White Water Rafting in West Virginia-SPF Tips

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Ace

Sun Protection when white water rafting

 

When you’re embarking on a white water rafting trip in West Virginia, you’ll probably be thinking more about how much fun you’re going to have than about the amount of sun that you’re getting. But, if you’re hitting the river when minimal clothing is required, that can be a big mistake!

While you may not notice at the time, sun exposure can do major damage to your skin and body: in the short term, you can burn yourself — and second degree burns from sun poisoning are no laughing matter — and in the long term, your skin may take on a dark brown, speckled look and have the consistency of an old leather purse. And don’t forget, too much sun can also cause skin cancer!

So, there are many good reasons for protecting yourself from the sun. Here are some easy tips for ensuring that you have a great time while white water rafting in West Virginia both during and after your trip:

Wear Adequate Clothing

  • While it may be tempting to wear your bikini top and short shorts rafting, you’ll get more coverage with a t-shirt and some Bermuda shorts. A t-shirt provides more protection for your shoulders and sensitive chest area (very prone to burning because the skin is thinner there). While rafting you’ll be partially covered by your PFD (personal flotation device), but if you make any stops – like for lunch – you’ll want the extra material. Also, darker colors and tighter weaves offer better protection from UV rays. If you are determined to wear that bikini, sunblock, sunblock, sunblock!!!

Sunglasses

  • If it’s going to be bright or you are especially sensitive to the sun, sunglasses protect your eyes from future cataracts and make it easier to see where you are putting that paddle (the person in front of you will thank you). Make sure they are secured with an eye glass retention device (Chums for example), and they are not expensive enough to devastate you if the “river gods” choose to take them.

Sunblock

Sunblock is absolutely key to ensuring that you stay safe and comfortable while white water rafting in the summer. There are several things to keep in mind when using it:

  • Apply about 30 minutes before going out into the sun.

  • Reapply every two hours.

  • Use SPF 30 or higher.

  • Apply sunblock underneath clothing. Remember– there is sun coming from above and being reflected at you from the water and most clothing isn’t sun-proof.

  • Don’t forget the little areas: your ears, scalp, toes, etc.

At ACE, we are in the business of showing our guests a good time while white water rafting in West Virginia, but adventure vacations that end in a miserable sunburn are never fun. By protecting yourself from the sun, you can enjoy your white water experience to the fullest.

 

 

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Hidden Past- New River Gorge

Posted on May 9, 2013 by J.Bryant Baker

 

 

New River Gorge Spring in the New River Gorge

New River Gorge, WV

The sun shines brightly overhead, floating alone in a cloudless, bluebird sky. The coolness of spring fights to hold on in today’s dry mountain air, but the warmth from above seems to be slowly winning the battle. The forest has just begun to awaken from it’s winters rest. Buds and leaves have emerged on the tips of branches, while the vines and undergrowth begin to make themselves known, rising from the leaf littered ground. Today, the trainees will learn not only about the New River Gorge and it’s rapids and whitewater, but also about its past. A big part of our training program is teaching these aspiring river guides about what used to be, and about what is left for us to view as a window into the rich history of this gorge.

 

The first European settlers came to make a life along the banks of the New River almost 150 years ago. In it’s “hey-day,” there were over 20 coal mining towns throughout the New River Gorge. Once thriving communities, places like Nuttallburg, Kaymoor, Caperton, and Buery are all ghost towns today. The forest has recovered so well, that many of these ghost towns, even with their still existing stone buildings, can go completely unnoticed while floating down the river. Where there once was a footbridge spanning the river from one side to the other, you now have to know where to look amongst the boulder strewn bank to find any signs of it’s existence. During training, we make it a point to stop at various spots and hike up in the forested hillsides to show the trainees what remains. Often times, to gain a better understanding of a place, you first have to better understand its past. This gorge is a special place to us. Knowing it has been special to many throughout time, from the earliest of native peoples to the hardworking coal miners, helps to foster a deeper connection and appreciation for this place where we work and play.

 

To learn more about the author:  Go to www.johnbryantbaker.com

History New River Gorge Trainees exploring the history of the New River Gorge

 

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Fishing Kayaks at ACE Adventure Gear Shoppe

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Heidi

Check out this quick demo from ACE Adventure Gear Shoppe about one of the many fishing kayaks they have for sale and in stock. Fishing kayaks are a great way to get to remote spots on lower volume rivers and undiscovered coves on lakes without the same price and environmental impact associated with conventional fishing boats. Come ask Brad and Casey (our resident experts) about getting a demo for a day*.

*Boat demo’s cost $20 per boat. Must provide your own PFD (Person Flotation Device), Paddle, and fishing accessories. Call ahead for more information at 304-574-1900.

Don’t forget ACE Adventure Gear Shoppe  is a convenient stop for whitewater enthusiasts in the New River Gorge. We offer the largest selection of paddle sport products in the area.

Fishing Kayaks

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A ‘New’ Point of View- Guide Training on the New River

Posted on May 1, 2013 by J.Bryant Baker

 

Scouting rapids, WV

Scouting Rapids

A ‘New’ Point of View

   We make our way along the New River’s bank, cautiously stepping from one boulder to the next. Bundles of driftwood and debris are scattered in random pockets amongst the rocks and trees, evidence of the last high water event. Our boats are securely tied just upstream, near the end of a relatively slow moving flat water pool. As we boulder hop further down stream, the chaotic mess of whitewater that minutes earlier existed just beyond the horizon of current is now coming fully into view. I discreetly glance at the facial expressions of the others, trying to gain some insight into their initial feelings without being noticed. Some eyes are wide, bouncing from place to place, over stimulated and not knowing what to focus on. Others are sharp and intense, glaring out at nature’s display. The once smooth, glassy water has now become a whirling mess of water crashing over rocks and waves that build and break and fill the air with mist. I position myself closer to the water’s edge and turn so that the river is at my back. Eyes now shift their focus to me, staring intently, expectantly. “So,” I say as I begin to break into a big, bearded smile, “this is our first Class 5 rapid. Let’s talk about it.”

   This is another day in our first week of guide training. These 15 people from their random walks of life and various parts of the country have all come here for one common goal, to become a river guide. As we scout, or study a rapid from the river bank, I point out differing current lines and features. The trainees take time to look and begin to implement their “water-reading” knowledge, asking questions and developing ideas for how to run the rapid. We talk about hazards and the different pros and cons to varying routes. Scouting gives the opportunity for questions and clarification, something that can be hard to find time for in the midst of a rapid a few hundred yards long, containing 8 to 10 foot waves and a must miss feature known as the Meat Grinder.

   As we head back upstream to our boats, I notice a few trainees stop to look back, trying to pick out the line or certain features from a slightly different vantage point. It’s interesting how what we see and the way we see things has a lot to do with where we are standing. The world can look completely different from a different point of view. There remains a lot for this training class to learn, with skills to be honed and a relationship with this wild and wonderful river to fostered. But perhaps their greatest insight will be into a new point of view. A perspective that many people will never have. The view from the back of the raft, the perspective of a river guide.

 

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First Trip Back on the New River

Posted on April 23, 2013 by J.Bryant Baker

 

New River, WV

First Trip Back

I pull the strap through the buckle, tightening down the last bit of equipment into the raft. I check my gear once more . . . carabiners are locked . . . my PFD is snug. As I look out on the gentle current moving by, I can hear the trip leader finishing up their safety talk behind me. I take a long, deep, deliberate breath. Every spring, there is always that “first trip back, ” and with it usually comes some nervous energy, an anxious anticipation. But this year’s first trip carries with it a little more weight. I have been thinking about this one for a little bit longer than usual.

Last year my river season came to an abrupt end in the form of a dislocated right shoulder at the bottom of a Class 5 rapid on the Upper Gauley. Thanks to friends and fellow paddlers, I was safely evacuated from the river. While on the river bank, guides used their Wilderness Medicine training and were able to reduce the dislocation. Although there were moments of extreme pain, what was actually more intense was the creeping thought that my shoulder might not ever be the same. The off season consisted of 7 months of rehabilitation and strength training, working to regain full range of motion and mobility. But even after all the rehab and the winter paddling and the fact the my shoulder was feeling really good, I knew that none of it would compare to that first trip back. It was not only a physical hurdle, but more so a mental one that I knew I would have to face.

One of the most important lessons I have learned from my years of guiding and spending time out on these wild rivers is the importance and the value that exists in pushing myself both mentally and physically. There is so much that can be realized about oneself through the act of taking risks. For the last 11 years, I have had many opportunities to be a part of other people pushing themselves and taking risks as well. Guiding my guests down world class stretches of whitewater and seeing how empowering it is for people to engage with nature is the most rewarding part of my job. There is something that exists in the wildness of a river and in each of us that often does not get tapped into in everyday life. It is what I come back for year after year. It is why I find myself rigging this raft and standing at this put-in this morning.

Hours later we have run the last rapid and are at the take out. The boats are loaded and high fives have been given all around. I can hear the boy scouts and troop leaders reliving their day as they get on the bus. I look out on the gentle current moving by and take a long, deep, deliberate breath. This has been a good first trip back.

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Enter to win a trip for two to ACE’s Rockin’ River Weekend

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Heidi

Rockin' River Weekend

If you share this post from ACE Adventure Resort’s Facebook page onto your timeline, you are automatically signed up to win this package for two people to enjoy the Rockin’ River Weekend at ACE Adventure Resort on the weekend of May 4, 2013.

What you get:

  • Two nights camping on May 3rd and 4th.
  • Full day whitewater rafting on the Lower New on Saturday, May 4th.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Saturday, May 4, 2013.
  • Live music and festivities on Saturday, May 4, 2013

How to enter:

  • Simply share our FB photo on your timeline and you are entered to win! It’s that easy.
  • When you share, make sure that your re-post is set to “public” so we can see it and enter you to win. And don’t worry, this doesn’t affect the privacy settings for your Facebook profile, just the settings for that particular post.

The winner will be selected at around 3:00pm on Wednesday, April 24, 2013. So keep your fingers crossed that we will be contacting YOU!

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5 Ways to Jumpstart Spring in WV

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Heidi

New River Gorge

Spring flowers- New River Gorge, WV

Spring is definitely in the air and we want to save you time, energy, money AND help you get over those winter blues. So here’s our top 5 list. It just so happens that planning a trip to ACE Adventure Resort can help you accomplish all five…

5 Ways to Jumpstart Spring:

1. Bring the outside in!
Rent a cabin, soak in your own hot tub and enjoy the view, sounds and smell of spring in the mountain air.
2. Spring savings!
That’s right, you can raft the Lower New River for as little as $59 per person in April.
3. Wear open toe shoes.
You know your feet are screaming for a little fresh air. Think how good it’s gonna feel to put your sandals back on!
4. Take a road trip.
Don’t forget WV is closer than you think. We are less than 8 hours away from 80% of the US population.
5. Get into shape and shake those winter blues!
There’s nothing like a little spring rafting to get that winter blood moving again. Spring rafting on the New is when we consistently see the New River at some of its highest flows. Work out those arm muscles by paddling through Grand Canyon size waves.

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Five Affordable Things To Do in West Virginia

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Heidi

Affordable Things to do in WV

ACE Adventure Park & Lake

Since the recession, a lot of things have changed for most Americans. It seems we have gotten used to a simpler and more down-to-earth lifestyle. And to be honest, a lot of budget-friendly activities end up being  perfect family-friendly vacations.

ACE Adventure Resort wants to help you stay in your budget, yet still have FUN! So we’ve come up with this list of five affordable things to do in West Virigina that are close to us, and a perfect compliment to any ACE adventure.

So get out there and explore!

Five Affordable Things To Do in West Virignia:

1. Whipple Company Store and Appalachian Heritage Museum, Scarbro, WV

Explore one of the oldest, last of its architectural design, all-wooden, Coal Camp Company Stores left in the country. Discover the rich history as we celebrate the heritage of the West Virginia Coal Miner and their families, and learn about life in the Coal Camp. Join in for an interactive and guided tour to explore the many cultural and historical treasures that abound in this 1890, one-of-a-kind, original, Company Store.

-       Guided tours last approx… 35- 45 minutes

-       Open May – November (11am to 6pm, closed Tuesdays)

-       $10 per person (under 3 yrs = free)

2. Exhibition Coal Mine, Beckley WV

As the focal point of Beckley’s lovely New River Park, the Exhibition Coal Mine, the Rahall Company Store, Mine Museum and the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia draw thousands of people to the area annually. At the Exhibition Coal Mine, one can ride through the dark passages of a vintage coal mine. The guides are veteran miners and provide firsthand accounts of the daily responsibilities and tasks of past and present day miners.

-       Guided tours last approx…  40 minutes

-       Open April 1 through November 2.

-       $20 per person (ages 13-54)

-       $12 per youth (ages 4-17)

3. The Greenbrier Bunker Tour, White Sulphur Springs, WV

During the Cold War the United States government maintained a top-secret underground bunker in the mountains of West Virginia. Bunker tours provide a unique and in-depth look behind the hidden doors and let you explore an aspect of The Greenbrier that no other resort can claim.

-       Guided tours last approx… 90 minutes

-       Open year-round

-       $30 per adult

-       $15 per youth (ages 10-18)

4. Mystery Hole, Ansted, WV

A quirky and legendary tourist stop where you get to see the laws of gravity defied. The mysterious mindbaffling “Mystery Hole” was unclosed for public view around the middle of the year 1973, and is probably the best kept secret in WV.

-       Guided tours last approx… 15-20 minutes

-       Open April through October

-       $6.50 per person

-       $5.50 per youth (ages 11 and under)

5. ACE’s Adventure Park & Lake Pass, Minden, WV

ACE Lake is five acres of AWESOME. Swimming. Splashing. Bouncy Stuff. ACE Adventure Park & Lake has it all. Lake Pass includes access to all lake amenities including tower elements, climbing wall and inflatable water toys.

-       Either a full or 1/2 day available with no other activities necessary

-       Open May-October (late fall /early spring schedule weather dependent)

-       Full day rate = $39 per person (ages 5 and under are free)

-       Half day rate = $25 per person (ages 5 and under are free)

-       Receive the lake pass for half-price when purchased with any guided activity. For package options that include the lake pass check out the Packages and Deals page.

 

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The Top of a Raft Guide’s Bucket List

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Heidi

 

 

Bass Camp Hike

The Crew, Bass Camp Hike

The Grand Canyon is on the top of the bucket list must for 99.9% of raft guides. There is something magical there that has created endless stories, folklore, memories, videos and photos that guides throughout the world have heard about. These stories are passed down from generation to generation of boaters. The power of this phenomenon is effortless. After one trip, you will talk. You too, will want to share its story.

Almost five million tourists visit Grand Canyon National Park yearly. Of those, roughly 25,000 will see it via the Colorado River. That equals .005% of the total of Grand Canyon visitors. And when you break that percentage down into private trips versus commercial trips, well keep counting those zeros. So few get a chance to see one of the great wonders of the world for 16-22 days from such a stunning view.

I’ve been lucky enough to be on two private trips on the Grand. My most recent, was easily the best vacation I’ve ever experienced. I’ve tried to write this blog a million different ways, but then I read back the correspondence from my last trip and I feel like the words are already written. It’s just my job to share. Below are direct quotes from emails and Facebook messages from folks on our trip in July/ August 2012:

“Withdrawal is setting in. I’m wearing shorts and a bikini top as I write this. Wearing clothing on Monday may put me over the edge. I looked up the ole USGS hydrogrpah for the 16 days of our trip and it turns out Hermit Rapid was the biggest day! Check it out”

-Meghan

“Withdrawal is indeed setting in. Waking up to the glow of the morning sun reflecting off the monstrous house next door to us didn’t have the same effect as waking up to the glow on those canyon walls. Ironically, I am also missing that morning coffee call of the blaster. My little Zen chimes that I try to wake up to in ‘normal’ life no longer seem to have their same effect either. However, I have managed to sleep through an entire night without getting up to pee in the river, see how beached our once floating bed is, contemplating the solution, realizing its too late, and then crawling back onto my slightly slanted and no longer floating raft bed… (Much needed). As this ‘so called life’ resumes with its dates and times and appointments and decisions about what to eat and wear, the reality of what we just did sinks in even deeper. What a wonderful trip and a wonderful life!

Thanks everyone for all the smiles and laughter, and in the words of Heidi … ‘for being AMAZING!’”

-Heather

“I don’t think I realized the effect of that trip on my psyche until I walked into my new job for a brief orientation. I suddenly felt like a human Zen center in the office. I had no idea I was that relaxed. Ah! Don’t let me forget that feeling is possible. I also have been routinely forgetting that clocks exist. I keep staring at the sky and asking Dan what time he thinks it is- at which point he checks the clock and I remember that I too, have access to time keeping devices now. Alas!”

-Trish

“Ah yes, the sadness set in when we drove into South Lake… Thanks everyone for one of the best experiences of my life. In spite of the mundane return to civilization I’ve just uploaded my first video. So for those who have the time to reflect on our trip and see what Tapeats creek was like to kayak enjoy the link. More videos on the way…

Miss you all already.”

-B-RAD

“ooohh mannnn… how I’d love to be back on that ol’ grand canyon with all you fine folks! Thank you so much to all of you for a trip of a lifetime. What a wonderful experience!! I’m stoked to see all of the pictures and videos… and relive a little of it.”

-Melissa

So there it is, a story I had to share, because you see, one of my closest friends and co-workers is sitting on a raft enjoying that view as I write. And another crew of ACE guides and staff just got back not too long ago and their photos looked AMAZING. And another good friend and ACE Gauley guide is about to launch next week… And well, I find myself day dreaming of that magical place. Yes, with a little jealousy, but more because anyone that has been down once, wants to go back. And by you going, a piece of me gets to go back too.  Enjoy a trip of a lifetime friends and I can’t wait for you to share your Grand Canyon stories too.

Colorado River, Grand Canyon

Colorado River

 

 

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Get the Sugar Plum Fairies Back to Work

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Heidi

Christmas at ACE Adventure ReosrtSanta just sent us a letter! Apparently the Holiday Elves are tired of doing all the work while the sugar plum fairies get all the credit. He asked if we could help lighten the work atmosphere at the North Pole. Most kids love an adventure more than toys anyway, so Santa thought ACE Adventure Resort was the perfect fit to help.

Here’s a list of popular toys he’s trying to replace. So if you have any of these toys on your holiday shopping list, please help the elves and consider the replacements. Santa would really appreciate the help!

Super Soaker-

Why buy a super soaker for your kids and give them the ammo to squirt you when you are least expecting it?  Here’s an idea: bring them on a whitewater rafting trip and watch them get dowsed with heaps of water while they grin from cheek to cheek. You’ll be laughing and smiling too, but don’t worry, karma won’t get you back on this one.

 Fruitcake-

Aaaah the classic Holiday gift for the person you don’t know what to get. Well at ACE we have all kinds of “fruit cakes,” many of them are our favorite guides. So give us a call and request your favorite fruitcake guide. They’re guaranteed to be sweet and maybe a little naughty.

 Perfume/ Cologne-

Fresh Mountain Air is available free of charge at ACE. We call our scent Almost Heaven. It’s world-renowned and is only available for a limited time.

 Red Rider BB Gun-

How could we put together a Holiday list for Santa and not include one of the most requested gifts of all time on it? We don’t want anyone to shoot their eye out, but we do want you to challenge your friends and family to an epic paintball match. Winner gets bragging rights and is guaranteed to have dibs on the first batch of grandma’s cookies.

Rubber Ducky-

For the younger people on your list, a sweet little rubber ducky is a safe gift. After all, none of us want to stress Mom out. Our Upper New Raft trip in a “ducky” (inflatable kayak) is sure to please both kids and parents alike. Upper New trips are available all summer for kids as young as six years old. Even Bert and Ernie will be jealous of this rubber ducky experience.

Playstation, X-box or any other Video Game-

Trust us, we’ve been doing this since 1978. We are the original PlayStation. There isn’t an adventure ACE offers that isn’t better than the latest video game. Did you feel the power of the period there? Any adventure at ACE is better than a video game, period. We are proud that Santa gets this too. Thanks Santa!

Call our local sugar plum ferries at 1-800-787-3982 to get them back to work! Santa and his Elves will appreciate it.

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