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WEST VIRGINIA:

WET, WILD, AND WONDERFUL WHITEWATER

Surf's up for singles on the road in this landlocked state. The state of West Virginia is one of the few outdoors secrets left in the U.S. and state of its whitewater is the draw.

No state in the U.S. boasts so much whitewater and so few people. The best part is that it's within a one day's drive of half the population in the U.S.

This state is fast-becoming known as "the Colorado of the east" and the whitewater rivers are a big reason for that moniker. Tourism is now the second largest industry for the state (behind chemicals) and commercial whitewater rafting plays a big part.

GETTING WET

Rafting opportunities in the state are numerous and varied. The roots of the West Virginia whitewater industry date back to Jon Dragan and the spring of 1964. Dragan and his friends did an exploratory trip down the famed Lower New River Gorge.

It was not until 1968 that the state licensed Dragan's Wildwater Expeditions Unlimited as the first commercial whitewater outfitter. That year, Wildwater transported more than two thousand people down the New.

Today, there are 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. The New, Gauley, Cheat, and Tygart rivers rightfully receive most of the attention, but the Bluestone, Big Sandy, Meadow, Shenandoah, and Greenbrier rivers are gaining in popularity.

Whitewater rafting in West Virginia is made easy by the numerous outfitters near the rivers. Any commercial trip is just a phone call away. One of the nicest things about whitewater rafting is that experience is not generally required.

Anyone comfortable with water can go whitewater rafting. Age limits vary from the very young to the very young at heart and from outfitter to outfitter. Rafting is not recommended for those with cardiovascular problems or those out of shape.

A TYPICAL TRIP

Every outfitter in West Virginia is different. Their operations can vary from small buildings to elaborate base camps with stores, restaurants, campgrounds, and much more. They are all, however, consistent in their friendliness and professionalism. Many rafters come alone, but leave with lots of memories and friends.

Most trips start with a rendezvous at the outfitter's headquarters. Here, paddlers sign-in, get equipment, receive a briefing, and usually jump on a bus to hit the river.

A one-day New River trip with Class VI River Runners, one of the more popular outfitters, is a typical trip example. Their base camp is 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 north of Beckley.

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

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 offers some large drops and plenty of excitement. All of the paddlers actually participate in the work of maneuvering the raft, unlike some rafting trips out west. This is participatory recreation and sore muscles are often among the best memories of the day.

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.

Cold drinks and friendly faces await the tired paddlers. Many guests choose to stay for dinner or the night. Most make reservations for their next trip.

A typical one-day trip includes all equipment and lunch. There are many other options for one- and multi-day trips, which any of the outfitters can explain. This can include more meals, several rivers, different crafts, showers, camping, B&Bs, and much more.

THE RIVERS

Rivers are rated for their difficulty from Class I to Class VI (VI being the most difficult). West Virginia has rivers of all ratings.

The New River is the most popular choice for new and veteran rafters. The commercial season begins in early-April and lasts through October. Because of the length of season and the volume of water, the New receives more than 100,000 rafters each year.

The most popular commercial runs are from McCreery to Thurmond (15 miles, Class II-III) and from Thurmond to Fayette Station (14 miles, Class III-V). The former is great for families, while the latter is one of the east's ultimate whitewater experiences.

The other big river in this 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 six straight four-day weekends starting the first weekend in September, as well as one final Saturday and Sunday.

The Gauley is a river of alternating rapids and pools. It is ranked from Class IV to V, with the possibility of some Class VI whitewater. This is one of the top rafting runs in the world, but it is possible to take a commercial trip without any previous experience.

Up north, near Morgantown, the Cheat and Tygart Rivers are the big draw. 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.

Even with great whitewater, West Virginia's greatest asset may be the people. These folks are friendly, helpful, and genuinely like visitors. Combine that with the sheer beauty of the state and you have a perfect vacation destination for singles.

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.