Washingtonian....

WEST VIRGINIA WHITEWATER:

PACKAGES MAKE IT EASY TO GET ALL WET

A flood of enthusiasm overtakes many D.C. residents each spring. Their battle cry is, "Surf's up in West Virginia." No, the Atlantic hasn't quite made it to the state, but whitewater sure has. Many D.C. outdoors devotees love West Virginia's whitewater packages.

West Virginia is fast-becoming known as "the Colorado of the east" and the whitewater rivers are a big reason. Tourism is now one of the largest industries in the state and commercial whitewater rafting plays a big part. West Virginia's rivers are practically one giant backyard playground for Washington, D.C. residents.

Rafting opportunities in the state are numerous and varied with more than twenty-five companies actively operating on the state's major whitewater rivers. Each year, more than 250,000 people go whitewater rafting in the state.

Rafting in West Virginia is made easy by the numerous outfitters near the rivers. Any commercial trip is just a phone call away. But the recent addition of all-inclusive packages with many companies has made whitewater rafting even easier to arrange and enjoy.

Every outfitter in West Virginia is unique. Their operations can vary from small buildings to elaborate base camps with stores, restaurants, campgrounds, and much more. Many companies offer popular, convenient, and discounted package arrangements, including rafting, accommodations, food, and other possibilities.

Class VI River Runners in Lansing, one of the state's most successful whitewater companies, offers a number of great packages. Their base camp is north of Beckley in a 1,000-acre oak forest overlooking the New River Gorge, often called "The Grand Canyon of the East." Many outfitters that run the New and the Gauley rivers are based in this area. It's about a six-hour drive from Washington, D.C.

Class VI's facilities include a check-in area, a large store, a highly-recommended restaurant, restrooms, and an viewing platform overlooking the stunning gorge. The check-in is well-organized and paddlers move quickly to the bus and put-in.

Their New River trip provides a perfect example of what to expect. Each raft has a guide and they explain everything needed to hit the river. After the quiet put-in, the rapids progress in difficulty and enjoyment. The gorge has an average width of one mile and the beauty of its ancient walls make for spectacular sightseeing and some interesting history from the well-informed guides. The New is the second oldest river in the world, behind the Nile.

The New River trip offers some large drops and plenty of excitement. Class VI stops along the banks of the river for an elaborate picnic lunch that includes many freshly-prepared gourmet choices. Their lunches are so popular that they recently published a cookbook for all of their loyal paddlers and diners.

More rapids follow after lunch, before a late-afternoon take-out and a bus ride back to Class VI. Typical topics of conversation on the bus include the best rapids, the funniest guides, and the sheer beauty.

The New River is the most popular choice for new and veteran rafters. The commercial season begins in March and lasts through November. Because of the length of season and the volume of water, the New receives more than 100,000 rafters each year. The calmer Upper New is very popular for family packages.

The other major river in the same area near Beckley is the famed Gauley River. Whitewater rafters come from throughout the country to run this river each fall. The flow is controlled by Summersville Dam and it is typically open for commercial rafting trips on Fridays through Mondays in the fall.

Up north, near Morgantown, the Cheat and Tygart Rivers are the big draw (about four hours from Washington, D.C.). More than 50,000 people raft the Cheat (Class III to V) each year, most of them going between early-April and Memorial Day. The riverbed is littered with massive boulders and it can be a great raft trip at any water level. The Tygart (Class III to V) is less well-known, but its rapids are continuous and complex.

Those new to whitewater rafting in West Virginia are taking advantage of popular packages. Class VI has many creative offerings and can arrange the logistics of an entire stay.

You can just book a simple and fun rafting trip with Class VI, but you can also book much more fun. For example: the New River trip starts at $75; rafting/camping packages begin at just $79; and rafting/hotel (or B&B) packages start at $90. Class VI's B&B popular options feature: the Garvey House (304/574-3235 or 800/767-3235) and The White Horse (304/574-1400). Other Class VI offerings include many different meal packages, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and many other wild and wonderful activities in West Virginia. Class VI even offers surprisingly convenient and reasonable air packages with USAir.

For further information about whitewater rafting in the state, contact the West Virginia Division of Commerce, 2101 Washington St. E., Charleston, WV 25305, (800) CALL WVA. Class VI River Runners is at P.O. Drawer 78, Lansing, WV 25862, 800/CLASS VI (252-7784) or 304/574-0704.