Pre-Trip Information
Everything you need to know before your adventure.
Important Reminder
The arrival time listed on your booking is the time you are expected to arrive at the office. While there is usually a period of around 30 minutes before we actually get on the river, that time is taken up with being fitted for gear, safety briefings, and taking care of paperwork. Be on time, we will NOT wait for you — if you miss your mandatory safety briefing, you will be dropped from the trip and no refund will be given.
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What to Bring
- Quick-drying clothing appropriate for the forecasted weather conditions - it's getting hot!
- Secure footwear! Sandals with heel straps, water shoes, crocs with heel straps, old sneakers are all fine. NO FLIP-FLOPS OR SLIDES ALLOWED ON THE WATER - This is for your safety, there's a strong chance you will need to get out of your duckie and walk at some point depending on the water level, and your footwear must be secure to do this safely.
- Sunscreen (water-resistant)
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Change of dry clothes for after the trip. Don't forget a towel, a bag for your wet clothes, and dry socks / underwear / footwear!
- Waterproof camera or phone case (optional - but highly recommended!)
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What NOT to Bring
- Flip flops / sandals without heel straps
- Expensive jewelry or electronics
- Alcohol, marijuana, or any other mind-altering substance that could impact the safety of yourself or other participants. If you appear to be in an altered state of mind, you will not be allowed to participate and you will NOT receive a refund. No exceptions.
- Bags or backpacks larger than 30L are not permitted on the river — they must stay behind at the office. Bags that are not dry-bags or waterproof WILL get wet, bring at your own risk. A limited number of waterproof deck bags may be available for rent or purchase, check with the office or your guide if interested.
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What We Provide
- PFD (personal flotation device) / life jacket
- Helmet
- Paddle
- Extensive safety briefing before launch, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
- Free shuttle from the office to the put-in and back after the trip
- Appropriate thermal protection for the weather. We do have wetsuit boots available if you forget appropriate footwear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions?
Our team is happy to help before your trip.
📞 (716) 420-3818
✉️ info@zoarvalleyexpeditions.com