In an oar boat, you hold on and enjoy the ride – your river guide does all the work. In a paddleboat, you will participate in propelling the boat downstream. Both rafts run the same stretch of river and the same rapids. The paddleboat tends to be more adventurous for the customer because you are actively leaning outside the raft and paddling through waves.

Yes. Each participant will be wearing a coast guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) which will keep you afloat if you find yourself in the river. Before your departure, your raft guide will give you an in-depth safety speech and prepare you for what do to if you fall out of the raft. Safety is our top priority here at New Wave Adventures, and all of our raft guides have gone through an intensive training course in whitewater rescue.

Professional photos will be taken during your trip. Handheld cameras and phones are discouraged, as they are more likely to be lost than used during your trip.

Personal items are not allowed on trips, with the exception of special medications that can be carried by your raft guide.

Denali Scenic Raft Run: Take in the beautiful scenery while floating along the outskirts of Denali National Park and enjoy rapids ranging from Class I-III. This trip is ideal for families with younger children (minimum age of 5), elderly family members, or families new to whitewater rafting! Canyon Whitewater Raft Run: Test yourselves against the most challenging rapids we have to offer on the Nenana River, ranging from Class II-IV (ages 12+). This 11-mile section of the river is not only some of the best whitewater in the state of Alaska, but you and your family will have ample opportunity in between rapids to take in the wild and scenic beauty of Denali.

Class I - Easy. Smooth water; light riffles; clear passages, occasional sandbanks, and gentle curves. The most difficult problems might arise when paddling around bridges and other obvious obstructions. Class II - Moderate. Medium-quick water; rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks and ledges. Maneuvering required. Best handled by intermediates who can maneuver canoes and read water. Class III - Moderately difficult. Numerous high and irregular waves; rocks and eddies with passages clear but narrow and requiring experience to run. Visual inspection required if rapids are unknown. Class IV - Difficult. Long and powerful rapids with standing waves; big hydraulic waves and boiling eddies. Powerful and precise maneuvering required. Visual inspection mandatory. Class V - Extremely difficult. Long and violent rapids that follow each other almost without interruption. River filled with obstructions. Big drops and violent currents. Extremely steep gradient. Even reconnoitering may be difficult. Rescue preparations mandatory. Can be run only by top experts. Class VI - Extraordinarily difficult. Paddlers face a constant threat of death because of extreme danger. Navigable only when water levels and conditions are favorable. This violent whitewater should be left to paddlers of Olympic ability. Every safety precaution must be taken.

To stay warm and comfortable during your trip, the following items are recommended: -Non-cotton base layers, like polyester or wool, yoga pants, long johns, or snug-fitting clothes to wear underneath the drysuit -2 pairs of non-cotton socks to help stay warm (your feet will be dry but, they will be sitting in the bottom of the raft) -Rain jacket -Eyeglass retainers like Chums or Croakies