760-376-3745
Help Me Choose a Rafting Trip
Cancellation Policy
You may cancel 30 or more days before your Sierra South trip date and receive a full refund less a $25 processing fee per person. Cancellations made 29 days or fewer before the trip date are non-refundable. If you must cancel, please try to find a friend to take your space. All trips go rain or shine. However, we reserve the right to alter or cancel a trip/class due to high or low-water conditions, other such uncontrollable situations, or insufficient reservations. Only in the case of canceled trips are trip fees fully refundable. Upon approval by our company officers, refunds will be sent via credit card. Refunds cannot be granted by guides, nor can refunds be given if you leave a trip or class early for any reason. Sierra South is not liable for other costs incurred in association with a canceled trip. We strongly recommend trip insurance such as Insure My Trip to cover any unexpected situations.
| Trip Length | 30 days or more prior | 29 days or fewer |
| Two Day, Full Day, Half Day | $25 cancellation fee/per person | No Refunds |
| Lickety Split, Lickety Blaster | $15 cancellation fee/per person | No Refunds |
Trip Date Change Policy
You may reschedule your trip 30 days or more prior with no change fee. 29 to 21 days prior you may change your trip date for a charge of $15 per person. 20 days or fewer a trip date change will not be available. All trip date changes must be within the same rafting season.
| 30 days or more prior | 29-21 days prior | 20 days or fewer |
| No Change Fee | $15 change fee/per person | Date change not available |
Deposit Policy
When booking 30 days or more in advance, a minimum 25% deposit or the full payment amount is due at the time of booking. 29 days or fewer to your trip you must pay your full balance.
| 30 days or more prior | 29 days or fewer |
| 25% deposit due at time of booking | Full Payment Due |
Guest Responsibility and Liability Policy
All Sierra South trips and classes involve physical activity and include certain elements of risk. We make every effort to run trips and classes in the finest, most fun-filled manner possible. However, we cannot guarantee your safety. It is your responsibility to evaluate your level of fitness and to select a trip or class which is appropriate for you. Seek medical advice before your trip if you question your physical condition. It is your responsibility to follow our instructions. If you have questions about which trip is right for you please contact one of our river experts.
Everyone will be required to sign a release of liability/assumption of risk form and a photography/video waiver form before departure. Minors under 18 not accompanied by their parents must have an online release form signed by their parent or legal guardian.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Sierra South has a zero-tolerance policy against the use of any drugs or alcohol before or during our activities. If you are visibly under the influence you will be removed from the trip with no refund.
Minors/Youth Policy
Minors must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
Minimums Policy
Some of our trips require a minimum number of guests to operate. The Lickety Split, Lickety Blaster, Half Days, or Full Days, all require a minimum of 4 guests. The Two-Day Lower Kern trips require a minimum of 6 and the Forks of the Kern trips require a minimum of 8 guests. Kayak classes, (other than private kayak classes), and climbing classes require a minimum of 2 guests. We will attempt to contact you if the minimums have not been met for the activity that you have chosen prior to the trip date. Minimum numbers can be met through one or multiple reservations and can be met up to the day before the trip. You can call 760-376-3745 for up-to-date trip status.
Water Level Policy
Your safety is our priority, and we want you to have a great adventure. Our trips may be substituted or changed due to water levels. Potential changes include, but are not limited to the following list: At higher water levels some Class IV trips may be converted to Class III trips and Class V trips may be converted to Class IV trips. During lower water levels, some Class IV trips will be rescheduled to our Class II & III sections. End-of-season trips can also be converted from rafting to tubing. If Sierra South cannot perform a trip and no substitute option is available you may be eligible for a full refund.
High Water Protocol
During big water seasons, the Kern River is one of the best whitewater rafting destinations in North America. With higher water levels come more safety protocols put into place by our river staff. High water typically lasts from mid-May until early July.
- Lickety Split & Blaster age requirement is 8 years old
- Lower Kern Class II-III age requirement is 12 years old
- Class IV age requirement is 16 years old
- Class V age requirement is 18 years old
- All Upper Kern Class IV participants must pass a mandatory swimming proficiency test.