What to Expect

Here’s a step by step guide on what to expect when you arrive for your adventure at Sierra South.

STEP 1: Fill Out Liability Waivers

Please sign your waiver prior to the day of your trip. It saves a ton of time checking in if waivers are filled out for every participant prior to arrival. You’ll find the waiver link in your confirmation email for your trip. If you misplaced the email, simply give us a call and our staff will resend it.

STEP 2: Where to Go and When to Be Here

Check your trip time & confirm that you know where you’re going. Sierra South is located at 11300 Kernville Rd, in Kernville, CA. Please confirm your trip departure time and arrive at our headquarters 30-45 minutes before your trip.

STEP 3: Arrive and Check-in 

You have a couple of options for parking. There is free first-come, first-serve parking available on the street near Sierra South or you can pay $8 to park at Frandy Campground.  After you’ve parked your group leader should follow the signs for check-in. Walk-up to the desk with your group name and the name of the trip you are doing. If you can’t remember the name your reservation is under, our friendly staff will help make sure you get on the right trip. If everyone has signed the waiver online it’s time to gear up into your river clothes. If someone has not signed the waiver, head up to the check-in desk and we will provide an iPad to sign our e-waiver. 

STEP 4: Meet Your Guides

After check-in, you’ll have a few minutes to explore our grounds and retail store, see some photos of the trip you’re headed out on, and get excited. Don’t wander too far though. Your Trip Leader or “TL” will be gathering everyone on your trip as soon as everyone has checked-in.

Your TL will be giving you all the information you need about where to store your dry clothes (if rafting) or valuables. Anything that you don’t want to lose or get wet is recommended to leave in your car while you’re on your adventure. Sierra South is not liable for any lost items! 

On our rafting trips, PFDs (Personal Floatation Device, aka life jackets), and helmets are provided. Wetsuits can be rented prior to your trip. Be sure to bring your own footwear, something that can get wet and will stay on your feet. Either water shoes, sneakers you don’t mind getting wet, or sandals with a heel strap are perfect. No flip-flops or barefeet. If you need a pair of river shoes we have them available to rent. We suggest wearing a bathing suit, and a synthetic shirt (no cotton, it will make you cold). During early-season trips (March-May) wetsuits are required on most trips. 

STEP 5: Get fitted for your PFD, Helmet, and Paddle 

After you’ve changed into the gear for your trip, make sure to hurry back to the same meeting spot. Your river guide will be ready to fit you with all the safety equipment. Once the entire group is gathered you’ll walk over to our equipment area where our guides will properly size you for all the gear you need. Our trips leave on time, so don’t miss the bus!

Now it is time to hop in our Sierra South vehicle and head out to the river! 

Step 6: Arrive at the put-in and receive a river briefing 

You are now on the banks of the beautiful Kern River and you can feel the excitement in the air! Our guides will unload all of the boats and gear while you gather in the shade awaiting your Trip Leader’s River Talk. During the talk, you will receive all the information needed to have a fun, adventurous day on the water. Learn how to paddle, swim in the river, pull each other in, and the proper river etiquette to ensure you have all the knowledge to have the trip of a lifetime. 

STEP 7: The Adventure Begins

Time to push off into the rapids. Your guide is now in charge and is there to show you the time of your life.

STEP 8: Check-out your Photos & Celebrate the Day

After your trip you’ll hop back on the bus and head back to our headquarters. The guides will collect and wash your gear once you’ve returned.

Please head inside and check out the photos of your trip. Professional photographers capture the fun on 99% of our trips! You can buy your photos and show them off online right away. Don’t forget to pick up some great Sierra South Mountain Sports clothing as well.

If you had a great time and want to let your guides know they will be outside washing your gear. While gratuities are not required they are certainly appreciated by our staff.