Private Boater Resources

Private boating is a hobby that experienced river guides and adventurous individuals turn into their passion. The first step is to buy your own PFD (Personal Floatation Device). Soon you will be borrowing friends' boats which will eventually lead to a warehouse full of rafting equipment and no retirement savings. As a private boater, you'll need to find you own shuttle drivers, rafts, permits, and friends.

There are several great resources that have information about paddling California Rivers. Bill Tuthill has probably made the most comprehensive site with river descriptions at California Creeks & Rivers. The dreamflows river flows page also includes an online guidebook to several more difficult California runs. For information about paddling the Smith River, check out the Smith River for Rafters and Kayakers on Kevsmom.

Camping on the River

For information about campsites on many classic runs, check out the Whitewater Campsites page, a very thorough list of riverside campsites. The page even includes photos and details about each camp.

Groover Labs has made an innovative product that gets rid of the stink from that nasty groover (pota-potty). They even have a $75 Grand Canyon special that gives you enough of the good stuff to make your 18 days of Colorado River fun stink free.

Disclaimer: River descriptions and classifications may change due to natural events that may create new hazards or flows. C-W-R advises that any paddler that uses this site be additionally informed by seeking out local news and updates for changes on this river.