TRIP OVERVIEW
WET & WILD Adventure On the Summer Gauley
Ask any river guide or kayaker - Southern West Virginia is a whitewater mecca. But aside from the local boating community, there are few people who get to experience the thrill that our whitewater pioneers encountered on their first descents. Now is your chance!
On this adventure, the Gauley is our go-to river. After all, the combination of gradient (steepness) and cool, crisp water from Summersville Lake create all kinds of action for the serious fun-seeker. Dam releases, which are dependent on rain, determine the river and river section for maximum "wet & wild". Keep in mind, to give you the best trip of the day, the final decision may not happen until the moment of departure.
The question to ask yourself - do you thrive on a challenge, do you seek out unbeaten paths and are you ready for that next check-mark on your whitewater resume? This isn't your everyday trip down the river, and it's not for everyone. You need to be mentally prepared, flexible on the options and possess good physical endurance to go for the big ride.
RIVER HIGHLIGHTS:
- NEW for 2013 - YOU select the craft - raft or funyak; WE select the river and river section to maximize your adventure
- Rafters - based on historical data, you have an 89% chance of rafting a section of the Summer Gauley - and the Upper Gauley is choice #1!
- Funyakers - history tells us your chance of boating a section of the Summer Gauley is 99%
- With the potential for technical chutes and drops around every bend, this trip is intended for the very adventurous and physically fit
- Only the most experienced veteran guides with proper training lead these trips
- Filling and refreshing deli lunch packed with healthy snacks, salads and tasty dessert
- Minimum Age: 15
Trip Options:
Wet & Wild Raft - All Day
- You are up for the challenge but appreciate working with a team
- ACE's raft choice maximizes the tight and technical features of summer whitewater levels
- A professional guide in each boat provides instruction
- Riverside deli lunch
- Season: May-August - Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun or any day with a group of 8+
Rates Per Person:
REGULAR RATE: $134
PEAK RATE: $159
Peak Days: Saturdays 5/4 - 10/19, 5/26, 7/4 - 7/6, 9/1
Wet & Wild FunYak - All Day
- You have the confidence and endurance to tackle whatever the river sends your way
- These one-person inflatable kayaks are highly responsive and come with thigh-straps for additional control
- Several guides, also paddling FunYaks, direct the way and are positioned at more technical river features to keep paddlers on track
- Riverside deli lunchSeason: May-August - Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun or any day with a group of 8+
Rates Per Person:
REGULAR RATE: $124
PEAK RATE: $139
Peak Days: Saturdays 5/4 - 10/19, 5/26, 7/4 - 7/6, 9/1
MORE INFO
Boat Size
The Gauley has runnable flows 95% of the year. Boat size, trip length and river section change according to water level. For Summer Gauley white water rafting, ACE uses 1-person inflatable kayaks (FunYaks) and/or 4+, 6+ and 8+ person rafts. Mother Nature determines the river and river section, but during an average year, you can expect to be boating the Gauley in the following crafts:
| Month | Avg. CFS Range | Description | Craft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 1,200 - 5,200 cfs | The Summersville Dam is being refilled making water levels unpredictable. Be ready to paddle! | 4+, 6+ or 8+ person raft | |
| May | 1,200 - 6,000 cfs | Expect high water - usually the highest water flows outside Fall Gauley Season. Great for the adventure seeker. | 4+, 6+ or 8+ person raft | |
| June | 300 - 6,500 cfs | The Gauley becomes very technical in early summer and must still be navigated by raft. A great option for those looking for a wild and scenic stretch of river. | FunYak, 4+ person raft or 6+ person raft | |
| July | 200 - 4,500 cfs | The rapids on the Gauley change to technical chutes and drops. If you’re ready to maneuver these river currents in your own boat, this is the time to tackle the Gauley. | FunYak, 4+ person raft or 6+ person raft | |
| August | 500 - 3,000 cfs | With the temperatures soaring, this is a great time to take advantage of refreshing Gauley flows. A perfect option for the active and adventurous. | FunYak or 4+ person raft | |
| September | 2,500 - 3,200 cfs | This is Fall Release dates: Check out all the trips we offer under Fall Gauley Trips. | 4+, 6+ or 8+ person raft | |
| October |
|
This is Fall Release dates: Check out all the trips we offer under Fall Gauley Trips. | 4+, 6+ or 8+ person raft |
**As a general guide line the cut-off for duckies is approximatley 1,300 cfs on the Lower Gauley and approximatley 550 cfs. on the Upper Gauley.
What To Wear
- Shorts and/or bathing suit
- Hat
- Sunglasses with strap
- River sandals or old shoes
- How 'bout that game face?
- Gauley water comes from the bottom of the dam and is rather cold, even on hot summer days we recommend sleeveless wetsuit and a windbreaker. These are available for rent at ACE.
- Video - What To Wear
What To Bring
- Sunscreen
- Personal prescription medication
- Extra layers (non-cotton)
- Waterproof camera
- A little gumption
Don't Bring
- Towels
- Wallets, keys, rings or jewelry
- Non-waterproof digital cameras
- Cell phones
- Lame friends
Lunch
- Deli-Variety of cold cuts and cheeses for snadwhiches, PB & J, assorted salads (pasta, seafood, potato), baked beans, chips & salsa, fresh veggies & dip, trail mix, fresh fruit, cokkies & desserts. Drinks may include water and lemonade.
Whitewater Safety Orientation Video
