What are the Rules & Regulations?

• No one under 6 yrs. old is allowed.
• Everyone is required to sit through the safety brief. It takes just 20 minutes, but it’s full of valuable information on the latest river conditions and hazards you may encounter.
• Life jackets are required to be worn at all times by everyone renting a canoe from us while on the water. Grownups ……. YES, this means you too.
• To accommodate our many customers, we run a tight schedule. You need to be on time for your orientations. If you are late and we have started, you may have to wait until a later trip.
• As defined by law, the river and riverbed, including all sandbars and beaches, are considered public property. We ask that you stay within these borders. No trespassing on private property.
• Absolutely no littering will be tolerated. There are no garbage services along the river so pack it in and pack it out. No glass or Styrofoam is allowed on the Staunton River.
• No profanity.
• Safe paddling and alcohol don’t mix, leave the beer at home.
• Underage drinking and/or drug use will be reported to the local law enforcement office.
• Patrons recklessly causing damage to Kayaks or other paddling equipment will be charged.
• There are some challenging rapids on these rivers, when in doubt walk the rapid.
• Release of liability waiver forms are required by all prior to renting from us. Minors need parental or legal guardian permission. NO waiver, NO Rental, NO Exceptions! (sorry the lawyers are making us do this)

Tell me more about the Release of Liability Form?

All adults must sign our form assuming responsibility for themselves, their children, all minors in their group, and all property taken on the trip, both rented and private. Parents or legal guardians who will not be accompanying their minor child on our trips must sign our waiver in advance of the trip showing their consent for their child to participate in this activity and their understanding of the risks and responsibilities that go along with that participation. The form should be downloaded in advance or obtained in person. NO waiver, NO Rental, NO Exceptions!

What is in the safety orientation?

Our twenty-minute orientation, which everyone must observe in its entirety without interruption, has been designed by professional paddlers and educators to give you the basic skills you’ll need to have a safe and pleasant experience on our rivers. Some of the things we’ll tell you about during orientation include:

• The importance of wearing your life jacket and how to size it properly.
• How to lower your center of gravity by kneeling in your boat.
• How to select a paddle and the basic strokes necessary to get you down the river and around the rocks.
• In cooler weather, how to avoid and treat hypothermia. If you’re planning a cold or wet weather trip, bring wool or polypropylene clothing, rain gear, and warm drinks. Leave the keg of brandy at home. Alcohol is actually deadly in hypothermic conditions!!
• How to “swim” a rapid should you turn over. If you can’t swim or are scared of the water, you should probably find another activity to do. While most of our trips offer little excuse to turn over, some folks still do!
• THAT ALCOHOL AND DRUGS DON’T MIX WITH WATER SPORTS!!! Don’t come with the idea that this is an activity for drinking. We will not put people who arrive drinking alcoholic beverages or who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs on the river. No deposits will be refunded to people who are turned away for this reason. Remember, too, that drinking in public is illegal. You will be in public when you are on the river.
• How to “read” the water. We’ll show you how to recognize hazards and find good channels.
• To guard against sunburn, particularly on thighs and shoulders. Use sunblock!
• When in a group, don’t tailgate. Keep the boat behind you in sight and slow down for it. That’s easier than making it speed up!
• Don’t go barefoot in the river; rocks are sharp! Bring a ratty pair of tennis shoes. Don’t dive into the water!
• How to avoid the second most ruinous event of the day, pinning and damaging or losing your boat. The first most ruinous event being an argument with your partner! That’s up to you all!
• What to do in a lightning storm. (Get off the river and don’t take shelter under trees!!)
• Have plenty of fluids, cold in hot weather and warm in cold. (You may wish to bring a picnic.)
• To secure eyeglasses and sunglasses and leave your car keys hidden on your vehicle or in our key drawer.

Are the trips guided?

Remember our trips are self-guided. You have to be able to take care of yourself on the river. Come expecting fun and relaxation, particularly on our easier trips, but be prepared for some challenge, even if it’s just getting in and out of your boat on a steep and slippery bank! People who are unprepared for spills or incapable of moderate physical exertion should not undertake this activity. You will need to be able to help load and unload your (76 lbs.) canoe and carry it over short distances. Of course, you’ll have to be able to paddle it down the river. In selecting your trip you need to consider the skill level of the least experienced members of your group. Only the people in the boat can control it. Don’t ruin your day by picking something too tough for all to handle.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Because of the inherent dangers of all water sports, we suggest that all non-swimmers stay home.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is six years old. Children under age 10 should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All customers regardless of age must be able to maneuver the boat their are paddling. Young children usually lack the strength and maturity that is needed to carry, maneuver, and paddle the boat safely in a rapid. They generally don’t understand our orientation and safety talk. Parents or legal guardians who will not be accompanying their minor child on our trips must sign our “Parent/Guardian Permission Form” in advance of the trip showing their consent for their child to participate in this activity and their understanding of the risks and responsibilities that go along with that participation.

The American Whitewater Affiliation Scale of River Difficulty?

Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable Eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability, and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.

What about bad weather cancellation?

We won’t put a boat on the river by itself when the combined air and water temperature is under 100 degrees or when the water temperature in the Staunton is under 55 degrees. We always reserve the option to move your trip to another time if the conditions on your reserved choice are unsafe or the water is too low. We will also postpone/move anyone we deem not up to the trip reserved to an easier, safer trip. Remember that the more challenging a trip is, the more opportunity there is for injury or property damage. Customers are responsible for themselves, those in their group, and all personal and rented equipment.

Are dogs allowed?

It has been our experience that many dogs do not enjoy a day on the river as much as people think they would. However, we will allow dogs to be taken on the river with some limitations. Please call our shop for details. This must be disclosed at time of reservation so we can arrange a custom, private shuttle.

Do you sell used canoes?

Yes, Carter’s General Store and Outpost sells off a portion of its canoe fleet every year. Prices range from $325 – $425, per canoe and vary depending on condition. Call (434) 309-1753 for latest details.

Shuttles for private paddlers?

The Carter’s General Store website is a great resource of general information for private boaters. We are always happy to talk to customers about booking a trip and are happy to answer general river questions. Our website will answer 99% of all routine questions when you are planning a trip. Please make sure to read through it prior to calling our shop as it almost always has the answers you are looking for. We can’t make recommendations beyond what is on our website because we don’t really have the time to interview private boaters to determine what is suitable for their skill level. We also have no control over what they eventually opt to run and how well equipped they are for that run. We do not want to make decisions about what is appropriate for people we don’t know, won’t meet, and will not be in a position to screen. Additionally, most of the property along the river banks are private property. The arrangements that we have with landowners cannot be extended by us to non-customers. Note that any island big enough to have suitable camping is public BUT is subject to high water controlled by Leesville Dam (AEP) or Goose Creek (Mother nature), therefore, you should study weather forecasts and rain conditions upstream prior to departure.  It may not be raining or calling from rain here but rains upstream as far as Roanoke can cause high water in the Goose. Planning your trip to our area, be sure to get the permission of landowners for access and camping – We have! You should also know that crossing railroad property to access the river is a class IV misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $250.00. Our facilities and space are very limited here, and most of the time we can’t accommodate people who are just looking for advice. We welcome your visits and will assist when we can, but obviously weekends and holidays are pretty frantic around here just seeing that our customers are tended to. Lastly have a safe and fun day on the river.

Weight Limits / Physical requirements

Our maximum weight limit is 325 lbs.  Additionally, customers must be able to swim and physically be able to get in out of rental equipment without assistance and able to self-rescue if required.

What to Bring?

• Day Trip / Tubing – We recommend bringing the following items, Clothing that can get wet, sunscreen, sun glasses, hat, water, snacks or lunch, river sandals or river shoes or old pair of tennis shoes.  (Footwear is required and your feet will get wet)
• Multiday – All day trip items plus the following. The following are suggested items to bring but we do not have or know of any camping opportunity sites at this time.  Tents, sleeping bags & pads, camping stoves & cook wear, easy to prepare food, cooler, first aid kit, toiletries, towel, 550 cord, duct tape, trash bag, tp, rain gear, 2^nd pair of shoes, extra clothes (non cotton).

Private Boater Description

Carter’s Outpost does routinely work with “private boaters” on a limited basis.  To use our shuttle service book any of our normal river trips on the website and select the “Shuttle Only” option. This option is for customers wanting to paddle our river trip but will bring their own boat and paddling gear.

All of our Day trips and Multiday trips do have a “Private boater” option and reservations can be made 24 hours a day through our website.  By having a daily schedule of trips that our rental customer and private boaters are able to make reservations, allows us to operate in the most efficient way possible and serve the largest number of customers at the best level of service.

If you are interested in pickup only shuttle service, Please Call Carter’s store to reserve a pickup time. Restricted pickup times: 12:00, 1:00, 3,00, 5:00. Last Pickup times available for Private Boater will be 7:30.