Whitewater School Trip Information

Whitewater school is designed to acquaint and train private boaters and potential river guides in the organization, safety and skills necessary for a successful river journey. All the basics of the river experience will be covered: equipment use, maintenance and repair, boat rigging and knot tying, trip logistics, the reading of water, outdoor care procedures, whitewater emergency and rescue techniques and the swimming of rapids. Our focus is on safety, fun, cooperation, team work and personal striving, all in a supportive and friendly environment. A ratio of 4 to 5 students per instructor insures lots of personal attention and hands-on experience. Our approach is one of due respect to the river and its environment. We promote conservation and a “minimum impact” philosophy of recreational use.

The river
The school takes place on the Upper Sacramento river. The put-in is just a few miles below Mt Shasta, right off I-5.
The pace is fast and there are rapids around every bend. While focusing on whitewater training we will also learn about this magnificent local watershed, flora, fauna, history and the geological forces forging the area.

Meeting time and place
We will meet every morning at 9.00am at the Sims Campground. We get off the river by 6pm each day.
Traveling on I -5, take the SIMS exit, follow the road down to the river, cross the railroad tracks and go over the bridge.

Sims is about 30 minutes south of Mt. Shasta, 45 minutes north of Redding, 4 hours north of San Francisco. There are airports in Medford, OR and Redding, CA, with rental cars available.

Click here for Trip Registration Form in handy pdf version to print.
Liability Release Form in handy pdf version to print.

Area map
Weather conditions
Level of difficulty
Rates, reservations and cancellation policy

Local accommodations
- Cave Springs Resort Motel & Cabins in Dunsmuir, 530-235-2721
- Best Western/ Tree House in Mt Shasta, 530-926-3101
- Cold Creek Inn in Mt Shasta, 800-292-9421
- Mount Shasta Resort in Mt Shasta, 530-926-3030

Local restaurants
- Cornerstone Bakery and Cafe in Dunsmuir, 530-235-4677
- Cafe Maddalena in Dunsmuir, 530-235-2725
- Trinity Cafe in Mt Shasta, 530-926-6200

Local campgrounds
- Sims Forest Service Campground, Sims Road, off I-5, first come-first serve.
- Castle Crags State Park off I-5, for reservation 877-444-6777, www.recreation.gov
- Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort in Mt Shasta, 888-926-2618

Complete lodging and dining information available from: Mt. Shasta Visitors Bureau 800-926-4865, Siskiyou County Visitors Bureau 877-847-8777

TRIP INFORMATION
Safety
Your safety and comfort are our utmost concern. Our guides are mature, skilled professionals, certified in first aid and CPR. All  trips are equipped with first aid kits  and river rescue equipment. Safety procedures will be explained in detail prior to and during the trip. Because of the inherent risks involved with any outdoor activity, we are required to have you sign an acknowledgment of risk and release of liability  before your trip.

Equipment
We supply the finest river equipment, including  self-bailing rafts, top-of-the-line Coast Guard approved life jackets and helmets.

Food
We will provide a buffet lunch every day. We serve fresh, wholesome food, organic when available.

Tipping
If you feel your guide did a great job, a tip is the perfect way to show your appreciation.

Souvenirs
River Dancers T-shirts and hats are nice mementos of your adventure. Ask your guides at the end of your trip.

WHAT TO BRING
On the River
- Wetsuit …if you do not have one, we will supply one to you, free of charge
- Swimsuits and shorts
- Tennis shoes or river sandals
- Wool, fleece or polypropylene socks
- Polypropylene or capilene top
- Long sleeve fleece top
- Lightweight rain gear
- Wool or fleece hat
- Sunglasses with straps
- Sunscreen and lip balm

Do not forget to pack an extra set of dry clothes and shoes for the ride home. Please travel light, but bring what you need to be warm and comfortable in any weather conditions.

You will be getting wet! Wool or synthetic work best for cooler weather trips. Avoid cotton that dries slowly and has no insulating value.

Optional
- Camera with extra film or batteries
- Binoculars
- Spare glasses or contact lenses
- Insect repellent, medication

If you would like to purchase some of your own river gear, go to NRS

We reserve the right to use any photographs taken by our staff during any trip for commercial or educational purposes.