The rafting was awesome. We did both upper and lower New River.
Upper is much more relaxed. My 72 year old mother went with us on this trip. Banjo was our guide and I will request him from now on. He's a local that grew up on the New River and was incredibly knowledgeable on the local history. He did everything to make our trip enjoyable and safe. It was mostly lower class rapids with long periods in between of just floating and enjoying the sights. We set off at 9am but didn't get back in till around 3pm, only because of a strong head wind that put us at a near stand still for the second half. We did stop for lunch and had an opportunity to jump off some of the large rocks for a swim. Very restful trip.
The owner was our driver to and from the river and after talking with us and Banjo when we came back in, he offered for us to step up to the more intense lower New River for our second day at no additional charge. It was the way to go.
My mother sat out the second day and my sister joined us instead. There was less down time between rapids and more higher classes, including several class 5. We had a different guide, Nick, who was very knowledgeable as well and equally as qualified guiding us through. Again, we set out at 9am but returned in at a much more normal time of around 1pm. If you just do as the guide directs you, you'll make it through safely and enjoyably. Both guides were incredible leading us through the rapids. We never felt unsafe or like they were incapable of taking us through properly. Nick asked us what we were looking for that day and we said adventure. He went for it. He took us down one drop backwards, which was a blast and he didn't avoid the difficult routes. He did a great job. It was so much fun. We stopped for lunch on a large rock under the shade of a big sycamore, which was perfect for our week of vacation. We had another opportunity to jump off of a larger rock this day and we were even allowed to swim through one of the safer rapids. This time, the owner came with us on the river to scout ahead and keep track of us if we fell out. Lots of fun on the second day because of the higher classes and because it was much more intense.
I gotta say, these guys are hilarious. We never felt like we were another number in the crowd. We had very private tours with just our small family and the owner was even involved a great deal of the time. They love to crack jokes and make you feel at home but are not afraid to keep you aware of the real dangers of being on the river. They were great in showing us the safeties of navigating things if we fell out and were direct when we needed instruction.
Can't say enough good things about this company. Every person we met was kind, helpful and fun. They know their stuff and really go out of their way to make sure you get the kind of trip you're looking for, whether it be a relaxing float with your 72 year old mother, or an intense adventure finding the limits of what you're capable of. We'll definitely be back for more.
Nick was a wonderful guide and a lot of fun but ask for Banjo if you go. He's a tough act to follow. A local that grew up on the river and if you're lucky, he'll have his banjo with him.
I recommend WV Adventures through and through. Not a single complaint. You won't regret it.