Different rivers and water levels call for a variety of river craft. The typical inflatable raft is 12 to 16 feet long and can carry 4 to 10 paddlers. A kayak is a highly maneuverable lightweight craft made of water-tight plastic or fiberglass. Smaller and more responsive than canoes, kayaks allow the paddler freedom to surf waves, play in rapids, and roll with-out sinking.
Duckies are flexible, highly maneuverable, stable and easy to control.
A dory is a flat-bottomed wooden boat with a sharp bow, flaring sides and flat, triangular stern. Even more varied than the types of river craft are the range of river experiences to choose from. They are offered on gentler stretches of river, such as the upper New from Hinton to Thurmond, where calm blue pools are interspersed with class I to II rapids. Extended Day and Overnight Trips are conducted along the Lower New, from Thurmond to Fayette Station. Day one is leisurely with stops to relax, sum, swim, fish, learn the art of the ducky, or hike into abandoned coal mining towns.