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Why should I raft with ACE?
Ace began in 1980 with the concept of combining safety, customer service, and innovation. That unique combination has enabled ACE to become the No. 1 outfitter on the New and Gauley Rivers. Our guides are extensively trained professionals from all walks of life. All are certified in First Aid and CPR. Many of the Trip Leaders have become certified as Wilderness First Responders. ACE's outdoor center is unmatched by any outfitter in the country. We provide climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, horse riding and hiking on our 1500 acre center. We believe that we can camp more guests than all the other local outfitters combined. Our lodging consists of 8 chalets, 14 cozy cabins, 35 cabin tents, 4 bunk houses, and 3 group tents.
Do you have restroom facilities?
ACE has eight shower or restroom facilities. We have over 70 showers on the property. ACE is the only outfitter to provide more than trees during lunch on the normal Lower New trip, the Lower Gauley, and the Upper Gauley. Toilets are available at the putin for the Lower Gauley and the Lower New. The Army Corps of Engineers maintains facilities at Summersville Dam. Toilets are available at the takeouts of all trips.
Do you have a store?
ACE has two stores. The camp store is located at our front entrance and provides firewood, drinks, ice cream and other camping supplies. Our main store is located adjacent to the main meeting area between the Dining Hall and the departure point. Many T-shirts, sandals, maps, books and other momentos can be found here.
Are there hidden costs?
Any guide gratuities and optional equipment rental are generally considered extra although they can be arranged for in advance.
What are the age limits?
ACE can take 6 year olds on the Upper New. There is no upper age limit. However we are restricted by size. We can take no one that has a chest size larger than 56 inches due to lack of US Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices of that size. Similarly the youth must be at least 56 inches tall to help ensure a proper fit.
Additionally, we try to describe each of our trips in good detail so as to discourage those individuals that are out of shape. This is especially important on the Summer and Fall Upper Gauley.
Do all the boats have guides?
No! But all rafts on the Gauley and Lower New will have guides in them. Also, the New and Gauley ducky trips will have guides along on the trip but the duckies are individually paddled.
Can my group stay together?
It depends. A group of seven on a regular trip will be in the same raft except in the rare instance (less than once per year) where it is a very low use day and your group would have to be divided to even up the rafts. That is, for example, if we had a group of seven and a single individual, we would split the group of seven into three and four with the individual placed with the group of three.
Other than that we can guarantee your group of seven will stay together. Groups of eight or nine can go in a larger boat by advance special request. While we offer trips with larger boats at special discounts, if we arrange for a larger boat on a regular trip there will be no discount. Larger groups will go together on the same trip. Groups of more than sixty will probably go in waves. That is a six raft group will leave every 15 minutes or so. This allows the group to eat lunch together and to arrange evening activities together. Groups of more than two but less than seven may be split up.
Will everyone have an oar?
Generally no one will have an oar. An oar is about 9 feet long and are used in pairs. Most of our rafts are paddle powered and everyone is expected to help paddle. Some of our cruise and fishing trips will have the guide using oars but the guest never does.
What if it snows six inches and is 32 degrees?
We go. Most of the time we will try to contact you if extremely bad conditions are expected and will try to arrange a different day for your trip. We have a complete line of neoprene wetsuits including over 800 suits, hundreds of booties, wetsuit and nylon jackets and a limited supply of gloves. For no extra charge we will outfit you in a second larger wetsuit. Lunch would be served after the trip in the heated Dining Hall.
I would like to have a photo of that trip.
All our trips are photographed by Whitewater Photography, a division of Leisure Sports Photography. They are an independent company and can be contacted at 304-574-2338. 8 x 10 photos of your trip will be available by the time you return to base.
Can I get a video of my trip?
Yes. You can be assured of getting a video if you prepay for several. Most of our trips are videoed but a few are not. We have a limited number of video boaters and may not be able to cover every trip. Video boaters are not always easy to find as they participate in lots of kayak races and kayak rodeos during the season.
Can I bring my camera?
Only if it is waterproof and you don't mind losing it. We will not provide a waterproof container for it because all containers depend upon how well they seal and the seals frequently give way.
Will we have to sign waivers?
Yes. Everyone will sign an unaltered waiver or you won't be permitted to go on the trip. Waivers almost identical to ACE's have been upheld in the Federal Court in West Virginia and in the U.S. Southeast Court of Appeals. The waivers should be carefully read. The Trip Leader will explain any part of it that you may not understand. Minors must sign their own waivers and parents must also sign. Please do not expect the Scout Leader or minister to sign in your place unless they have explicit written permission from you to do so.
Is the trip safe?
All outdoor sports carry risks. Our guides are extensively trained to deal with emergencies. We carry either radios or cell phones on all trips. There are places in the gorges that these devices are unreliable so rescue is not always immediate and may take several hours. Due to our size we are able to provide resources smaller outfitters can not. For example we maintain 100% radio coverage at our base. Sometimes everyone at a smaller outfitter has to be on the road or river.
You can help enhance safety by being in shape for the trip. Drugs and alcohol are illegal on the river. Guests with medical problems should make these known to the Trip Leader. Pregnant women should not go on the river unless your doctor approves it. Guests suffering from asthma should be aware that cold water can be a severe hindrance to their breathing. Lunch spots sometimes attract bees and some guests are allergic to them. We provide no medications. If you are allergic to bees please bring your own medicine. Guests that get short of breath should not go on the Upper Gauley.
The University of Colorado studied rafting safety for the years from 1990 to 1997. This was a high growth period in which rafting increased 31%. The methodology used in this study was to compare the incidence of fatalities on professionally guided rafting trips to that of other common activities. The fatalities from rafting were converted to a rate per 100,000 user days. This is a common form of comparison used by the National Safety Council and the National Center for Health Statistics.
Fifteen rivers were surveyed. These included the New and Gauley Rivers.
The University determined that the total fatalities (drowning and health related) during this time period was 0.23 fatalities per 100,000 user days. That is 1 death occurred per 428,953 user days. The average rate from drowning per 100,000 user days is 0.15 or 1 death per 674,069 user days. Non drowning deaths, encompassing heart attacks, respiratory problems, and other health problems, resulted in 0.08 deaths per 100,000 or 1 death per 1,179,621 user days.
I can't swim.
Many of our guests can't swim but everyone will be wearing personal flotation devices at all times that they are on the river. These Coast Guard approved devices are designed to float you face up.
Are your employees drug tested?
Our employees engaged in a safety related position are subject to drug tests. At present the only employees tested are bus drivers. They are tested for drug and alcohol use on a random basis.
Do you carry telephones?
Sometimes we carry cell phones but we have found that two way radios are more effective. Several radio repeater towers have been installed for river usage and we operate over four of these towers. Cell phones do not yet provide the coverage of radios in the gorges.
What if I am pregnant?
We have taken pregnant women on the river but only under doctor's advise. Women in advance stage of pregnancy should not even think about going on the river.
I am in a wheelchair and have no use of my legs. Can I go?
Yes! We take several paraplegics each year. There is no reason you can’t enjoy rafting. Please let us know in advance and let us know if you have other special requirements.
I am blind. Can I go?
Yes! It is best if you come with a group of friends. We have one blind guest that comes every year. You should arrange to go during normal flows. Avoid the high water in the spring.
Can you accommodate my medical condition?
Please reconsider your decision to come rafting if you have heart, lung or back problems, asthma (cold water is a severe hindrance to breathing), brain surgery, obesity, or osteoporosis or any bone weakening disease. Most other medical problems can be accommodated but you will be responsible for your own medication. We will not supply any medication including aspirin.
What if someone does happen to get hurt?
We spare no expense in case of an injury and we take every effort to ensure a safe trip. However, these are risk related activities and injury may occur to you or to your personal belongings. We do carry limited first aid supplies and are trained in first aid and CPR. We carry communication devices and can usually call for evacuation if necessary. Costs of evacuation, especially via helicopter or ambulance, are the responsibility of the injured. We provide no medical or evacuation insurance.
I have never taken off my wedding band and I won't for this trip.
That is admirable but perhaps foolish. Fingers shrivel after a day of paddling and rings will and often do fall off. If you must wear your wedding band please tape over it so it won’t fall off. No jewelry should be worn. Contact lenses can also be lost.
Can you accommodate my group size?
We can handle groups up to 600 guests before joining with another outfitter to help you. We have never heard of a group too large.
What size raft should I go in?
Most of our competitors go in sixteen foot long rafts. These rafts hold nine guests. Therefore the guest to guide ratio is 9:1. Our standard raft is a fourteen foot long raft that holds seven guests in a 7:1 ratio. The 7:1 ratio provides for better guest/guide interaction and the raft is more maneuverable. The 9:1 lowers the cost per guest. If you are on a budget you should go in the 16 foot boat (we have a fleet of these which have been designed for us) but the better ride is in the 14 foot boat. If you have been before you can also book the 12 foot rafts. You should understand that these 12 foot boats provide extreme trips and you are very, very likely to swim.
What kind of boats do you use?
Most of our rafts are fourteen foot, 8 chambered, self-bailing, rubber rafts. We have a fleet of sixteen foot, 9 chambered, self-bailing, rubber rafts to accommodate groups of 8 or 9 that want to stay together and for those desiring a milder trip or a budget trip. For those extreme types among you we have twelve foot, 7 chambered, self bailing, rubber rafts. These are much less stable and many flips occur in these. These give the maximum action. We also have duckies which are generally four chambered individually powered inflatable kayaks.
Can I go in a ducky?
On some trips. Duckies are illegal on the lower New River and on the Upper Gauley above a flow of 1100 cubic feet per second. Duckies are legal on the mild Upper New and on our Summer Gauley trips at lower flows. While 10 year olds can go on the Upper New in their own ducky you should be in extremely good shape to go on the Upper Gauley. This is the country's best and most exciting ducky trip.
Can I request a particular guide?
Yes and the request should be made at the time the reservation is made. Remember that many of our guides have the same first name and that our reservationists may not have met all the guides. Also, some guides are requested more than a year in advance. On some occasions the earliest request might not be honored. For example, we have some groups that have been going with the same guide for years and they have developed an understanding between them.
What will my trip time be and what does that mean?
The trip time is the time that the bus pulls out from the departure point with you on it.
We can tell you what your trip time will be on most New River trips when you make your reservation. We have set departure times for almost all New River trips. For example on normal days the Double Lower (aka New Times Two) will be at 9:05.
Because the Fall Gauley books full and because we are operating under a state imposed quota system we must try to accommodate the most guests by grouping them together to best fit the rafts and buses. Some trips will always go at the same time. For example the second day of a reverse overnight will always go at 9:30. Marathon trip go at 7:00, 7:30 or 8:00. Double Uppers go at 7:00 or 7:30.
You have some latitude in requesting the trip time. We will try to honor your request to go early or late. Please let us know when you make the reservation if you must catch a plane or if you are flying in.
Can I fly in?
Charleston, WV (not Charleston, SC) and Beckley, WV have commercial airports with car rentals. Charleston is your best bet. It has several car rental agencies and is located about one hour and fifteen minutes from us. Small private planes can fly into Raleigh County Airport and rent a car or New River Gorge or Summersville airports. The private fields do not have car rentals but we are usually able to help.
I have to play golf at least every other day.
Bridge Haven (18 hole) is only 5 minutes away.
Can I fish?
You can fish in one of our stocked lakes without a license. If you are on an overnight camping by the river you can also fish but you must have a state license. Wal Mart is open 24 hours per day and is only 10 minutes away. You can get a license there.
Will we have lunch on the river?
Is the lunch hot?
We make every effort to make sure the lunch is a hot lunch that is grilled but sometimes we are forced to provide a preheated lunch when it is not possible to use a grill. During a hot late summer trip, we may provide a refreshingly cool deli lunch. Summer Gauley and Upper New trips are usually deli lunches.
On normal days lunch will be on the river – usually at one of our facilities. If the day is extremely cold we will eat back at our heated Dining Hall or arrange to have a heated bus available near the lunch site. This is generally the case on trips like a Double Lower. If the day is cold but you really want to eat along the river just let us know.
Lunch on the Upper Gauley really sets us apart. We eat overlooking Sweets Falls. This is the premier rapid on the Upper Gauley and the action is sure to keep you excited.
Do you offer trip cancellation insurance?
No. Check with your insurance provider, you may consider some sort of vacation insurance that will cover additional risks.
Can I just hold on?
Not on our normal trips. You will have a paddle and will be expected to work as part of the team. You will not have to paddle on our Cruise or fishing trips.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry but no. We would like to accommodate you but we have no kennel. In the past guests tied the dog at the campsite or left them in cars with predictable results when the sun hit or the dog barked all day to the annoyance of other guests.
Are you licensed by the county or state?
ACE holds multiple licenses from the State of West Virginia for water activities and permits from the National Park Service for mountain biking and climbing. The county issues licenses (and inspections) for our kitchen and dining facilities, bathing beach, and camp ground. The State Alcoholic Beverage Commission regulates liquor or beer sales.
How close is the New River Gorge National Park and how close is New River?
The Ace Adventure Center is bordered by several thousand feet of New River shoreline and 251 acres of the Center is located inside the Park. The main Park hiking and biking trail goes through our property. The main triathlon in held on both Park and ACE property.
What if I am late for my trip?
It depends. If you are late for a Fall Gauley trip you will probably forfeit your trip. We are usually able to accommodate you if you are late for the New River but at times you may forfeit that trip also. In any case the earlier we know of your problems the more we can do to help your situation. For example, others may be late also and we may be able to put together a whole new trip or we may be able to take you in at another access point.
What should I bring?
ACE provides all your river safety equipment...paddle, PFD, and helmet. In addition to bringing your river clothes, you may want to bring a hat, sunscreen, old sneakers for the river, sunglasses, etc. you'll need a change of clothes for after the trip, dry shoes, shampoo, towel, etc. Whatever you bring on the river WILL get wet! Do not take anything on the river that you do not want to lose!
What should I wear?
In warm weather, you won't need more than a swimsuit, sneakers, and a hat. You might bring a light windbreaker in case of rain. In cool weather, wear wool or synthetic clothing...these will keep you warm when they're wet. Cotton WILL NOT keep you warm when it's wet! Bring a couple of pairs of wool socks, a wool toboggan hat, and a nylon windbreaker. For extremely cold days, and for the Summer Gauley, ACE rents pile-lined wet suits which will keep you warm in any weather. The most important thing to remember is not to wear anything made of cotton when the weather is cool.
What if the weather is bad?
All activities go regardless of weather unless we deem the conditions to be unsafe.A full refund for the activitiy will be made if we decide to cancel the trip. We rarely cancel trips (maybe two days in 25 years) but we do reserve the right to move to another river or river section depending on water levels.
When should I arrive?
Your trip time is your DEPARTURE TIME! It's very important that you arrive far enough ahead of your trip time to allow for breakfast, check-in, and/or wet suit rental. If you are not ready to go when your trip departs, you may miss the bus...and the trip. We recommend the following time allowances:
Breakfast, check-in, and wet suit rental.....arrive 90 minutes prior to your trip time.
Breakfast and check-in............................arrive 60 minutes prior to your trip time.
Check-in and wet suit rental*....................arrive 60 minutes prior to your trip time.
Check-in only (no breakfast)....................arrive 30 minutes prior to your trip time.
If you have a large group, they may need additional time to get ready, so plan accordingly and allow sufficient time.
*Wet suits are recommended for Spring trips, Fall trips, and Summer Gauley River Trips.
What should I do when I arrive?
Guests with lodging, camping, rock climbing, kayaking, or other off river activities should stop and check in at the welcome center. River trip guests should check in at the Big Top Tent or if arriving in the spring season check-in is at ACE Mountain Sports.
I am going rafting on (some day soon) what will the weather be like and what will the river conditions be?
River and weather conditions vary from week to week and day to day. For up to date information watch the weather forecasts for West Virginia and the surrounding area.
Local 5 Day Forecast
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