A few words about the inherent risks of whitewater rafting…

We get the question all the time, “Is whitewater rafting safe?” Whitewater rafting is an exciting activity that boasts thrills and fun but also has some associated dangers and inherent risks. The higher the Class of whitewater, the greater the risks. At Cheat River Outfitters, we strive to minimize the risks on all our whitewater trips. All of our guides are certified under the rigorous standards of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and maintain current certifications in First Aid and CPR, with many guides having more advanced First Aid training, which prepares them for any injuries occurring in the wilderness areas in which we raft. The vast majority of our guides are also trained in Swiftwater Rescue by a certified instructor of the ACA. We do our best to inform you of the risks involved in your chosen trip before you begin. Many of our trips occur in very remote areas without access to easy means of egress. This means that you are a long way from a hospital and even a ride in an ambulance. The benefit of this risk is getting to experience and enjoy the true wilderness beauty of the Cheat Canyon and its magnificent whitewater.