Will I get wet?
Do I have to know how to swim?
Do I have to wear a life vest?
What should I wear?
Do I have to wear shoes?
What time should I arrive for my trip?
How rough are the rapids?
What should I do with my keys?
Can we bring a cooler?
What happens if I miss the place to get out of the river?
When will the shuttle pick us up?
What is the real difference in the tube selections?
Will I get wet? YES!
If you are participating in any of BTI’s water activities, you will get wet. Your clothes will get wet, your shoes will get wet – anything you take with you will get wet.
Do I have to know how to swim?
Yes. If you are participating in a Ducky, Kayak, Tube, or Canoe activity, you must know how to swim and be comfortable in water. Please call with any further questions or concerns.
Do I have to wear a life vest?
Yes. All participants on our river trips must wear a life jacket at all times while in the river. This is for your safety, as well as those around you. It’s also the law! You can be heavily fined by the Division of Natural Resources for not wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while engaging in a water activity on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. If you have your own life jacket, please call so one of our trained staff can determine if your life jacket is suitable for the river activity you have planned.
What should I wear?
For all our water activities, swimsuit attire is the norm. In cool weather, do not wear any cotton. We recommend nylon, fleece, wool, or polypropylene. BTI also has wet suits and splash tops available for rent during colder temperatures. In warm weather, shorts and/or a t-shirt can provide extra comfort. Whatever you wear will get wet. Shoes are required. An inexpensive cap or sun visor and/or sunglasses can provide additional shade form the sun. Changing rooms are available on-site.
Do I have to wear shoes?
Yes. Protective footwear should be worn at all times including while you are in the water. The river has both natural and man-made debris which could cause potential injury. Also, you will want shoes for walking to and from the shuttle.
What time should I arrive for my trip?
If you are rafting, kayaking, or canoeing, you should arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to your trip time. If your trip time is at noon, you should arrive at our outfitter between 11:15AM-11:30AM. This time will allow you to get checked in and outfitted for your excursion in a more comfortable manner.
How rough are the rapids?
The rapids on our guided whitewater trips are Class I-III at normal water levels. Our unguided whitewater trips are Class I-II. Trips designated as flat water generally consist of slow-moving currents, but little or no rapids. The American Whitewater Affiliation International Scale of River Difficulty grades rapids in Class I-VI, from Easy to Extreme Risk of Life. There is an inherent risk with any outdoor/river activity. If you are unsure, please speak with one of our friendly staff to determine the trip best suited to your group’s abilities and personalities.
What should I do with my keys?
Please do not take keys on the river! We provide free key check service for all guests at time of check-in. BTI is not responsible for keys lost on the river.
Can we bring a cooler?
Yes, many of our Tube and Canoe patrons bring coolers with beverages and snacks. If you are on a guided activity, coolers are not permitted due to limited space; however, beverages will be provided. Please remember that anything you take in the water could potentially flip over in rough water and get soaking wet! Whatever you take on the river, must also be brought back with you. This is not just a recreational area – it is our home. Please DO NOT LITTER! BTI does not transport or allow Styrofoam or glass containers. Alcohol is NOT permitted on BTI property.
What happens if I miss the place to get out of the river?
Instructions for getting out of the river and getting back on the shuttle will be given on the drive to the river. If you are unsure or have questions, please ask the driver before getting in the water! It is your responsibility to understand where and when your particular activity ends. If you miss the takeout, you will need to walk back up the shoreline until you find it. If circumstances hinder your ability to reach the takeout, it is your responsibility to alert BTI as promptly as possible (engage another river participant or park ranger for assistance).
When will the shuttle pick us up?
Our tube shuttles run approximately every half hour between the hours of 10:00am-3:00pm on Weekdays and 10:00am-4:00pm Weekends/Holidays. On guided activities, pickup time is coordinated between the Driver and Guide. On Canoe trips, pickup time is coordinated upon departure. While BTI makes every effort to stay on schedule, circumstances such as traffic, may arise which delay our shuttles. During these times, please be patient with the situation and our drivers.
What is the real difference between the tube selections?
The basic, black tube is made of rubber, designed to be the inner tube componentof tire, and most commonly associated with river tubing trips. The “upgraded” PVC tube is made of durable vinyl and designed specifically for water sports activities. The PVC tube is considered more comfortable than the standard tube and has plastic handles for support in rough water, as well as ease in carrying. Many tubing enthusiasts prefer the Classic rubber tube for personal reasons. In the end, the choice is based on cost and individual comfort.
