cheat river outfitters

cheat river outfitters印象

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  lithlith

  We had a group of 4 for afternoon rafting on the Cheat Narrows, which is a class 3 rafting trip.The driveway to Cheat River Outfitters is interesting to say the least...very steep. If you're a local, you'll be just fine, but if you're from out of town, you'll think your car will never make it up or down safely...Just wait until they pack all of the rafters on the school bus that they use to transport you to the river and take you up and down the driveway, that's a thrill also!The changing rooms and bathrooms leave something to be desired, so change into your rafting clothes ahead of time if possible. Some of the helmets are cracked and have mold, so check them carefully as you grab your gear, also the life vests smell absolutely horrible...Much of the safety briefing is done before you leave for the river and you also sign your life away on a form before gathering your gear to leave. More safety instructions were given while on the bus and then again from our guide before getting in the raft.This was our first whitewater rafting trip, and we didn't know what to expect. We were in a smaller raft with a total of 6 guests and our guide. Half way through the trip, we tied up our raft and had a snack on some rocks. The snack time seemed like a total waste of time and really just turned out to be a smoke and chew break for some of the guides and guests. The snack was lemonade, apples, and a few bags of chips. Our raft was tied up the farthest away from the snack and involved a solid 5 minutes of hiking/climbing over rocks to get to where the snack was located and the of course we had to climb back to the raft. As far as I'm concerned the snack could be cut out completely.The biggest disappointment was when we finished rafting, we had to stand in the cold water while the rafts were partially deflated and then we had to help the guides load the rafts into a truck. They should have extra help for this and should not have been up to the guests to help them. The river was higher than normal due to lots of rain, so there were several places along the way where our guide would say there were normally rapids and we just floated along. Also due to the high water the water was moving faster. The scenery is lovely, but since it was my first rafting trip, I was mainly focused on keep my feet in the right places, securing myself, and paddling when the guide instructed us to. Everyone stayed on the raft the whole time, no one feel in on our trip. I was wet from the waist down and also on the side of my body that was against the water. This was a nice introduction to rafting and we had a good time, but I definitely need something more thrilling next time with more rapids.

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  Robmail1

  WOW what an experience, my wife bought a 2 for 2 gift certificate at Christmas and we finally had the opportunity to use it over the weekend (weekend after memorial day.) There was some confusion as to exactly what the gift certificate included and what we were signing up to do but it was no big deal. We originally thought we were doing the Cheat River narrows. a more mild side of the cheat river that can be done by the younger crowd or if you're like us a total newbie. The second day was to be wild caving were its you your guide and a head lamp crawling around under the earth :') Instead we were told that they were not offering the caving on the weekend we choose due to the rare release of the dam on the savage river. We were welcome to join them for white water rafting on Sun. down the Savage which is only run a couple of times a year. On Sat. we did the Narrows section, air temp was in mid 60s with a stiff wind, but they had us well prepared, a thermal under armor long sleeve shirt, water shoes and swimming trunks were just enough to not be too hot or too cold for this sunny trip . Tess and Moon Dog were the guides and I felt safe and confident under their guidance. Wendy the owner was supper accommodating and patient and very knowledgeable the only hiccup was that some people were late arriving making for a late start. (We did the trip in single person Duckies, really fun)On Sun. we were to meet about an hour away in Maryland for the running of the Savage river. Our guide Dan Coe was spectacular. These were level 3 and 4 rapids and a 6 foot drop over a dam!! He guided us perfectly for 2 runs of this river. This was not for the faint of heart, it was 4 miles of heart pounding fun (except for my little dip in the river, which was more than heart pounding, more like terrifying but Dan pulled me out, 250 lbs like I was nothing) and got us back on course. AwesomeBoth trips included lunch (sandwiches, chips etc...) we rented wet suits as recommended for the Savage river run and we were very glad to have the warmth. I would highly recommend this outfitter, they really seemed to want to make the day special and exciting, while keeping us safe and informed. I would recommend the narrows for kids over 10 unless they have been canoing and rafting before. As for the Savage bring your sense of adventure!! I wouldn't bring my kids though.

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  JamesT773

  Have been down the Cheat River every Memorial Day weekend for the last 6 years... safe to say we wouldn't go anywhere else besides Cheat River Outfitters. They have been more than accommodating to our group which as been as high as 29 people. All of the guides are awesome so it doesn't matter who you get (don't tell Dan and Nick I said that) and every year we have tipped accordingly. You can ask for a conservative trip or a "can we bounce off that rock and then down that narrow passage?" trip... They even have paintball for your entertainment the night before you face the daunting class 5 rapids. I also would recommend Tetter's Campground a mile or so up the street for lodging. It is close, cheap, clean, has hot showers and even Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs in the creek... just ask Ralph Teeter the operator about how to find them. All in all it is a trip you will not soon forget and we will be going back year after year...

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  espisoni

  We checked out two different River Outfitters and chose this as the people we where going with hadn't been on the Cheat River. There website site showed River Rafts saying it fits 7 plus the guide. I don't swim but new that I would have a life vest and I have done many water sports in the past because my husband IS a strong swimmer and aware of my irrational fear of drowning.We called the night before to get more information and make them aware we had NEVER done this before and where ONLY told how much and be there by 8:30. Although the cost was over $100.00 for 2 vs the other Outfitters, they where $40.00 for 2 we decided on these people. We arrived on time and waited. At 9:30 still waiting I complained. They where waiting for another group. This women was in the parking lot with her kids having breakfast. He went and got them signed in. We where given the whole orientation signed a release they are not liable for death etc but again no mention of being alone and using a "duckie".After getting on Life Jackets and Helmets loaded up in this Van that the doors wouldn't barely close and drove to where ever. All of a sudden I see them blowing up these "duckies" and started to panic. My husband told me we could still probably go together. NOT. A duckie is a rubber canoe like boat that you paddle like a kayak and is ONE MAN.I told the head guy no way I could do this safely and was made to feel like a total I was not offered a refund but could ride with the guy taking pictures. I was so embarrassed in front of my friends. I believe that was his goal. Fear of drowning was the only thing that kept me glued in that thing. Everyone was falling out and swept away through the rocks and current. This was a level 3 out off 5. Unfortunately there was a group of 4 and the mother wouldn't let anyone by so you where unable to see the guide many times let alone follow and go exactly where he went so as not to crash the rocks etc.Hysteria took over the first 3 - 4 hrs, the end guy new I couldn't do this within the first 10 minutes but did nothing, the guy taking pictures also knew. Finally my friend noticed my constant hysteria when swept away and told the lead guy. With 1 hr left to go, he made it clear I go behind him so I could see how to safely do this and brought me through the easiest parts. Withing 15 minutes part of the other group was in front of me and lagged back so the lead guy was so far away you could no longer see which way HE was going through the rapids so they could see there other people in the party who was riding with the end guy.At the end everyone complained about the false advertising, the lead guy had a million excuses then shut everyone down with the "I'm Just The Guide" "it's not my job" "we'll tell the New Guy who does the booking" Calling later that afternoon, we asked a million questions about the River Raft they use he answered them but NEVER MENTIONED they would not be using nor did he mention this Duckie you WOULD be using.

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  JamesT773

  For this, our 10th anniversary of running the Cheat with Cheat River Outfitters our group consisted of 12 rafters. I had the pleasure of being in Dan's boat, a senior guide with literally hundreds of trips down the Cheat. The other raft was piloted by Haze, an equally qualified (and funny) guide that I have ridden with in previous years. The river was at 1.5 feet...not ideal but still a good ride. I can't say enough about Paul, Wendy and everyone at CRO. Over tbe years we have had as many as 22 and as few as 11 rafters and regardless of the size of our party, they always accommodate. We have been doing this for a decade, and as you might imagine for a reason...we love it! The outfitter and guides make or break your trip...In 10 years running on tbe same weekend it has never broke yet. If you want to run the only river with class 5 rapids that aren't created by a dam release, this is your river, this is your outfitter. Tell Wendy that "T" sent you, James T... who knows, if enough people say it maybe I can get a free ride when we return next year :)

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  markcG7761BS

  I cannot express how much of a good time I had on the river with Cheat River Outfitters!*fun/challenging rapids*awesome river guide & ride along*lunch provided *refreshing water*cliff jumping includedOur river guide Ninja and ride along Gabby were great. They made jokes and conversation the whole trip. It was great to have such enthusiastic people taking us down the river. The trip took about 2 hours and had moments ranging from peaceful to extreme! And had pictures of the action available at the end.I definitely will go back if I'm ever in West Virginia!

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  Sbitts

  I have been there 2 times. This will be my 3rd time going. I had old bud last time and requested him again. We went when river was high and low both totaly different experiences. Cant wait. Prices great also. Thanks, Shawn

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  vcalventi

  Did two days of Rafting, in July 3rd the Savage River and on the 4th the Upper Yough. This was a small group (4 and 3 boats respectively) which made it much more manageable. Guides were very experienced, gear was in good shape and everyone had blast!

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  SavantIII_11

  The Cheat is a rafting river, but WV has several other options. Guess if it is convenient, it is worth an afternoon. Grandma can do it!

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  700scottw

  My family of four selected to do the afternoon cheat river excursion, for a final hoorah before school started. We arrived to a friendly staff that chatted with us during our wait time. Once we were ready to go the staff once again went out of there way to help all customers involved. We made it to the river in a timely manner and were divided up into boats with a guide in each raft. Our guide was Jim, he was an excellent guide who made everyone feel comfortable, who should us an exciting time. I would recommend you ask for him as your guide. The rest of the guides were wonderful as well, and I would not hesitate to get in a raft with them. After a splendid time on the river and with this wonderful group of people,we headed to Kingwood for a bite to eat at Monroe's. Thanks to All the staff at CRO, we appreciated your hospitality.