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Can anyone comment on their experience with rafting outfitters on Kicking Horse River in Golden? I'd like my kids to experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, but the requirement of 12 yrs, 90 lbs is a problem for my youngest, who is 11 and just shy of 85 lbs.
How strict are the outfitters with this requirement, and am I taking great risk in allowing her to go on the "classic" river tours that have Class 1-4 rapids? I think the milder option for younger kids will be too tame for her.
Whitewater rafting on Kicking Horse River
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We used Alpine Rafting in Golden with our teen boys and would highly recommend them for most people. They seemed pretty straight up and very safety conscious so doubt they would let you slide if there was any question. You could try calling and see what they say though.
Thanks, Dave. Turns out the weight and age requirements are required of all outfitters so there's no getting around it.
However, I spoke with one of the outfitters who suggested rafting the Kananaskis instead of Kicking Horse. There is a greater proportion of Class 3 rapids on Kananaskis than Kicking Horse (which has more Class 4 & 5), so a mild "family" adventure on the former would be more exciting than one on the KH river. Alpine doesn't do rafting excursions there so I ended up going with Hydra.
We'll see... I'll report back on our experience when we return in a couple weeks.