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FAQs

What are the Rules & Regulations?

  • Due to the difficulty of even our easiest trips, no one under 6 yrs. old is allowed.
  • Everyone is required to sit through the safety brief. It takes just 20 minutes, but it’s full of valuable information on the latest river conditions and hazards you may encounter.
  • Life jackets are required to be worn at all times by every one renting a canoe from us while on the water. Grown ups ……. YES, this means you too.
  • To accommodate our many customers, we run a tight schedule. You need to be on time for your orientations. If you are late and we have started, you may have to wait until a later trip.
  • As defined by law, the river and riverbed, including all sandbars and beaches, are considered public property. We ask that you stay within these borders. No trespassing on private property.
  • Absolutely no littering will be tolerated. There are no garbage services along the river so pack it in and pack it out. No glass or styrofoam is allowed on the James or Maury rivers.
  • No profanity.
  • Safe paddling and alcohol don’t mix, leave the beer at home.
  • Under age drinking and/or drug use will be reported to the local law enforcement office.
  • Patrons recklessly causing damage to canoes or other paddling equipment will be charged.
  • There are some very challenging rapids on these rivers, when in doubt walk the rapid.
  • Release of liability waiver forms are required by all prior to renting from us. Minors need parental or legal guardian permission. NO waiver, NO Rental, NO Exceptions! (sorry the lawyers are making us do this)

Tell me more about the Release of Liability Form?

All adults must sign our form assuming responsibility for themselves, their children, all minors in their group, and all property taken on the trip, both rented and private. Parents or legal guardians who will not be accompanying their minor child on our trips must sign our waiver in advance of the trip showing their consent for their child to participate in this activity and their understanding of the risks and responsibilities that go along with that participation. The form should be downloaded in advance or obtained in person or by mail from our office. NO waiver, NO Rental, NO Exceptions!


What is in the safety orientation?

Our twenty-minute orientation, which everyone must observe in its entirety without interruption, has been designed by professional paddlers and educators to give you the basic skills you’ll need to have a safe and pleasant experience on our rivers. Some of the things we’ll tell you about during orientation include:

  • The importance of wearing your life jacket and how to size it properly.
  • How to lower your center of gravity by kneeling in your boat.
  • How to select a paddle and the basic strokes necessary to get you down the river and around the rocks.
  • In cooler weather, how to avoid and treat hypothermia. If you’re planning a cold or wet weather trip, bring wool or polypropylene clothing, rain gear, and warm drinks. Leave the keg of brandy at home. Alcohol is actually deadly in hypothermic conditions!!
  • How to “swim” a rapid should you turn over. If you can’t swim or are scared of the water, you should probably find another activity to do. While most of our trips offer little excuse to turn over, some folks still do!
  • THAT ALCOHOL AND DRUGS DON’T MIX WITH WATER SPORTS!!! Don’t come with the idea that this is an activity for drinking. We will not put people who arrive drinking alcoholic beverages or who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs on the river. No deposits will be refunded to people who are turned away for this reason. Remember, too, that drinking in public is illegal. You will be in public when you are on the river.
  • How to “read” the water. We’ll show you how to recognize hazards and find good channels.
  • To guard against sunburn, particularly on thighs and shoulders. Use sunblock!
  • When in a group, don’t tailgate. Keep the boat behind you in sight and slow down for it. That’s easier than making it speed up!
  • Don’t go barefoot in the river; rocks are sharp! Bring a ratty pair of tennis shoes. Don’t dive into the water!
  • How to avoid the second most ruinous event of the day, pinning and damaging or losing your boat. The first most ruinous event being an argument with your partner! That’s up to you all!
  • What to do in a lightning storm. (Get off the river and don’t take shelter under trees!!)
  • Have plenty of fluids, cold in hot weather and warm in cold. (You may wish to bring a picnic.)
  • To secure eyeglasses and sunglasses and leave your car keys hidden on your vehicle or in our key drawer.

Are the trips guided?

Remember our trips are self-guided. You have to be able to take care of yourself on the river. Come expecting fun and relaxation, particularly on our easier trips, but be prepared for some challenge, even if it’s just getting in and out of your boat on a steep and slippery bank! People who are unprepared for spills or incapable of moderate physical exertion should not undertake this activity. You will need to be able to help load and unload your (76 lbs.) canoe and carry it over short distances. Of course, you’ll have to be able to paddle it down the river. In selecting your trip you need to consider the skill level of the least experienced members of your group. Only the people in the boat can control it. Don’t ruin your day by picking something too tough for all to handle.


Do I need to be able to swim?

Because of the inherent dangers of all water sports, we suggest that all non-swimmers stay home.


What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is six years old. Children under age 10 should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All customers regardless of age must be able to maneuver the boat they are paddling. Young children usually lack the strength and maturity that is needed to carry, maneuver, and paddle the boat safely in a rapid. They generally don’t understand our orientation and safety talk. Parents or legal guardians who will not be accompanying their minor child on our trips must sign our “Parent/Guardian Permission Form” in advance of the trip showing their consent for their child to participate in this activity and their understanding of the risks and responsibilities that go along with that participation.


Group Discounts (Any Day or Tubing Trips) 

10% off any activity with 10 or more people.

Group discount requires trip leader to collect all waivers and turn them in with a single payment.

Group discounts don’t apply to multi-day river trips as they are already discounted.


CAMP GROUND RULES – when staying at a Twin River Outfitter Campground

1) Reservations are required for use of all campsites. Please print and bring a copy of your campsite confirmation email and present upon request a proof of your camp ground reservation. Reserve camp sites through Twin River website at http://canoevirginia.net or by calling 540-261-7334 before use.

2) Pack out all garbage. There are no trash cans at each site. Please practice “Leave No Trace”. Dumpster is centrally located in campground. Please clean your site so it will be ready for the next campers.

3) Camp site quiet hours are between 9 pm – 8 am. No loud music permitted any time.

4) No fire arms & fireworks of any kind permitted. All camp sites are on private property with other campers and property owners living nearby. For a variety of safety reasons (near by homes, cattle, other campers, etc.) absolutely no fire arms or fireworks of any kind are permitted at the paddle in camp sites.

5) Alcohol is permitted only in moderation at campsite when done responsibly. Please avoid bringing glass bottles on the river or to the campsites. If you do choose to drink alcohol while camping, please do so responsibly, and do not burn cans in the fire pit. All applicable laws vigorously enforced.

6) Use the designated fire rings at the campsites. Please do not create additional fire rings if there is already one available. Campers should bring fire wood or charcoal as there is no supply at the campsites. Fires are permitted as allowed. Remove all trash from fire ring prior to departing. “Pack it in, Pack it Out” Occasionally mandatory open fire burn restrictions are put in place by the County or National Forest during exceptionally dry seasons.

7) Pets are permitted. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Owners responsible for their pet’s behavior. Excessive barking that disturbs other campers will be asked to leave.

8) Camp ground will close for high water. Do not plan to paddle and camp if the river is at a threatening level. The camp grounds close to paddle in customers when the river is above 6.0 feet on the USGS Lick Run James River gauge, and will close to drive in customers when the river is above 8.0 feet on the Lick Run USGS gauge. Full refunds given as appropriate during periods of high water.

9) Stay in designated camping areas. For our campers safety customers are not permitted to enter rail road property or the adjacent working farm.

10) Campsites are located in a wilderness setting, all camping done at own risk. Owners and managers not responsible for accidents.

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The American Whitewater Affiliation Scale of River Difficulty?

Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable Eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability, and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.


What about bad weather cancellation?

We won’t put a boat on the river by itself when the combined air and water temperature is under 100 degrees or when the water temperature in the James is under 55 degrees, the Maury 50 degrees. We always reserve the option to move your trip to another if the conditions on your reserved choice are unsafe or the water is too low. We will also move anyone we deem not up to the trip reserved to an easier, safer trip. Remember that the more challenging a trip is, the more opportunity there is for injury or property damage. Customers are responsible for themselves, those in their group, and all personal and rented equipment.


Are dogs allowed?

NO – For the safety of the dogs, and our guests we no longer allow dogs on our trips.


Do you sell used canoes?

Yes, Twin River Outfitters sells off a portion of its canoe fleet every year. Prices range from $325 – $425, per canoe and vary depending on condition. Call 540-261-7334 for latest details.


Shuttles for private paddlers?

Have your own boat, but want to use TRO services… read this page to find out how it works. TRO is pleased to offer river shuttle services to those with their own boats for day trips or overnight paddle trips.

Twin River Outfitters does routinely work with “private boaters” on a limited basis.  To use our shuttle service book any of our normal river trips on the website and select the “Private Boater” option. This option is for customers wanting to paddle our river trip but will bring their own boat and paddling gear.

All of our Day trips and Multi-day trips do have a “Private boater” option and reservations can be made 24 hours a day through our website.  By having a daily schedule of trips that our rental customer and private boaters are able to make reservations, allows us to operate in the most efficient way possible and serve the largest number of customers at the best level of service.

We really are not able to offer “custom shuttles” from Memorial Day though Labor Day during peak season.  We do offer limited custom shuttles in Spring and Fall with advance reservations, please call for details.

We also provided full livery service for those wanting to do a multi-day trip using their own gear as we provide the shuttle, campsites, and trip planning logistics.  Who wants to deal with two hour wait at the end of your trip to get your cars or be forced to bring extra car to accommodate the shuttle.  In most cases, it’s a better value and much more enjoyable experience to all to allow a knowledgeable local outfitter to help with the livery services.


Rafting? 

Twin River Outfitters has a small fleet of white water rafts and when water levels permit can be a great option for many parties.  Rafts offer a very stable and safe paddling platform in higher water levels making it a great when taking small kids or novice paddlers.   Rafts can hold two to six paddlers allowing for a unique group river experience.  Rafts require at least two adult sized customers to paddle.  They work best when the James River is above 3.0 feet or higher on the Buchanan river gauge.  We typically have these water levels from April through early June.  Rafts also work great for spring overnight camping trips.


Weight Limits / Physical requirements

Our maximum weight limit is 325 lbs.  Additionally, customers must be able to swim and physically be able to get in out of rental equipment without assistance and able to self rescue if required.


What to Bring?

  • Day Trip / Tubing – We recommend bringing the following items, Clothing that can get wet, sunscreen, sun glasses, hat, water, snacks or lunch, river sandals or river shoes or old pair of tennis shoes.  (Footwear is required and your feet will get wet)
  • Multi-day – All day trip items plus the following.  Tents, sleeping bags & pads, camping stoves & cook wear, easy to prepare food, cooler, first aid kit, toiletries, towel, 550 cord, duct tape, trash bag, tp, rain gear, 2nd pair of shoes, extra clothes (non cotton).