River Safety
The New River in our area is mostly a gentle easy flowing river with lots of small rapids. You may experience a Class II rapid on some of our trips. Though the New River here is a gentle river great for beginners, safety should never be taken for granted. The river is very rocky and without careful navigation and awareness, a rock can cause your canoe or kayak to turn over very quickly. Your safety is very important to us and we take everything into consideration from your experience to the river and weather conditions. We have the right to deny your trip based on river levels and experience. The New River flow rate and height can vary from day to day or even hour to hour depending on rainfall amounts. The river is generally flowing quicker and averages a little higher in the spring than the summer and fall but that certainly depends on the weather. The New river varies in depth. The average depth is probably 2 to 4 feet deep, but areas 8 to 10 feet deep are not uncommon and you will experience this range of depth on all of our trips. 

​The following are safety tips and recommendations as well as laws regarding the New River

• We always recommend both children and adults wear their coast guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) wether you bring your own or one we provide. If you cannot swim, it is highly recommended to wear your PFD.
• The North Carolina law requires every person to have a PFD with them and all children under the age of 13 to wear their PFD at all times!
• Bring sun protection! We may be in a cooler climate, but that doesn't change the dangers from the sun. Definitely have sun screen and keep it applied. Other items to consider would be sunglasses, hat, and sun protective clothing. The risk of sun burn is always greater on the water.
• Stay hydrated by keeping water with you. You may also want to pack a lunch for your trip.
• We highly recommend wearing closed toe foot protection. It is never a good idea to go barefoot in the river or along the river. Wear some old tennis shoes or buy some cheap water shoes. Rocks in the river may pose a threat to hurting your feet. Though the river is considered a very clean river, there is the risk of broken glass, fish hooks, metal and other sharp objects that could quickly ruin your day, if you are not wearing foot protection.
• Carry your cell phone with you in a dry storage compartment or bag. Signal can be very spotty here in the mountains, but it is still a great idea to keep your phone with you in case of an emergency.
• It is recommended to never float the river alone. Always floating with another person or a group is best. Also, try to stay in sight of each other while enjoying the river.
• If you flip your boat in whitewater, float on your back with your feet up and pointed downstream until you get to calm water. If you flip in flat water/ calm water, hang onto your boat, as most will float. 
• Bring rope and tie your gear to your canoe or kayak so you will not lose it if you do flip. This is highly recommended for overnight canoeing trips.
• Be respectful of private property.
• Ask questions! If you are uncertain or concerned about something you should ask us questions. We want you to be safe and comfortable.   

Campsite Safety
Our campsites are right beside the New River so if you are playing or swimming in the river, a lot of the same information from above applies here. We keep our campsites well maintained. If there is something concerning please bring it to our attention.

 Safety tips, recommendations and campsite rules

• Always wear shoes or foot protection. There could be sharp rocks, sticks or other objects that could damage your feet. 
• Please do not litter.
• Be prepared with sun screen and bug spray even though bugs are not typically bad.
• Do not cut, chop, carve or damage the trees in any way.
• You may collect dead limbs laying on the ground. 
• Keep your food and trash secure in containers especially at night or when away from your campsite. There are raccoons and animals that may attempt to get it.
• Put your fire out when away from your campsite.
• Children should always be supervised by an adult and there should be extra precautionary measures taken by the adults for both themselves and the children when near the river, campfire, or road.
• Do not block road with vehicles.
• Ask about pets before bringing them.
• Please pick up and clean up after your dog.
• Do not dig on campsite property or allow dogs to dig. We work very hard to maintain our grass.
• Be respectful of any nearby campers or residents of the area. We may ask you to be quiet after a certain time.
• Keep the bathroom facilities clean and notify us if there is an issue.
• No shooting allowed.
• Keep music to a considerate volume.
• ​Stay on campsite property. Do not trespass onto neighboring property.  
• We have the right to ask you to leave.