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Help Me Choose a Rafting Trip
High Water Protocol
Class II – III
The minimum age for Class II-III rafting during high water protocol is 8 years old on the Lickety and 12 on the Lower Kern. Full Day Merit Badge trips the minimum age is 12.
On the Lickety flows above 3500cfs and on the Lower Kern above 3,000cfs.
No. There is not a mandatory swim test but it is highly advised that you know how to swim.
Being in average physical shape with no underlying health conditions is a must.
No. We anticipate high water protocol lasting from mid-May to early July but it will depend on how hot spring and early summer are. High water protocol could start earlier or extend longer weather depending.
Yes. If deemed necessary, Sierra South may move your trip to the section that we feel is the safest and best trip possible. This may include Lower Kern Class II-III trips being moved to the Lickety.
Class IV
- What is the minimum age for Class IV?
The minimum age for Class IV rafting during high water is 16 years old.
- What flow does high water protocol kick in?
On the Upper Kern flows above 3500cfs and on the Lower Kern above 3,000cfs.
- Is there a mandatory swim test during high water protocol?
Yes. On the Upper Kern guests must pass a swimming proficiency test before moving to Class IV rapids. On the Lower Kern, all guests are required to learn how to swim in the river.
- Do I need to be in good physical shape for high water Class IV rafting?
Yes. Being in good physical shape is a must to safely participate in Class IV rafting. You must be able to actively paddle hard and not have any underlying health conditions.
- Will high water protocol last the entire season?
No. We anticipate high water protocol lasting from mid-May to early July but it will depend on how hot spring and early summer are. High water protocol could start earlier or extend longer weather depending.
- Will Sierra South move my trip to a different section if the water is too high?
Yes. If deemed necessary, Sierra South may move your trip to the section that we feel is the safest and best trip possible. This may include Upper Kern trips being moved to the Lower Kern or if both sections are too high moving trips to the Lickety.
Class V
Class V rafting on the Kern River is a thrilling experience and one of North America’s best rafting trips. During high water protocol all participants must be 18 years old, have prior Class IV or V rafting experience, and be in great physical shape.