Can you raft rapids without a guide?

Question

I wanted to go rafting with a few friends up into Western North Carolina this weekend. I have gone a few times but we are all pretty experienced outdoorsmen and can handle it but my question is, are most rapids usually maintained by a state park that requires a guide go with the group or is it possible to just take your raft out on the river on your own and go ahead?

Answers dont have to apply to only western nc, just anyone with any experience rafting.

Answer 1

There are plenty of rivers that can be run without a guide - even the Colorado River thru the Grand Canyon can be done without a guide, but not by novices.  There's a permit process that can take years (last check the Canyon's waiting list was like 15-18 years long).  The issue you need to figure out is what class of water is it that you want to run?

Novice paddlers shouldn't run anything above an easy class II in a canoe or kayak - rafts are more forgiving, but I wouldn't get too ambitious.    

As far as state park land - that's something that will vary from state to state.

If you guys want something fun you can do without a guide, check the list of NC rivers on paddling.net, and look for river camping / multi day trips.  You can take canoes, load your camping gear up and head out for a weekend or more.  

Otherwise, check resources on the web - online forums related to river rafting - and post the question there.  

Good luck!

Answer 2

You could but it would be a bad idea!

Answer 3

The reason you need a guide is that the guide actually knows the river the way you know your neighborhood. He would likely know its changes as the water level changes.

Rapids are slow lazy boulder strewn creeks when the water is low.  Get some big rains, even miles a way, and the river may change completely, gaining many feet in depth and a lot of speed.  Boulders that are high and dry may become suction tubes that pull you under where you could get caught.

A guide will keep you out of trouble, maybe making your ride a little more boring but a whole lot safer.  Possibly helping  one or more of your friends get home who otherwise might not.

Answer 4

A bit of common sense. Most fatalities occur when rafters try to run rapids beyond their ability or equipment. River rapids have ratings. Grade 1 being the easiest and Grade 6 being 'impossible'. Inquire locally. A second factor involves rthe river level. Rapid ratings change as the water level rises or goes down. Water temperature also needs be considered. Cold water kills. Forget wool clothing. If the water is below 60 degrees (?) you need a wet suit or better, a dry suit. Safety rule - Get out of cold water!