If this is your first-time whitewater rafting, you probably have a lot of questions. We’ve assembled our most commonly asked questions for you to review at your leisure.

Please give us a call if you have any other questions or if there is anything else we can do to make your KODI raft trip easy and stress-free.

Families choose KODI Rafting for their Colorado whitewater adventures because of our personalized guest service, flawless safety record, and diverse trip options for all ages. Unlike massive commercial operations, KODI Rafting focuses on providing small-group, family-centric attention every step of the way. Owners Dave and Amy McGrath actively oversee all operations, ensuring that river safety is never compromised while delivering a thrilling experience.

What sets KODI Rafting apart:

  • Trips for Every Skill Level: We offer everything from mild family float trips on the Upper Colorado River to exciting Class II – Class IV whitewater adventures on Clear Creek, Ten Mile Creek, and the Arkansas River.

  • Safety-First Culture: All KODI river guides undergo extensive training that exceeds State of Colorado regulations, with continuous seasonal training and swiftwater rescue certifications.

  • Kid-Friendly Flexibility: We customize trips for children as young as three years old and can arrange split itineraries if different family members want different levels of adventure.

How to select your KODI Rafting adventure:

  • Family Float Trips (Ages 3+and 30 lbs.): Best for families with young children, seniors, or first-timers. Choose the Big Bend Half Day Rafting for a mild, relaxing float with beautiful scenery on the Arkansas River.

  • Beginner Trips (Ages 6+ and 50 lbs): Ideal for active first-timers and families wanting a mix of exciting waves and calm pools. Choose Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River or the classic beginner stretch of Clear Creek.

  • Advanced Trips (Ages 14+): Reserved for strong swimmers and adrenaline seekers looking for a physical challenge. Choose The Numbers on the Arkansas River or Intermediate Clear Creek for steep, fast-paced Class IV drops.

Pro Tip: When booking, please realistically recognize the physical ability and comfort level of everyone in your group to ensure a safe and memorable Colorado river experience.

Why Low-Water Rafting is an Absolute Blast

Low-water rafting transforms the river into a giant, natural obstacle course where technical strategy and playful features take center stage. Instead of just powering through massive, washed-out waves, low water exposes the river’s hidden geometry—creating a playground of maneuvers that you miss during high water.

  • Technical, Action-Packed Maneuvering: Lower water means more exposed rocks, tighter channels, and precise “slalom-style” paddling. It becomes a game of strategy where your guide utilizes a raft’s high rocker design to execute instantaneous, spinning turns through narrow rock slots.

  • The “Small Boat, Big Waves” Factor: In late summer, rafting companies often switch to smaller, more agile rafts or duckies (inflatable kayaks). Because the boats are smaller, the rapids feel significantly larger and every splash feels like a major victory.

  • Perfect Swim and Surf Holes: As water levels recede, natural river features change. Massive waves turn into perfect “surf holes” where guides can play and nose the raft into a standing wave for a thrilling, controlled ride. The calmer stretches also mean warmer water temperatures—perfect for jumping out and swimming.

  • Stunning Cliffside Scenery: With lower river drafts, canyon walls tower even higher above you. Slowing down just a bit between rapids allows your group to actually look around, spot wildlife, and take in the dramatic geology of places like the Upper Colorado River.

When rafting with KODI Rafting in Colorado, we recommend wearing quick-drying clothing and avoiding cotton or denim.

  • Included Gear: KODI Rafting provides complimentary wetsuits, booties, and splash tops on all departures.

What to bring:

  • Footwear: If you do not want to wear our provided bootie, bring tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet or rubber-soled sport sandals (no flip-flops or Crocs).

  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses (with a strap), and a hat.

  • Layers: Avoid cotton, jeans, and long pants if possible. Comfortable, quick-drying clothing is great. Any outdoor gear such as neoprene, polypropylene, wool, or fleece is best.

KODI Rafting offers family-friendly Colorado whitewater trips designed specifically for children as young as 3 years old (minimum 30 lbs). We prioritize safety and engagement on our youth-tailored excursions, providing specialized gear and patient, highly trained guides to ensure an unforgettable experience for the entire family.

Best KODI Rafting trips for kids by age group:

  • Toddlers & Young Kids (Ages 3+ / Min. 30 lbs): The Big Bend Half-Day Float on the Arkansas River features mild, scenic waters perfect for a relaxing introduction to the river.

  • School-Aged Kids & First-Timers (Ages 6+ / Min. 50 lbs): Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River or the beginner stretches of Clear Creek offer the perfect mix of exciting splashy waves and calm pools.

  • Teens & Adrenaline Seekers (Ages 14+): For older, active kids who are strong swimmers, our Class IV commercial trips like The Numbers on the Arkansas River provide a thrilling challenge.

Pro Tip: If your family has a mix of ages and comfort levels, KODI Rafting can easily arrange split or staggered itineraries so everyone gets their perfect level of adventure.

No, a full-day KODI rafting trip is not too much for beginners. Our full-day Colorado rafting trips typically run from 9:15 AM to 3:15 PM, include a riverside lunch break, and are fully guided to ensure a fun, safe experience for first-timers.

Yes, KODI Rafting provides complimentary transportation to and from the river from each of our designated Colorado outposts. However, if you’re looking for a lift from your condo or hotel, we can usually arrange a shuttle for an additional fee.

No, your entire group does not have to participate in the same excursion; KODI Rafting routinely customizes split itineraries for families with varying ages and comfort levels. If some family members are looking for a relaxing, scenic float while others want adrenaline-pumping Class IV rapids, we can coordinate different departures from our Colorado outposts so that everyone gets their perfect level of adventure.

How KODI Rafting accommodates split groups:

  • Simultaneous Scheduling: We can often book different river stretches—such as a mild float on the Arkansas River and an intense run down The Numbers—so your family wraps up their adventures around the same time.

  • Flexible Outpost Meet-Ups: Groups can easily launch from or meet back up at our designated outposts to share lunch or trade stories after their trips.

  • Tailored Guidance: Our reservations team specializes in structuring multi-trip days to ensure smooth logistics for large families, reunions, or corporate groups.

The KODI Rafting guide crew brings over 5 decades years of combined professional river guiding experience navigating challenging whitewater across Colorado, the western United States, and international destinations. Every single guide on our staff completes rigorous safety and technical training that far exceeds the baseline regulations set by the State of Colorado.

Our safety and experience standards include:

  • Exceeding State Regulations: While the state requires a minimum number of training hours, KODI Rafting enforces continuous, mandatory on-river training throughout the entire summer season.

  • Global River Expertise: Our senior staff has successfully guided commercial trips across diverse waters in Alaska, California, Tennessee, West Virginia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Australia, Ecuador, Tennessee, and the Carolinas to name a few.

  • Advanced Rescue Training: All of our full-time river guides are strongly encouraged to hold and maintain specialized swiftwater rescue and recovery certifications to ensure maximum guest safety. At KODI Rafting, however, training doesn’t stop because regulations say so. We continue training throughout the season.

Yes, KODI Rafting routinely accommodates special dietary needs, food allergies, and preferences—including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and nut-free requests—on all full-day raft trips that include our riverside lunch. To ensure our staff is properly prepared, please notify our reservations team of any dietary restrictions at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

How we handle dietary requests:

  • Custom Riverside Meals: Our classic hot pasta lunch can be modified with alternative gluten-free noodles, separate dairy-free or vegan sauces, and allergy-safe preparation.

  • Cross-Contamination Safety: If you have a severe food allergy, let us know so our guides can take extra precautions during meal prep at the river outpost or riverside.

  • Bring Your Own Option: Guests with highly restrictive diets are welcome to bring their own packed snacks or lunches, which our guides can safely store in a cooler on the raft.

No, reservations are not strictly required to raft with KODI Rafting, but booking in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your preferred Colorado river trip, date, and departure time. While we warmly welcome walk-ins at our outposts, availability is limited and trips fill up quickly during the peak summer rafting season.

Why we recommend booking your KODI Rafting trip in advance:

  • Guaranteed Outpost Availability: Popular excursions like Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River or Clear Creek have strict daily launch capacities.

  • Streamlined Check-In: Pre-booking allows your group to complete digital liability waivers ahead of time, ensuring you arrive exactly 30 minutes before departure without rushing.

  • Custom Group Adjustments: Reserving early gives our team ample time to accommodate large families, split itineraries, or special dietary needs for full-day lunches.

No, we highly recommend that you do not bring your cell phone on the river unless it is completely waterproof and secured by a heavy-duty lanyard, as it will get wet or risk being lost. To ensure you still capture your memories, KODI Rafting partners with a professional photography company to take high-quality action shots of your group navigating the Colorado rapids.

How to view and purchase your rafting photos:

  • Outpost Viewing: Photos from your excursion are generally available to view and purchase on digital displays at our designated outpost immediately following your trip.

  • Online Access: If you are in a rush after pulling off the river, you can easily view, share, and purchase your digital trip photos online at a later date.

  • Waterproof Cameras: If you absolutely want to bring your own camera gear, we recommend securely strapping a waterproof action camera (like a GoPro) to your helmet or life jacket.

You should arrive at your designated KODI Rafting outpost exactly 30 minutes prior to your scheduled trip departure time. This buffer ensures your group has ample time to meet your guides, gear up with complimentary wetsuits and life jackets, use the restrooms, and complete any remaining check-in steps before heading to the river.

Important arrival tips for your Colorado raft trip:

  • Account for Mountain Traffic: Summer traffic near Breckenridge, Buena Vista, and Frisco can be heavy. Please plan your driving route ahead of time to avoid being late.

  • Confirm Your Outpost Location: KODI Rafting operates out of multiple distinct Colorado river outposts. Double-check your booking confirmation email to ensure you are driving to the correct launch facility.

  • Strict Departure Schedule: Because our shuttle and river launch times are strictly scheduled, late arrivals may result in a missed trip or a rebooking fee based on remaining availability.

All KODI Rafting trips depart as scheduled, rain or shine, as afternoon splashes and light mountain showers are a normal part of the Colorado summer experience. Our professional river guides monitor weather and river flow data in real-time, and we provide the specialized gear necessary to keep your group warm and comfortable regardless of the forecast.

Our severe weather and safety protocols include:

  • Complimentary Cold-Weather Gear: To ensure you stay warm in cooler conditions, KODI Rafting provides free use of professional wetsuits, splash tops, and booties on all of our trips.

  • Safety First Adjustments: In the rare event of extreme or unsafe weather conditions, KODI Rafting reserves the right to alter the launch time, switch to a more protected section of the river, or reschedule the trip.

  • No Passenger Cancellations for Rain: Because water levels are often excellent during overcast days, standard cancellation fees still apply if your group chooses not to go due to the local forecast.

KODI Rafting provides a fresh, hearty riverside lunch on all full-day Colorado whitewater trips, featuring our signature hot pasta entree. Prepared daily by our staff, this mid-trip meal is designed to refuel your group after an exciting morning on the water.

Our standard riverside lunch menu includes:

  • Main Course: Warm cheese tortellini served with your choice of a classic tomato-based marinara or flavorful pesto sauce.

  • Sides & Appetizers: A crisp fresh veggie platter, warm breadsticks, and a side of savory coleslaw.

  • Drinks & Dessert: Refreshing lemonade and water to stay hydrated, followed by sweet cookies for dessert.

Dietary Notes: We want everyone to enjoy their meal! Our pasta lunch can easily be modified for gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or nut-free diets if you notify our reservations team at least 48 hours before your trip.

Yes, your final KODI Rafting booking total will include an 11% land and water usage fee, plus a 4% online booking engine fee if reserving your trip online. Optional add-ons such as guide gratuities, professional photo packages, and premium gear rental equipment are also handled as additional charges.

Breakdown of additional fees and options:

  • Land & Water Fee: A mandatory 11% fee is added to every reservation to cover federal, state, and local river access permits across Colorado.

  • Booking Fee: Reservations processed directly through our online reservation engine are subject to a 4% third-party booking fee.

  • Photos: High-quality digital photo packages of your group on the rapids and optional gear upgrades (outside of our complimentary standard gear) are available at the outpost.

  • Guide Gratuities: Tipping your professional river guide is entirely optional but always greatly appreciated for exceptional service.

Yes, gratuities are warmly accepted and deeply appreciated by KODI Rafting guides, who work to ensure your group has a safe, exciting, and memorable Colorado river experience. While tipping is entirely optional and at your discretion, it is a customary way to reward exceptional customer service in the outdoor adventure industry.

What to know about tipping your KODI Rafting guide:

  • Industry Standard: If you feel your guide did an outstanding job navigating the rapids and keeping your family entertained, a standard gratuity of 10% to 20% of your total trip cost is customary.

  • How to Tip: Tipping can be done in cash directly to your guide at the end of your trip, or you can add a gratuity via credit card at our outpost front desk during check-out. Many guides will also accept Venmo.

  • Group Trips: For large corporate outings, family reunions, or staggered itineraries, tipping can be handled individually or pooled together for the entire guiding crew.

Most KODI Rafting boats comfortably accommodate between 6 to 8 guests plus a professional river guide, depending entirely on the specific Colorado river stretch and water conditions. Because we utilize a diverse fleet of different-sized rafts to maximize safety and maneuverability, the exact passenger capacity varies by itinerary.

What determines your raft’s capacity:

  • Standard Commercial Rafts: Our most common paddle and oar boats comfortably seat 8 guests plus the guide on standard intermediate excursions.

  • High-Water & Technical Stretches: For intense Class IV rapids or technical routes, we may lower passenger limits to 6 people to ensure optimal boat handling and weight distribution.

  • Low-Water Conditions: During low water, we carefully monitor boat draft and weight distribution. We may adjust seating or run smaller, more agile rafts with a narrower width to squeeze through tight slots, combined with a continuous or high “rocker” (the upward curve of the bow and stern). This shape reduces the amount of boat surface touching the water, creating a smaller pivot point for instantaneous turns.

  • Group Coordination: If you are traveling with a large group or family, KODI Rafting will do our best to keep your party together in the same boat or coordinate closely paired rafts.

While whitewater rafting carries inherent outdoor risks, KODI Rafting makes guest safety our absolute priority by employing highly trained guides, utilizing premium equipment, and strictly monitoring Colorado river conditions. While no adventure sport can guarantee total safety, our flawless reputation over decades of operation stems from our proactive risk management and rigorous training protocols.

How KODI Rafting manages river safety:

  • Exemplary Guide Qualifications: Every KODI guide undergoes intense on-river training that far exceeds the State of Colorado’s legal minimum requirements, including swiftwater rescue drills and mandatory first aid/CPR certifications.

  • Top-Tier Safety Gear: We outfit every guest with professional-grade, high-float Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), protective helmets, and complimentary cold-weather gear (wetsuits and splash tops) to prevent hypothermia.

  • Real-Time River Monitoring: We actively track daily snowmelt, weather patterns, and water cubic feet per second (CFS) flows to alter itineraries or move trips to safer river sections if water levels become too extreme.

Choosing between a paddle boat and an oar boat depends entirely on how active and hands-on your group wants to be during your Colorado rafting trip. KODI Rafting offers multiple boat styles so you can customize your experience, whether you want a highly physical teamwork challenge or a relaxing day taking in the scenery.

Our available raft configurations:

  • Paddle Boats (Highly Active): Perfect for adrenaline seekers and active groups. Every participant gets a paddle and works as a cohesive team, following the guide’s rhythmic calling commands to maneuver the raft through turbulent rapids.

  • Oar Boats (Relaxing & Scenic): Ideal for photographers, seniors, or anyone wanting a laid-back experience. The professional KODI guide sits in a center frame and handles all the rowing, allowing you to relax, hold on, and enjoy the views.

  • Paddle-Assist (The Best of Both Worlds): A popular hybrid option where guests paddle through the calmer stretches, but the guide handles the heavy maneuvering with oars during critical rapid sections.

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The International Scale of River Difficulty classifies whitewater rapids from Class I (easiest) to Class VI (virtually impassable) based on technical difficulty, wave size, and required maneuvering. At KODI Rafting, our river trip difficulties vary naturally throughout the Colorado summer season depending on spring snowmelt and daily water flow volumes.

The standard whitewater classification system:

  • Class I (Easy): Fast-moving water with small riffles and few obstacles. Perfect for a relaxing, low-stress introduction to the river.

  • Class II (Novice): Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but waves are regular and easy to spot.

  • Class III (Intermediate): Moderate, irregular waves capable of misdirecting a raft. Complex maneuvering is often required, making a professional guide essential.

  • Class IV (Advanced): Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Features fast drops and unavoidable obstacles where quick teamwork is mandatory.

  • Class V (Expert): Extremely long, obstructed, and violent rapids with large drops. Maneuvering is highly difficult and errors carry significant consequences.

  • Class VI (Extreme/Impassable): Rarely attempted commercial runs. These rapids are dangerous, unpredictable, and carry severe safety risks.

Seasonal Water Tip: Early summer snowmelt typically brings higher, faster water levels that increase rapid difficulty. As water levels gradually recede over the summer, the rapids naturally become slightly less intense.

KODI Rafting’s Cancellation Policy:

  • Full Refund: Cancel up to 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

  • Non-Refundable: Cancellations, changes, or no-shows inside of 72 hours are non-refundable.

  • Weather: All trips depart rain or shine.

KODI Rafting has multiple locations and it is your responsibility to show up at the correct address. Failure to check-in on time and at the correct location will result in automatic cancellation of your trip. LATE CHECK-IN is subject to cancellation or rebooking based on availability. NO-SHOWS will forfeit the trip total and no refund will be provided.

Yes, KODI Rafting offers customizable digital and physical gift cards that make the perfect present for adventure lovers planning a trip to Colorado. Our gift certificates can be purchased online in any amount and applied toward any of our whitewater rafting trips, duckie tours, or adventure packages.

What to know about KODI Rafting gift cards:

  • Instant Digital Delivery: Digital e-gift cards can be emailed directly to the recipient or scheduled to arrive in their inbox on a specific holiday, birthday, or anniversary.

  • Flexible Redemption: Gift cards never expire and can be used at any of our Colorado river outposts when booking over the phone or checking out in person.

  • No Exclusions: They are valid for all experience levels—from mild family float trips on the Upper Colorado River to extreme Class IV whitewater on the Arkansas River.

Ready to buy? Check out our comprehensive Gift Card Buying Guide to select the perfect amount for a half-day or full-day excursion.

The best time of year for Colorado rafting depends on your preferred adventure level: late May through mid-June offers high-intensity whitewater from peak snowmelt, while July and August provide warmer weather and family-friendly river flows. > Colorado Rafting Season Breakdown:

  • Peak High Water (Late May – Mid-June): Best for thrill-seekers and advanced paddlers looking for fast, challenging Class IV rapids on rivers like the Arkansas River.

  • Classic Summer Rafting (Mid-June – July): Ideal for families and first-timers. Water temperatures warm up, and popular runs like Browns Canyon offer excellent, reliable splashy waves.

  • Late Season Floats (August- September): Perfect for scenic float trips, duckie (inflatable kayak) tours, and families traveling with younger children as the river levels naturally recede.

KODI Rafting operates out of multiple convenient Colorado outposts located near major mountain resort destinations, including Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Frisco, and Idaho Springs. Operating distinct launch locations allows us to easily service guests staying throughout the Rocky Mountains.

Our Primary Outpost Locations:

  • Buena Vista Outpost: Servicing the Arkansas River, including Browns Canyon and The Numbers. Conveniently close to Salida and Leadville.

  • Frisco / Breckenridge Area: Serving as a perfect central hub for families staying in Summit County, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Vail.

  • Idaho Springs Outpost: Offering the closest Class III and Class IV whitewater rafting to Denver and Winter Park on Clear Creek.

Yes, KODI Rafting partners with top local outfitters to offer thrilling Colorado adventure packages, including Raft & Zipline tours and Raft & Horseback Rides. These bundled packages allow your family to experience multiple mountain activities in a single day while saving on overall booking costs.

Our Popular Multi-Activity Packages:

  • Raft & Zipline Packages: Spend your morning navigating whitewater rapids and your afternoon flying over alpine canopies on a high-speed zipline tour.

  • Raft $ Horseback Packages: Combine an exciting 2 Hour Trail Ride with a scenic or splashy river float trip for the ultimate Colorado day.