White Water Kayaking Trips
1 Day Kayaking
Rafting Images
1 Day Class III River Rafting
1 Day Kayaking
Rafting Images
What’s Included?
Spend a day or two rafting Class III white water in inflatable kayaks (Fun-Yaks). Our Christian staff and guides will teach you the basics of white water kayaking on some calm water before we head down the river. You will work in pairs to navigate your yak through waves, around rocks and through the rapids. This is a one of a kind, fun, challenging and growing experience!
The South Fork of the American River in Northern California has two, ten mile sections (the Upper-Chili-Bar Run and the Lower-Gorge Run). Both are perfect for one or two days of white water inflatable kayaking. Each section is full of adventurous fun for Church youth groups, families, individuals, or Christian private schools. The Upper and Lower sections of the South Fork of the American River take about 4 hours to yak. While you can request the Upper or Lower, we are currently not always able to guarantee which section you will experience.
Rafting versus Kayaking
There are quite a few obvious differences between white water river rafting in a raft versus in an inflatable kayak. First, the most significant end result is that on day trips with 20 people rafting you might see one or two people accidentally fall out (more likely none) at some point in the trip. While if those same 20 people are in kayaks, you might only see one or two people stay in their kayak the entire time. Basically, when funyaking we expect that you will get a much more up close and personal experience with the river.
Secondly, while we include more guides on our kayaking adventures than our rafting tours, most of the kayaks will not have a guide in it. This means that often times you’ll find yourself and a friend battling the waves together. You will have to rely upon each other’s abilities instead of resting in the expert abilities of your guide. Now this doesn’t mean that you’ll be touring the river all on your own. Your guides of course will be close by, assisting you, giving instructions, showing you where to go. Furthermore they will also help by picking you and your paddles out of the water when you suddenly go for a swim.
Finally, inflatable kayaking tours are best suited for older youth, in good physical condition, and excited about some added challenges. They should be comfortable with the probability of falling out, and eager to take control of navigating the rapids.
Customizable Kayak Trips
We would love for you to check out our popular 1-5 day Christian camps in California . Additionally, you can also just let us know and we can help you customize the perfect adventure travel with a kayaking destination. Further options include you can lead campfire and other teaching opportunities yourself, combine your teaching efforts with those of our staff, or just ask us to handle it all for you – at no additional charge.
Prices
- All prices are per person and based on doing adventures Monday through Friday. There is an extra $15 charge for adventures on Saturday or Sunday.
- T-shirts can be ordered for the whole group at $15/person.
- For kayaking October through May, expect an $15 fee that helps us with added expenditures in those months. Wetsuits are also included at no extra cost Oct-May.
- THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL RENTALS, FEES, TAXES OR HIDDEN COSTS.
Water Flow Statement from El Dorado County
El Dorado County ask that all rafters on the South Fork of the American River be aware that "Water flows in the South Fork American River result from releases from facilities located upstream. Such water releases are not subject to the control of El Dorado county or commercial rafting companies operating under permits from El Dorado County."
