White Water Rafting at Orange Torpedo Trips, frequently asked questions.

1. What is an Orange Torpedo?

An Orange Torpedo is a custom-designed inflatable kayak that has been perfected over the last 40+ years in a partnership with manufacturer Sevylor. The Orange Torpedos’ soft material and shape make them incredibly beginner-friendly and give them a great “over the wave” ride. Due to the soft material, the Orange Torpedos, or “torps” as we call them, will fly over waves rather than crashing through them. This gives you the best ride on the river.

2. Is this safe?

Yes, rafting with Orange Torpedo Trips is safe. With 40 years of experience and no serious river injuries, Orange Torpedo Trips has one of the leading safety records in the industry. All head guides are Wilderness First Responders, all river guides complete a thorough river training to learn our unique guiding style, and we having been running the sections of rivers we operate on for a minimum of 25 years and some sections for 40 years. Orange Torpedo Trips adventures are safe and fun for the whole family.

Guest Comments:

“Never having done a trip like this before, I was really freaked out, but I soon realizedthat I had nothing to worry about. These guides are good!” Liz Cutler

3. Is this safe for kids?

Orange Torpedo Trips has a rich history of taking the little guys and gals down the river. The Torpedos can be a great first river experience for the kids. Our guides are trained to work with children and ensure their safety. The minimum age for kids in Torpedos depends on what stretch of river they are running, but it is generally 11 to 12 years old. If your child is too young to paddle his or her own Torpedo on the stretch of river you are floating, if the child is at least 5, he or she can ride the raft on most trips with one of our trained kid-friendly guides. The guides will work not only to ensure that your child is safe, but also that he or she is entertained and having a great time!

Guest comments:

OTT: Did you feel safe? “Yes! Especially with kids, this was much appreciated. Our kids already want to know when Tim can row them again.” Stephen Valen

“We can't wait to do it again...we had figured we'd have to wait until the kids were 9 or 10 to do a river trip, but your system made it possible now.” Les Dixon

“We had several families on this trip, and it was perfect for them. I took a family down last year, and they still talk about it.” Bill Edlefsen

4. What is the youngest age to go in an Orange Torpedo?

This depends on the section of river. Look in the details section of the trip you are looking at to see the minimum age for a kid to paddle his or her own inflatable kayak. It generally ranges from 11 to 12; however, kids as young as 5 can ride the raft on most trips.

5. Do I need to be in good shape?

Orange Torpedo Trips provides opportunities for someone of any physical ability to enjoy the river. From the all-star athlete to someone looking to escape his or her couch for the first time, we have what you are looking for. We recommend if you plan to paddle a Torpedo you are in reasonable physical shape and have the ability to navigate uneven ground. Orange Torpedo Trips also has a history of working with individuals who have physical disabilities and want to experience the joys of multiday rafting; just call to talk to us about your trip.

6. What do I need to bring?

All Orange Torpedo Trips are all-inclusive. When you come on a trip, you need to bring only your personal items. A packing list is attached to every trip PDF brochure, downloadable from the website. You will also receive an e-mail with a packing list reminding you of the items to bring. Food and beverages (including beer, wine and spirits) are provided.

7. What is included?

On your Orange Torpedo adventure you need to bring only your personal belongings. All Orange Torpedo Trips are all-inclusive, meaning all transportation from start to finish, food and beverages (soda, beer, wine, spirits) and river equipment are included.

8. Do the trips need a minimum number of people in order to go?

Yes, when you book a trip, your reservation date is not guaranteed until that trip has met the minimum number of required guests. The number varies by river, and we will work with people on close dates to get together if needed. It is always our goal to get you on the river.

8. How old is someone considered a Youth for pricing?

The youth pricing is for anyone under 18 years old. Some trips do not offer youth pricing.

9. What is the cancellation policy?

Multiple-day trips

o 120+ days prior to departure date all deposits are forfeited but can be reapplied 100% to any Orange Torpedo Trip adventure for 1 full season. After the following season, that trip credit will be dismissed.

o Less than 120 days to departure date: All deposits and trip fees will be forfeited.

o Trip cancellation insurance is available on an optional basis.

o Insurance protects against family, medical and in-route travel emergencies.

1- and ½-day trips

o All cancellations must be made via e-mail or phone 24 hours before departure date.

o $50 cancellation fee per person for any cancelled trip less than 24 hours from departure date.

10. What is the difference between a paddle raft and an oared raft?

On a paddle raft the riders and the guide work together as a team to maneuver the raft down the river. If you choose the paddle-raft option, plan on a little upper-body workout. An oared raft has a rigid frame, so you can sit back and relax while the guide maneuvers the raft and takes you down the river. This is the relaxing way to go while you let the guide do all the work.

11. What does the rapids classification I-VI mean?

The international scale of river difficulty is based on a I-VI rating. Orange Torpedo Trips does not operate on rapids rated higher than class IV. The difficulty is based on the length of the rapid, the size of the hydraulics, the risk of swimming in the rapid, the remoteness, potential difficulty of rescue, and general technicality and difficulty.

Class I: Small waves, passage clear, no obstacles.

Class II: Rapids of moderate difficulty with clear passages; appropriate river equipment recommended.

Class III: Numerous larger waves. Clear but generally narrower path to follow with some rocks, eddies and/or irregular waves and holes to navigate.

Class IV: Generally longer with more large irregular waves and powerful hydraulics. Require following a specific path through the rapids in avoidance of rocks, powerful hydraulics and other obstacles.

Class V: Require scouting and precise boat handling during difficult maneuvers to avoid hazards and obstacles. This is more difficult and hazardous than commercially run by Orange Torpedo Trips.

Class VI: Considered unrunnable.