We use the best rafts made!

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

*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

What kind of rafts do you use?

Our fleet of rafts and duckies is 100% self-bailing. The raised inflatable floor causes the water to drain out the row of holes along the side of the floor, which means you don’t need to bail water. Depending on the different sections of river, water levels and trip types, your river adventure can include the choices listed below. Although we predominantly run paddle rafts, oar rafts are also available when requested with a reservation.

Our Fleet - Class VI maintains four different rafts: 1) the 14' Avon Adventurer (T-6), which holds up to seven guests plus a guide, is the favorite of our guide staff; the 15' Avon Extreme (T-8), which holds up to eight guests plus a guide was especially designed for Class VI River Runners by Avon. The diminishing tubes in the bow and stern provide added room in the shorter 8 person raft and the extra kick pushes less water so it is a quicker and faster boat; 3) the 15’ Avon Professional (T-8) which holds up to nine guests plus a guide, is still considered one of the best rafts in the industry; and 4) the 12’ Avon Explorer (T-4), which holds up t o 5 guests plus a guide, is the newest and sportiest raft in our fleet. The Explorer is recommended for experienced paddlers who are not afraid to swim.
Paddle Boat - Each passenger in the boat paddles, enjoying the hands-on challenge of going down river. The guide is the captain of the boat and the crew works together to control and propel the raft.
Oar Boat - In this setup, the guide is in the middle (center mount) or the rear (stern mount) of the raft and uses oars to control the raft. The passengers, who are paddling, supply directional momentum. This provides an excellent balance of stability and exciting velocity.

Inflatable Kayaks - also known as Duckies – Our one and two-person duckies are used on our Upper New River and Summer Gauley trips; this is the ultimate in interactive river running. You can navigate these small, agile craft through gentle to moderate white water. One or two people control duckies with double-bladed paddles.