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Half the Rafting Time, All of the Whitewater Adventure
 The Rapid Run trip on the Lower New River is fast becoming one of our most popular adventures. As our everyday lives become more complicated, many folks don’t want to devote a full day to a raft trip. Maybe you’re just passing through on the way to your vacation destination. Maybe you have a meeting or a flight to catch later in the day. Maybe you’d like to combine a raft trip with one of our other adventures, so check out the horseback riding video, kayak instruction page, mountain biking video, or rock climbing video. Maybe Mom wants to go shopping while Dad takes the kids on the river. Maybe 2 to 2-1/2 hours of concentrated fun is your idea of a perfect day. Whatever the reasons, the half-day “Rapid Run” is very, very popular.
The Lower New River boasts 24 Class III to V whitewater rapids…2 before lunch and 22 after lunch. That’s the traditional full-day format. With only 2 rapids, the “before lunch” section involves some floating, swimming, playing, rock-jumping, etc. On the Rapid Run, we bypass this section and do the 8 miles and 22 fabulous rapids of the “after lunch” section.
The trip takes between 2 and 2-1/2 hours, depending on the water level. The Lower New River has plenty of current so we don’t have to do a lot of paddling between rapids. We simply keep moving at an easy pace from one crashing rapid to the next. It’s a great way to run the river.
Perhaps the best way to judge the quality of the Lower New Rapid Run trip is to notice that the most senior guides are usually found here. These veterans, who can usually get their choice of the best trips because of their seniority, are happiest when they’re on a Rapid Run. The guides are happiest when their guests are happy…and nobody’s ever unhappy on a Rapid Run. In fact, many guests on the morning run turn right around and sign up for the afternoon trip…it’s that much fun.
Because there’s no lunch and the logistics are easier, the Rapid Run costs less than our full-day trips. All of the fun for less money…what a concept.
The best way to enjoy a Rapid Run is in our 14-foot, 6-7 person High Adventure rafts. These are the hottest boats on the river and they are light and easy to paddle…perfect for the rollercoaster waves and big holes of the Lower New. If money is tight, however, we do offer an option for our 16-foot 8-9 person Traditional Boats on the Traditional Rapid Run. Your ride won’t be quite as exciting in the heavier boat, but you will save money. Your choice.
When you make your reservations, you might consider combining a Rapid Run trip with another of our many adventures such as a Sunset Showdown Paintball Battle or just hang out at ACE Lake for the rest of the day. The biggest advantage of choosing ACE is that all our adventures are located right here on our 1,400-acre Adventure Resort. More fun with less driving.
The Lower New Rapid Run in a 14' Premier Raft
 The Premier Rapid Run on the Lower New River offers the same rapids as the Premier Lower New trip but in a half day format. You will start off with big whitewater at Upper and Lower Railroad Rapids, take on moderate to difficult rapids throughout the New River Gorge, and finish up at Fayette Station Rapids, under the famous New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single span arch bridge in the northern hemisphere.
The Premier trips are run in 14' rafts which hold 6-7 customers plus a guide. These boats provide a more exciting trip and can maneuver through the rocks to punch through whitewater waves.
The Season
 Different seasons provide very diverse river experiences as the dynamics of the river and the rapids themselves are transformed. Spring rafting is a thrill ride with typically higher water levels, making the waves, holes and rapids even more powerful. March - May offers the biggest whitewater of the season, while summer months offer fun, excitement and warmer temperatures. Great whitewater remains a constant in September and October as fall is fabulous in the New River Gorge.
What To Wear And Bring
 Spring
Pile, wool, or acrylic sweater
Wool or rubber gloves, ski cap
Nylon windbreaker
NO COTTON!
Towel, dry set of clothes (for after the trip)
Wetsuits and neoprene booties are strongly recommended for spring New River trips. Wetsuits are available for rent at ACE.
Summer
Swimsuit, t-shirt, ball cap
Old sneakers or river shoes
Sunscreen, glasses strap
Light nylon windbreaker
Towel, dry set of clothes (for after the trip)
Rapids Of The New River
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