South Bay River Rafters Inc.
PO Box 243
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(800) 655-RAFT
email: sbrafters@aol.com
 
Site design & management by ImagineTree
Please direct questions or
comments regarding the
functioning of this site to:
webmaster@imaginetree.com

 
For over two decades SBRR has set a
Standard of Excellence

for the whitewater rafting industry.


For the uninitiated, however, it isn't always easy to see the differences that set rafting companies apart. If you are shopping different companies, here are some key questions for you to ask a prospective outfitter.

  • Transportation--On hot summer days will we be transported in an air-conditioned luxury coach or an unventilated old school bus?
  • Dining–Is the dining area covered in case of rain or hot weather? Will menus include such gourmet fare as shrimp salad and lobster tail?
  • Rafting–Will we be in high-tech self-bailing rafts, or old rubber rafts that require bailing with plastic buckets after each rapid?
    And how many years of experience do your guides have?

Questions & Answers

1. Can We Bring the Kids?
2. What Should I Bring?
3. Where is the American River?
4. How Do We Get There?
5. Will I Be Safe?
6. What if We're Celebrating?
7. Can I Bring My Blow dryer?
8. Can I Bring My Camera?
9. What If I Don't Own Camping Gear?
10. Do We Have to Camp Out?
11. What Else is There to Do?
12. How Do I Sign Up?



1. Can We Bring the Kids?
Children from 8 to 80 are welcome, so long as they are of sound mind and good health. Uh, come to think of it, we only insist that you're in 'good health.'
back to questions

2. What Should I Bring?
As little as possible! You won't need much more than a bathing suit, flashlight, two pairs of shoes (including tennis shoes), a change of clothes, and basic camping gear (or rent your gear from SBRR). A checklist of items to bring will be sent upon receipt of your deposit (you can also check it out below
)
back to questions

3. Where is the American River?
The South Fork of the American River is located in the beautiful Sierra foothills between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. All trips originate and finish at our private riverfront campground, situated midway down the river, just a few hundred yards from the historic ‘Sutter’s Mill’ gold discovery site in the tiny town of Coloma.

back to questions

4. How Do We Get There?
Northern Californians typically drive themselves, while the majority of So. Cal residents choose to relax in our air-conditioned, stereo and restroom-equipped luxury coaches. ‘Fly/Raft’ bargains are also available, including airfare and ground transportation, from all major So. Cal airports.

back to questions

5. Will I Be Safe?
SBRR is proud of the fact that we feature the finest equipment and most experienced guides on the river. Many, in fact, have worked as head boatmen for other companies.
In over two decades on the South Fork of the American, SBRR boasts an outstanding safety record. All of our guides are highly skilled in the art of guiding and are trained in CPR. In addition, every guest is required to undergo a pre-rafting safety orientation.
back to questions

Rafting is a physical activity that contains inherent risks beyond our control, and you will be required to sign a release acknowledging this. Those with medical conditions are advised to consult their physician.
back to questions

6. What if We're Celebrating?
No matter what the special occasion—a birthday, anniversary, Bah Mitzvah, or maybe your turtle’s being neutered—SBRR will celebrate anything! With advance notice we'll even bake a cake at no extra charge.

back to questions

7. Can I Bring My Blow dryer?
Unfortunately…yes. Our deluxe campground offers not only electricity, but hot showers, a fully staffed dining facility, and even big screen video for the Saturday night video and slide show.

back to questions

8. Can I Bring My Camera?
Sure, but just make sure it’s waterproof. You probably won't want to bring it on the raft, however, as professional photographers are stationed at the major rapids filming you on video and slides. Order forms are available in camp.

back to questions

9. What If I Don't Own Camping Gear?
Not a problem–SBRR rents everything you'll need. Think about it–rather than accidentally pounding your thumb with a tent stake, you'll arrive in camp to a cozy tent with foam mattress and a nice warm sleeping bag already inside. Your fellow campers will hate you for it, but hey, who cares? You'll be comfy. Camping gear should be reserved well in advance.

back to questions

10. Do We Have to Camp Out?
SBRR realizes that not everyone is a happy camper. For these folks there are many excellent hotels and bed & breakfasts nearby.

back to questions

11. What Else is There to Do?
If an exciting day on the river isn't enough for you, there's hiking, fishing, swimming, gold-panning, or volleyball. For the hardcore thrillseeker may we suggest an optional pre-breakfast hot-air balloon ride. On a clear day you'll literally be able to see across the entire state–from the Bay Area all the way to the snow-capped Sierra! At night you can relax by the campfire or party to live music at one of the local bars just a short walk from camp.
back to questions

12. How Do I Sign Up?
We were hoping you'd ask that! Just give South Bay River Rafting a call at (800) 655-RAFT or EMAIL and we'll handle everything from there. We'll even help you to organize a group of friends so they'll get a big discount and you'll get a free trip! A word of advice though– certain weekends can book-up months in advance, so if you have a preferred trip date in mind please let us know as soon as possible.

back to questions

Things to Bring

  • Flashlight–Keep it handy and make sure the batteries are fresh. Camp can be a tad dark at night.
  • Food & drink–If you're taking the luxury coach do pack some munchies and enough $$ for fast food stops on the way up and back.
  • Camping Gear– Bring your own or rent it all from SBRR–and save the transport and set-up hassles.
  • Toiletries– There are hot showers and restrooms with electricity in camp. So remember your towel and bring your blow dryer if you must... (grrrrrr).
  • Warm clothing–Nights can sometimes get chilly. Bring swimsuits and plenty of sunscreen for days.
  • Two pairs of shoes–Tennis or rubber soled shoes for the raft (NO flip flops!), and a dry pair for land.
  • Wetsuits–Suggested in May just in case of foul weather. If you're not sure check Sacramento weather.
  • Optional–Beach chair, frisbee, guitar, games. If you wear glasses, bring a neckstrap. A plastic bag to separate wet clothing when packing is also nice. If you forget anything not to worry...there is a general store nearby.
    back to questions