Whitewater Rafting Information - Lehigh River

Click here to see photos from a recent rafting trip

What to Bring

1. Lunch in double plastic bags - put your lunch into one plastic bag and seal it and then put that into another plastic bag and seal it.
2. Water - at least a liter bottle of water (no glass bottles).
3. Old sneakers to wear in the boat - they will get wet.
4. Plastic bag for wet clothing (you will get wet!)
5. Sunscreen (lots of it!)
6. Hat
7. Sunglasses
8. Glasses Strap
9. Towel
10. Change of clothes
11. Cash
(at least $25; to rent a wetsuit if necessary, buy photo's of yourself rafting, T-Shirts, and for just in case,...)
12. Snack (to be left in car for after trip)
13. Cycling gloves (optional)

CLOTHING NOTES

I recommend wearing a non-cotton bathing suit below whatever else (if anything) you might decide to wear in the raft. You will get splashed and wet, the only question is how much! I personally wear a bathing suit and a T-shirt (to avoid sunburn) if the weather is expected to be warm.

In general, cotton clothing will not keep you warm when wet (you will get wet), it will make you shiver unless it is very warm and sunny! I recommend a T-shirt made out of polypropylene, capilene or other non-cotton wicking material for their ability to dry quickly and absorb very little water. Materials like these will keep you warmer later in the day when it gets cooler. If it is cold you will have to rent a wet suit.

Since water fights are common (and a lot of fun) I recommend not wearing contact lenses or makeup (so I've been told) that won't survive a water fight (or a swim). I recommend an old pair of sneakers over Teva style sandals with velcro closures as they will better protect your feet and will be less likely to be blown off by the force of strong whitewater.

Rafting Outfitter:
Whitewater Rafting Adventures
P.O. Box 65, 101 West Adventure Trail Road, Nesquehoning, PA 18240, 800/876-0285

A NOTE FOR NOVICES

It is customary and a lot of fun to participate in water fights while rafting. Typically people use the bailing buckets (5 gallon plastic containers) to toss great quantities of water on ones adversaries. If this sounds abhorrent to you please consider not coming since you may not get a choice when it comes to participating in water fights.

Driving Directions from 
New York City to Nesquehoning, PA

Take the George Washington Bridge to Route 80 West to Delaware Water Gap toll bridge (which separates the NJ and PA parts of Route 80). Pay the toll and continue on Route 80 into Pennsylvania.

Continue (staying on Route 80) into Pennsylvania to Exit 304. Exit at Exit 304 to Route 209 South. (Note: Route 209 and 33, while together initially, separate in about 7 miles, it is sometimes tricky to follow). Follow signs for Lehighton.

Stay on Route 209 South through Lehighton and Jim Thorpe. When in Jim Thorpe do not take Route 903. Go 3 more miles on Route 209 South.

Make a right turn on to Route 93 North (not Route 903). Whitewater Rafting Adventures is approximately 200 feet ahead on the left. The entire trip is about 130 miles and should take most people about 2.5 hours (without traffic).

(An alternative way is to stay on Route 80 West until you reach Exit 277 (Route 476). Take Exit 277 to get onto Route 476 South until Exit 74. Take Exit 74 to get onto Route 209 South for 9 miles. Turn right onto Route 93 North (not Route 903). Whitewater Rafting Adventures is approximately 200 feet ahead on the left. BTW, I personally prefer this route to the one above.)

Other Useful Information

We are meeting promptly at 6:00am in front of TBA. Drivers should double park their cars in front of the building (please gas up BEFORE coming).

All passengers are expected to contribute their fair share towards gas and tolls. Passengers desiring coffee should bring it to the meeting place and not expect to stop along the way.

We will probably return to the city after 8:00pm (which is why I suggest you bring a snack, see #12 above).

Since the hot dog barbeque after the rafting trip that is sponsored by the outfitter is NOT kosher, we were given a small discount in return for not participating in the BBQ. I will have (free) snacks available after the trip by my car in the parking area.

Rain and cold weather does not cancel the trip (wetsuit rentals are available in case of inclement weather). Money is refundable ONLY if the outfitter cancels or someone is found to take your place.

Questions: Michael Brochstein (212) 678-7881 (before 9:00pm please) or Michael_Brochstein@MABsystems.com

MAB 6/2005