Boat Options

Whitewater rafting in West Virginia has seen several changes in raft design over the last 25 years. Originally the theory was “the bigger the boat, the safer the ride”. Twenty-five years ago rafts were 18 to 21 feet long. In 1988 Class VI began using 15’11” self-bailing Avon® Pros which hold eight or nine paddlers. The Pro continues to be one of the best-manufactured rafts made. Since then we have only purchased Avon® self-bailing rafts. In the mid-nineties we added a smaller six person boat to our fleet, the Avon® Adventurer.

In 2001 we asked Avon® to improve the Pro. Together we created a smaller eight person raft with more kick (the ends “kick up” at a steeper angle) for a wilder ride. In 2004 we added the Avon® Explorer, the sportiest raft on the river, for those looking for an even wilder ride. Now the theory is “the smaller the raft, the better the ride”.

We give you the option to choose the raft which best fits your group size and your adventure level. When making a reservation, let our adventure specialist know which raft best suits your needs.

T-4 boat Lost Paddle Rapid Spring Gauley
Standard Trip Photo by: Whitewater Photography

Avon® Raft	Size/ Length	Team - Guest Capacity	Cost for New River	Cost for Gauley River
Avon® Professional - T-8	15’11”	T- 8	Standard	Standard
Avon® Extreme -T-8	15’5”	T- 8	Standard	Standard
Avon® Adventurer-T-6	14’2”	T- 6	Add $20	Add $25
Avon® Explorer- T-4	12’6”	T- 4	Add $55	Add $75

*Depending how the groups break-up, we reserve the right to add an additional person to the raft.
* Certain trips use the Avon® Adventurer as the standard raft.

"Class VI River Runners continues to be a leader in the industry in terms of the quality of trips and equipment they use. They always stand out on the river with their red white and blue equipment and the professional presence. Of course they use the best rafts on the river, Avon commercial white water self-bailing rafts. I know of no other river company that goes to such lengths to insure that the gear, vehicles and staff are the best."

Norm Bender / Zodiac of America