVA provides wetsuits and splash jackets free of charge if the weather warrants their use. Wearing a wetsuit is often not necessary; they are most often needed early season, if the weather is rainy, and for or our Class IV-V trips. For these advanced trips, we highly recommend you bring additional synthetic layers (as described below). Please also bring the following with you:
All trips depart as scheduled regardless of weather. AVA reserves the right to change or substitute river sections at any time due to weather conditions and water levels.
For groups of less than 10 people: Cancellations made prior to 14 days before the trip will be refunded 90% of the total trip cost. Cancellations made within 14 days and outside 2 days before the trip will be refunded 50% of the total trip cost. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the trip are nonrefundable.
For groups of 10 or more: Cancellations made prior to 14 days before the trip will be refunded 90% of the total trip cost. Cancellations outside of one week and inside of two weeks will be refunded 50% of the total trip cost. Cancellations inside of one week are nonrefundable.
NOTE: Cancellation policy applies to the full amount of your trip.
Change policy: Inside of two weeks of the trip, changes made to the date of the trip will result in a $10 change fee per person. Changes may not be made inside of 48 hours.
With Cancellation Insurance: If you have purchased cancellation insurance, you can cancel up until 12 hours before your reservation and receive a refund of 90% of the total trip cost. You can change your trip day up until 12 hours before the trip free of charge. The date change must be in the same year as the original trip date.
AVA reserves the right to cancel any trip due to an insufficient number of bookings. Should we need to cancel your trip, the full cost will be refunded or credited to another trip according to your wishes.
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