Upper Kern Full Day, Class V

For a short time in the spring, the snowmelt from Mount Whitney provides the Kern River with enough water to raft one of the best sections of Class V Whitewater in the US. The Class V season is typically mid-April through mid-July. For the adventure seekers, the Thunder Run or Chamise Gorge sections of the Upper Kern are the most difficult one-day raft trips we offer. The Thunder Run has continuous class IV-V rapids with names like Sock’em Dog, Squashed Paddler, and Fender Bender. Chamise Gorge has class IV-V rapids called Helicopter Rock, Satan’s Slot, Black Bottom Falls. You will definitely get your fill of huge whitewater and come away with some great stories. We will provide a fully catered lunch midway through the trip to satisfy your hunger and give you a chance to exhale from all the action.

Sierra South will provide its most experienced and talented guides and safety kayakers for this trip. Career guides who are extremely capable of teaching techniques and thriving in this intense environment. All class V participants must be physically fit, good swimmers, and have previous class IV experience. A Class V Paddlers Evaluation is required prior to running class V whitewater. The paddler’s evaluation is not competitive. The purpose is to evaluate the ability of guests to deal with situations we might encounter. It is also done to emphasize teamwork, build confidence, and for you to assess your own readiness to paddle class V whitewater. Class V rafting is strenuous and adventurous. For those who are ready, it is an incredibly fulfilling experience. Class V rafting requires full participation, teamwork, and paddlers who are in good physical condition.