PRO: Grand Canyon Rafting

FAQ
On Grand Canyon and PRO

Sections

General PRO Info

Where is PRO? Our warehouse is located on Route 66, just outside Flagstaff city limits to the West, and opposite Woody Mountain Road. From I-40: exit north at Flagstaff Ranch Road and turn east toward town on Route 66; our gray warehouse will be on the left in less than a mile. Click here for a printable page with directions to PRO.

What is PRO's address? There are two addresses for two different purposes. Please use the correct address.

Shipping Address (for UPS and FEDEX)	Mailing Address (for US Postal Service)
Professional River Outfitters, Inc.	Professional River Outfitters, Inc.
2800 West Route 66	PO Box 635
Flagstaff, AZ 86001	Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0635

Is PRO the best in the business? Yes. Ask our customers; they'll tell you. Ask Flagstaff locals. Check out the competition for yourself. Call us to arrange a tour if you like; come see our clean and organized warehouse, our happy staff, and our top-notch equipment. Peek in PRO's food packing room, and at the vehicles in the lot. Web pages and brochures can't touch PRO's excellence; when you get up close, you'll know.
What about employment opportunities at PRO? Most of our hiring is word of mouth within the Grand Canyon community. We hire in the late winter/early spring for each season.. If you're interested in working at PRO, visit and introduce yourself! See our JOBS page for specific openings and the email address where you can send a resume.

Rafts

How many and what size rafts does a 16 person, 18 day Grand Canyon trip require? PRO can usually get the basics on four of our 18-foot rafts, though if you like beer and other luxuries, we recommend five. It helps if some people go in kayaks or on other rafts. When you use smaller rafts or dories, or big boats with lesser frames, the number of boats needed increases. Even for fewer than 16 people, the capacity required is still large, as the equipment required by the Park stays the same.
What kind of rafts does PRO have? Our fleet was built from customer requests over the last 16 years. We have paddle rafts, row rigs, motor rigs and inflatable kayaks. The brands are Sotar, Avon, Maravia, NRS and Canyon Inflatables. Our row boats are 16 and 18 feet long. The Sotars (16' and 18'), Maravias (18'), IK's and NRS paddle rafts (14') are self-bailing. The rest have traditional bucket floors. We also have 22' Snouts, 37' S-Rigs and Catarafts.
What comes with a boat rental from PRO? The PRO RIG includes an aluminum main frame with floorboard, rear frame, two drop bags, table, cooler, cooler cover, hatch or table cover, four oars, your choice of pins & clips, open oar locks or locks with rites, 34 straps rigged on the frames, bowline, low volume pump and repair kit. We throw in a couple bailing buckets (even for self-bailers).
What doesn't automatically come with a boat rental that I'm going to want? A few more straps, side boxes, a water jug (that fits in the slot beside the cooler), throwable cushion, throwbag, and high volume pump. All that is available from PRO, if it's not in your garage. Transport is NOT included in a boat rental.
How do I figure out how to rig the PRO Rig? If we're at the put-in (and we will be if you use our put-in shuttle), we'll help. If you're picking up the boat, then we'll give you an instruction sheet, and show you what you need to see before you leave.
Where does the folding aluminum table go on a PRO Rig? Either the Main Frame or the Rear Frame will be recessed so that when you drop the table in legs down, it forms a flat deck. You get one table per raft unless you have 3 or more rafts, because you don't really need all those tables and there are advantages to having hatches too.
What's the carrying capacity of one of PRO's 18 footers? Each of the two drop bags can hold up to six 20 mm rocket boxes, there's room on the floor for two aluminum side boxes or six more 20mm boxes, and the rower sits on a 178 quart cooler. Bruce designed the drop bags extra-sturdy to hold the heaviest items, keeping the boat's center of gravity low. You can also rig gear on top of the rear deck or table, preferably personal bags that are lighter and softer. The front hatch/table has a comfy cover for 2-3 people to sit on.
Which is better, self-bailing or "conventional" (bucket floor) rafts? It depends on where you are going, and on your priorities. The majority of PRO's customers opt for self-bailing boats for Grand Canyon trips, because they've already bailed enough for one lifetime. Professional Grand Canyon boatmen prefer bucket boats because they are faster and track better, and they have customers on board to bail. We have just a few classic Zambezis and Superpros left, and they are beloved for the smooth straight tracking that only a tub-floor boat can offer.
How many passengers can you put on a raft? The Park Service has limits for each size raft; they say you can carry up to 6 people on an 18-foot raft. Recreational boatmen would rather have a lighter boat than that; ask them.
Can I rent a motor rig? Maybe. Running a big rig isn't as easy as it looks, especially at low flows. PRO requires that the person responsible for the rig be a NPS licensed motor guide in Grand Canyon, or show proof of licensing within the last 10 years. We have 22 foot Snout Rigs, and 37 foot S-Rigs available. They're challenging to drive and expensive to repair; line up a boatman you trust before you ask.
What kind of rowing setups does PRO provide? You have your choice for each boat, open oarlocks, oarlocks with oar rights, or pins & clips. Here's the NRS comparison of rights vs pins in case you're curious.

Other Equipment

Can you call out of the canyon with a Satellite phone? Yes, from most locations. You increase your odds of keeping a good connection by calling from a place with a wide swath of sky. It sounds like a regular phone, though sometimes there is a lag while the signal bounces out to space. If you have a real emergency, a sat phone is the fastest way to get help.
What comes with a Complete Kitchen? Two two-burner Partner stoves, ample propane, hoses & repair kit, 3 metal "chickie" pails for doing dishes, firepan with grill, shovel, grill brush, pots, pans, a griddle, mixing bowls, Dutch ovens, channel locks, measuring cup, cheese cutter, cutting boards, knives, spoons, forks, a steamer, can openers, a dropper for bleach, utensils, cups, plates, bowls, coffee pots, a pitcher for mixing juice, a dish-drying-hammock, and a ranger-satisfying strainer. We mean complete.
What types of life jackets are accepted? The Park accepts type III or V Personal Floatation Devices. They must be Coast Guard approved (with readable sewn-in panel), undamaged and unmodified. It's wise to bring extra lifejackets (beyond the required spares) because the ranger may disqualify a few. As of 2006 the requirement for spares is one per ten people, instead of one per boat.

How many toilet fill cans will we need? The Park Service says you can get 50-70 poops in a 20mm box. By using PRO's riser you elevate the toilet seat above the top of the box, and you can fill them to the top without fear. To calculate how many fill cans you need, use this formula and round down:

[# Fill Cans needed] =	[# People] x [# Days]

	50 (for adults)

What's in a PRO handwash system? Plastic hose, a bubble foot-pump, and a metal tube that squirts water on your hands while you pump with your foot. You need two buckets to set it up, one with fresh river water, and one empty to collect soapy water. It may seem a bit much, but people wash their hands more with the system, and handwashing prevents much intestinal strife. Cool weather tip: Put some hot water in the handwash supply water, and people will gladly wash their hands, because the warm water feels good.
Does PRO rent motors? Yes. We have 30 HP 4-cycle Honda motors (4-cycle is now required in Grand Canyon), and 15 HP Hondas that can be used on a cataraft, or on a same-sized pair of PRO rafts with a transom.
How does the water filter work? The Katadyne Expedition water filter is a barrel pump with a metal foot. Prop the unit on a bucket full of water, and pump. One hose takes river water from a bucket while you pump the handle, and the output hose squirts drinkable water into your jug. Helpers can refill the intake hose bucket with clear water, and remove away the full containers of filtered water.
What if the water is silty? If the river water is brown you can use alum to settle out the silt, or let it settle overnight. Measure the alum, because too much is toxic! When the water is brown you will need to clean the ceramic Katadyne filter core a lot more often.

Custom Frames and Dryboxes

Does PRO sell used equipment? Only once a year, in the spring, we have a sale in our warehouse. Don't expect to find frames or boxes in this sale; we repair our rental gear. What we do sell is old rafts, kitchen stuff, lifejackets, and whatever is no longer new-looking enough to be a nice rental. If you would like to be notified of our annual used gear sale, send us your name and e-mail address or phone number, and we'll let you know (when we know) when it will be. This sale is in person only, no telephone or internet sales.
How do I know what size frames to order? First, you need a raft. Tell us exactly what kind and size of raft you have. Send us the manufacturer's stats, but don't believe them. Blow up the boat and measure it yourself. Think about what you want to carry on the boat. Fax us your frame design ideas, and we'll work from there.
Can I get sand stakes and oar holders in unusual lengths? Of course. A standard holder is 12", and a standard sand stake is 21". Let us know if you want something different.
Do you sell oar locks? No. You can buy them online from NRS, and lots of other places.
How do I get my order started? After we have agreed on a frame or box setup that you want and we can build, we'll come up with a price for you. Send us a 50% deposit and we'll build it. The other 50% is due on pickup. We ship by DATS trucking if needed: you cover shipping.

Food

How do I get a copy of the Menu options and instructions? Right here. And all seven of the Sample Menus are available online, see the Menu Download Center at the bottom of the food services page.
What if we have a mix of vegetarians and meat eaters on the trip? Try the Meat/Veggie Combo Sample Menu. The meals in this menu are basically vegetarian, with meats that can be cooked on the side. For example, on spaghetti night, the Italian sausage is in a pan instead of in the sauce. We set you up with a stash of beef jerky to satisfy the guy who hates hummus, and vice versa. If you think you can do it better than us, choose the Custom Menu Planning Service and choose a menu from our meal offerings.
How long can you keep fresh food in coolers? It depends on the types of food, how often you open and drain the cooler, the quality of the ice and the temperatures outside. Even when it's hot, it is possible to have ice on day 10. During cooler times of year you may have ice for the entire trip. How your ice lasts is directly related to how you treat your coolers.
What if some produce is going to spoil before the Menu says to eat it? Eat it today! You can change your menu, you have control. Don't feel trapped by a piece of paper...be resourceful, ingenious, and make it work.
Does PRO use dry ice? Yes, in meat coolers. All the meat is frozen hard to start with, and stacked so that what you need first is on top.
Should I bring extra food? There will be plenty of food in any PRO foodpack. However if you're picky, or dependent on a certain type of comfort food, it's not a bad idea to take care of yourself.
What kinds of food come in a PRO foodpack? All kinds. Pick one of our Sample Menus for a balanced plan for your trip, or pick your meals yourself. Either way you get to adjust your supplies to suit your trip. We provide an abundance of fresh foods for the first week or so on the river, then transition to durable and non-perishable foods for the rest of the expedition.
What size coolers are best? Larger coolers (120 quart or larger) are necessary for Grand Canyon foodpacks because they stay cold longer. It's physics; more cold mass in relation to surface area means it will warm more slowly.
Can PRO freeze solid ice into my cooler? Yes, if your cooler is being used for a PRO foodpack. We call it PRO Ice. It costs $60 per cooler (123 or 178 quart size) and takes about 2 weeks to freeze. We freeze it in layers so the top is flat, and the final temperature is minus 18 degrees Centigrade. It lasts up to a week longer than block ice because there are no air pockets.

Drink

Where can I put my wine & booze? Please don't bring glass bottles, unless you have a safe container specifically for them. Boxed wine packs nicely into rocket boxes, keeps after it is opened, and is better than folks expect. We can rent you extra rocket boxes (20mm size) for your stash.
Where do we put canned beer and soda? In the drop bags, hopefully. In PRO's 18' boats there is room for a layer of cans underneath the crates that carry fruit and/or canned food, and then more cans squeezed around the edges. If you have substantial beer requirements, consider packing some in dryboxes or crates, or bagging the cases together in riggable "cubes". Serious beerdrinkers: add another boat.
How much beer does an average group bring? Wellll, there's nothing average about the beer drinkers around here. Though some trips take no beer at all, some have been seen at Lee's Ferry with 200 cases. Granted, you need a motor rig to carry that much beer. To figure out how much beer to take, find out how many cases each of your boats can carry, find out how much beer each person would like to drink, and see if the two can meet in the middle. What doesn't fit on the boats you'll have to drink at the put-in.
Does PRO provide a beer cooler? No. Unless you have an overabundance of cooler space your ice will be best used for preserving perishable foods. People cool their beer in the river (47 degrees F at the dam), hanging from the boat in a drag bag, or by putting the beer in a fresh bucket of river water in camp. Some folks will bring a pump and plastic tubing to divert drained cooler water into buckets for ice-cold treats.

Money

How much does it cost? You can get a specific estimate by calling PRO at (800) 648-3236. We are happy to work though several versions to help you decide exactly what you need. Prices for various shuttle options, food options, and every kind of gear you can imagine, are listed in our brochure and on this site; we only charge you for what you actually want. A full Painless Private � with PRO supplying boats, kitchen & other group gear, food and shuttle, including Hualapai fees and taxes, is just under a thousand dollars per person. (A commercial trip runs about three thousand per person.)
Do you offer package deals? PRO offers only one "package", the Painless Private �, and its contents are flexible. You pay for what you get. The Painless includes extra services and equipment, and works best for people who are coming from far away and want to show up and have it all ready to go. To qualify for the Painless Private � you need to rent at least one boat, and get a PRO foodpack and shuttle.
Does PRO take credit cards? Yes, we take Discover, Visa, and Mastercard. We take personal checks and cash, too.
How can I get a discount? PRO offers three different discounts on rental gear. Launch between November 1 and March 31 and you get the 10% Off-Season discount. Book your trip six or more months prior to your trip, and you get a 10% Early Booking discount. Book your trip a year or more before your trip, and get the previous season price hold: we seal your prices in the previous year, plus you get the Early Booking discount. Members of Grand Canyon River Guides and Grand Canyon Private Boater�s Association get a 10% discount. Some discounts are cumulative, others are not. Call us early and we can advise you on the best deal.
How can I trim my costs in other ways? Every time you trim a PRO service, it means more labor for your group. If you have time on your hands, here are ways in which you can hold onto your dollars. Supply all the gear you can, and PRO will deduct the rental cost of equipment items that you don�t have to rent. If you're OK with a menu with PB&J lunches and beans & rice dinners, check out the El Cheapo sample menu. Use the PRO pack. Fill your trip to 16 people. Choose the simplest shuttle. Ask for tips along the way; we can help you minimize your costs.
How much to reserve what I need? A 10% deposit reserves equipment rentals and services; the remainder is due one month before your launch. After your trip we'll check & clean the gear, then bill you if anything is missing or damaged.
Does PRO require a damage deposit? Yes, in the form of a personal check that we hold, cash, or a credit card. The bond for boats is $250 per boat.
What if I have to cancel my trip unexpectedly? Plans can change suddenly. PRO will refund your money except what is spent on perishable food or substantial labor, or unless we've had to turn away business to hold your reservation. Let us know early, and you're in good shape.

Shuttle

What is the best shuttle? It depends on a zillion variables. Where you are coming from? Are you driving or flying? Who is bringing the boats and food pack? You can meet your group in Flagstaff and have PRO run you to the put-in, pick you up at the takeout and bring you back to Flagstaff. Or you can meet at Lee's Ferry and we'll pick you and your gear up at Diamond Creek and return you to your cars. Or you can have your cars shuttled from the put-in to Peach Springs and have the Hualapai Tribe pick you up at the takeout and run you to your cars. Let's talk it over.
Is the PRO Truck big enough to handle our 6 rafts and 8 kayaks and 100 cases of beer? Probably. If your trip will have more than 6 row rigs, please call us for "big load" authorization. Our trucks have lift gates to make loading and unloading easier on our backs.
Where do I store my car? You will either leave it at Lee's Ferry, where it can stay in long term parking, leave it in storage or at a motel in Flagstaff, or have it shuttled to Ralph Goldstein near Peach Springs. In any of these places, the risk is yours--neither car storage businesses nor the Park insures your vehicle. PRO or Norm (see next bullet) can make these arrangements for you.
How can we get some cars shuttled? Call River Runner's Shuttle Service (Norman, Ann & Greg Montgomery) at 928-564-2391, or check out his web page at www.rrshuttleservice.com. Norm's service is the most reliable, resourceful and trustworthy in the region. He also offers shuttles for South Cove and Las Vegas.
Where do groups meet the PRO shuttle in Flagstaff? At your hotel, or sometimes in the parking area of a grocery store or shopping plaza. Leave your boats on the vehicle or trailer until the truck shows up. Pile drybags and cases of drinks where our vehicle can get to the pile.
What are the drive times involved in Grand Canyon shuttles? From Flagstaff to Lee's Ferry is 2.5 hours. From Diamond Creek to Flagstaff is 3 hours, and one of those hours is spent on the rough Diamond Creek Road. From Pearce Ferry or South Cove it's 4.5 hours back to Flagstaff. These time estimates do not include loading/unloading or stops.
What about flash floods on the Diamond Creek road? Read the Diamond Creek Information.

Permit & Group Logistics

Does PRO provide boatmen? No. We do not run river trips or guide anybody. You provide the expertise and permit; we provide gear, shuttles and food. Once you're on the river, you're on your own!
How do you get a permit to run a Private (Noncommercial) Trip in Grand Canyon? It's a long process. See our section on Permits for River Runners for the full scoop.
Where can I get help filling out my permit application? Call us here at PRO--we can help with details about boats, life jackets, helicopter signal panels, etc.
How do you find out where to camp and hike? That's where having experienced folks on your trip really pays off. The Park has some requirements--read the rules about sacred sites and other off limits areas. There are maps and books that can help. Some parts of the river flow faster than others, some camps offer sun in the morning, and some have great hikes. PRO can send you our sample itineraries, but when you're on the river, necessity will cause changes in any plan. Commercial boatmen know what's around the bend; politely pick their brains when you can. Remember - you are not part of their job description.
When can I get to a telephone? There is a payphone at the restroom building at Lee's Ferry (928) 355-9201, and another payphone at Phantom Ranch (928) 638-2241. If you rent a Satellite Telephone you can call like a normal phone from most places in the canyon.
What about drinking water? There is a spigot beside the restroom at Lee's Ferry where you can top off every water bottle and jug that you have. There's another park water supply at Phantom Ranch. After that all your drinking water will be filtered or treated from the river. Conserve drinking water by making coffee and boiling noodles with river water-boiling kills the infectious critters.
Do we have to put a tarp under the kitchen? No. It's recommended, not required. At popular camps red ant populations are increasing because campers inadvertently feed them. It's worth your while to avoid leaving crumbs that attract pests. Ant bites are painful.
What do we do with garbage? Until you launch, can use the dumpster at the Lee's Ferry launch ramp. Eliminate packaging and take as little trash with you as possible. Once you're headed downstream, every snippet of trash will be carried downstream with you to the end. Compact trash as small as possible, and contain it in the designated cans or bags. Burn what you can, when you have the firepan out. Cut the tops and bottoms out of rinsed steel cans and smash them flat with the ends tucked inside. For stinky trash, add a little bleach. PRO will recycle aluminum cans kept separate. Keep glass in a rigid container to keep it from slicing anything. Please don't put trash in coolers; it ruins them. If you are doing a Painless Private, PRO will take care of the trash and recycling after your takeout. Otherwise, if you have a PRO takeout shuttle, you have two options. You can deposit your trash in the dumpster at PRO for $2.50 per person, or you can have the PRO warehouse boys clean the trash out of PRO boxes for $6.00 per person on the trip.
How long does it take to get to Phantom Ranch (mile 89)? You can get there in 4 or 5 days, but usually people take 6 or 7 days.

Launch Logistics

Why do we go to the put-in a whole day before we launch? Because it takes a long time to rig boats for an expedition, and to make sure you're really ready. Don't skimp on this time-it's your setup for a successful trip. We call it rig day.
Where do we camp the night before our launch? Just downstream of the boat ramp. You can also stay at Marble Canyon Lodge the night before your launch; it is 4 miles away, and they provide a van shuttle if you ask. (Marble Canyon Lodge 800-726-1789).
Do we need to leave someone to keep an eye on the boats? Yes. It's generally a safe place, but you never know what unsafe person might show up. You are responsible for the gear until it gets back into the PRO warehouse.
How can we get off on the right foot with the ranger? Have your paperwork ready and be sure everyone has proper ID. Don't make coffee or eat breakfast on the ramp. Take up as little space as possible at the downstream end of the launch ramp. Obey parking regulations. Do a Painless Private �--the rangers know our gear, and your advisor will facilitate the process.
When do we do our Ranger Checkout and Park orientation? Most groups do both at 9am on the morning of their launch day. You may be able to set up either or both for rig day directly with the ranger (928) 355-2232.
What are the Park requirements for group equipment? A complete list can be found in the Regulations, a copy of which is sent by the Park to the Permittee, along with the Permit. The short list:
- One Major First Aid Kit, and a Minor First Aid kit for every other boat, including "unsupported" kayaks and canoes
- One type III or V PFD per person, plus1 spare life jacket per 10 people
- One Throwable Cushion per 16' or larger boat
- Emergency signaling mirror, US air force type
- Two Helicopter signaling panels, each 3 x 10 feet and international orange
- Four oars (2 running, 2 spare) per rowboat
- Two Motors and 1 Fire Extinguisher (specific type) per Motorboat
- One spare paddle per 4 kayaks or canoes
- At least one large durable air pump (Bring more than one)
- One raft repair kit per trip (or several to cover different boat types)
- One guidebook or map per boat
- Dishwater strainer
- Liquid bleach
- Hand wash system
- Firewood, if you will have a non-charcoal fire during the wood-collecting ban May 1 to September 30
- Regulation Fire Pan (there is an exception during the summer if you aren't going to burn anything or cook with charcoal)
- Stoves for cooking
What are the other requirements for the Ranger Checkout?
- Permit
- Copy of the Regulations
- Picture ID for every participant
- Complete participant roster with Middle Initial & Social Security number.
What is involved in the Orientation Program at Lee's Ferry? The group walks to a trailer behind the long-term parking lot, where the ranger plays a DVD. Expect an overview of Park Regulations, advice regarding bathing and toilet procedures, hiking, camping, boating, nudity, wildlife, and more. The program takes 1-2 hours. (Your group can be exempted from the program if everyone on the trip has done a Grand Canyon river trip within the last year.)
Is there electricity for blowing up boats at Lee's Ferry? Yes. There's a place to plug in at the ramp; you need a long extension cord to get the blower near the water. If you have a PRO put-in shuttle and a boat rental, we'll provide a blower and cord.
Is there drinking water at Lee's Ferry? Yes, for most of the year. In the winter they turn off the pump at the ramp, so bring water during the coldest months.

Kayaker's Concerns

Do I have to carry a first aid kit? It's not required unless you are going "unsupported", which means without rafts. However it is wise to carry a small fix-it kit just in case somebody gets a scrape and the rafts are out ahead.
What kind of boat should I bring? A comfortable boat that you have fun in. You can paddle a squirt boat or a spud, and if you enjoy that boat on your home rivers, you'll feel good in Grand Canyon. Since there are occasional magnificent waves, you might choose a boat that shreds waves, or one that does wave wheels.
What is the difficulty of Grand Canyon rapids to the kayaker? The Grand Canyon rating system of 1-10 is oriented at large heavy rafts, and doesn't have much bearing on the small boat experience. Most of the rapids are class III; wide-open but powerful wave trains with serious swirlies at the bottom. The big rapids are class IV by most kayaker's standards; they have a rock or hole which you really want to avoid, and they're splashy and disorienting, but even if you swim you'll most likely be fine. People have swum every rapid down there and come out waterlogged with a great story. Lava looks more class V than it feels; there are no moves required, only a proper entry point and the determination to keep rolling up.
What skills do I need to paddle Grand Canyon? You need a bomber roll, the ability to turn sideways to a big wave train and paddle out of it, and the ability to paddle through extensive funny water. And you need the sense to know when to scout, who to follow, and when to take a break.
What should I wear? A drytop over fleece, and shorts in the summer. More on the legs in the other seasons. Pogies or gloves are nice even in the spring and fall, especially on windy days. You don't need to bring many pairs of fleece because it will dry overnight.
Should I carry a drybag in my boat? Yes. Bring along water, food, extra clothing, camera, and whatever you need to go on an impromptu hike. Give the rafters some space; keep your stuff with you.
Where are the best playspots? Depends on flow just like anywhere, but a couple classic rodeo holes are at Mile 116.5 Elve's Chasm and Mile 212, above Pumpkin Springs. Some of the best surf waves are in little rapids. At low flows Redneck Rapid and Hakatai have "all day" waves. At higher flows often the first steep wave in any rapid is a great surf, if you can catch it.
How do I tie a kayak on a raft? It's pretty easy. Put it crossways on the back, behind the duffel pile, and put a strap from each grabloop back to the raft's frame. Make sure the cockpit is in/down so that the boat doesn't fill up. If the wind picks up, the boatman will want you to paddle your kayak downstream, instead of it being a sail on his barge.
What is my responsibility to the trip? In order to not be cursed as a bottom-dweller, help load and unload the rafts, set up the kitchen and groover, and generally work like a dog. Everyone works hard to make a private trip work. The boatmen are rowing your gear down the river, so take good care of them to keep your river kharma in order.

Personal Logistics for the Rookie

What is the weather like? Hot and dry, relative to most places. In general the desert tends to be warm but windy in the spring, scorching hot midsummer, alternating hot and rainy during the late summer monsoons, perfect in the fall, and cool and shady in the winter. There is a chart of average temperatures, and another of sunrise and sunset times, in the Painless Primer.
What do I wear when I'm on the raft? In the summer you dress to protect yourself from the sun, and enjoy the frigid cold dousings of the rapids. Shorts and tanks are nice when the sun isn't too high. When it's a little cooler, wear synthetics like fleece, thermax, polypropylene or capilene, with a rain jacket and rain pants you can pull on when it gets splashy. When it's cold make sure you have a warm fuzzy hat and extra-warm thick pants and sweaters, as well as warm socks and neoprene booties.
How do I dress for the desert sun? Wear a big hat, suncreen, long pants and longsleeve shirts, and drink water. Cotton pants and shirts hold water in the fiber, and keep you cool when it's really hot. Synthetics drain water faster, if it's not that hot. Make sure to protect your hands and feet from the sun, too.
Where do I sleep? Most folks sleep on sandy beaches by the river, on a camping pad and in a sleeping bag or sheet if it's hot. Most nights it is wonderful to sleep under the stars, though some folks feel more comfortable in a tent. It is wise to bring a tent in case of windstorms or rain. Boatmen usually sleep on the boats.
Should I bring my wallet? Yes, but pare it down. You won't have much chance to shop. You will need a little money to spend at Marble Canyon Lodge before you launch, at Phantom Ranch in the bottom of the canyon, and at the gas station mini mart on the shuttle after you take out. Bring a calling card for using payphones, and a credit card for the unexpected. And bring your photo ID to show the ranger at the put-in; without it you don't get to go.
Where do you go to the bathroom? You pee into the river, and you poop into a can with a toilet seat on top. Your group must carry all poop down the river with you, because it doesn't decompose in the desert and lots of people use Grand Canyon. It takes a little getting used to, peeing and pooping in different places, and having your toilet set up in the great wide open, but after a while you can relax and enjoy the view.
What if I have to go (#2) when we're going down the river? There is a day potty for daytime emergencies when the porto-unit (toilet) is packed away. It has paper bags in it, and chlorox and TP. You take the box with you to a private spot, poop on a ripped-open paper bag lined with TP, roll it up and put that package in another bag. The boatman will show you which porto box to put your baggie in, and where to rig the day potty.
Is it safe? No, but then neither is staying at home. You're statistically most likely to get hurt when you walk down to the river to pee in the middle of the night. So wear your shoes and carry a light when it's dark. Wear your lifejacket and secure loose items when you're on the water. Use common sense in the wilderness, and your odds are better than driving to work at rush hour.
Will my raft flip over? Maybe. It depends on many factors. If you are a passenger, you can learn to high-side, bail, and fetch spare oars, and do your part to keep the raft upright. If the boatman falls out, jump into the cockpit and row--it's better than floating downstream without a pilot.
What do I do if I fall out of the raft? Get back in. Usually when you pop out of a boat, it will still be close by when you come up to the surface. Swim over and yell at someone to pull you back in. If you can't get to your raft, don't be picky; any boat will do. Shores can be friendly or not; pick your landing spot with eyes wide open.
What personal gear do I bring? In the Painless Primer there is a suggested packing list. You will also find an extensive packing list on the Grand Canyon Private Boater's Association website; www.gcpba.org. Bring a compact version of what you need to be comfy both on the river and off, especially appropriate clothing and sleeping gear. It's like packing for backpacking, except you don't have to carry it on your back very far.
What's the most common rookie mistake? Rookies bring too much stuff. You don't need to wear a new outfit every day, nor to be entertained every moment. The people and the river will fill your world. Go fast and light.
How do I keep my stuff dry? Carefully pack it in drybags and boxes, and if you don't trust the bag or box, put it inside another layer of plastic. Cameras, medications and other delicate items require multiple layers of waterproof protection. PRO can rent you drybags, which roll down and fasten at the sides to keep water out; learn the tricks to rolling them, or they'll leak. We also rent small metal boxes called "ammo cans" to put things in during the day. Ziplocks are great for small stuff.
Can I send or receive mail from down in Grand Canyon? Yes. There is a post office at Phantom Ranch. Most river trips pass Phantom Ranch around Day 5 to 7. The mail is delivered to the bottom of the Grand Canyon by mule. The mailing address is River Runner's Mail, P.O. Box 699, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023. Note the person's name and the trip name on the envelope as well.
How do I do my part? Get up in the morning and pack up your personal bags before breakfast, carrying them down when you come down for breakfast.. Feed and water yourself, so that then you can help with the communal chores. Help set up and break down the kitchen, help carry gear to and from the rafts, learn how to set up and take down the toilet and firepan. Most folks like to get on the water early enough to avoid afternoon headwinds, and arrive at their next camp while the day is young. If you're on a Painless, your Primer gives descriptions of camp chores.
What about snakes and scorpions? They're out there. The ranger's program shows pictures. Our advice: Don't mess with snakes, wear shoes, and shake out your river gear before you put it on. Scorpions like damp gear.
What are the hikes like? The trails are small and rocky, and you will probably do a lot of scrambling, ducking around thorny bushes and cacti, and climbing on rocks. On some hikes you have to wade or swim across streams or pools or mud! Go with a buddy, and keep within your own limits. Most hikes are "up and back", so you can go as far as you like, then return the way you came to the boats or camp.
Why can't I use soap in or near the side streams? Soap kills sensitive species. The fish and plants that inhabit Grand Canyon are happiest around side streams--it's good habitat. If you want to use the nice water for a bath, get a bucket of it, and take it to the river's edge some distance from the side stream, and wash where you won't kill the snails and stuff in the creeks. Watch the river currents; sometimes a big eddy in the river will take your soap back upstream to a creek mouth; you don't want to let that happen. You can also bathe in a conventional floored raft, and then bail out the soapy water downstream of the sidestream.
What about tolio? Tolio is the boatman's name for the fungal/bacterial plague that sometimes infests river runners' feet. Avoid it by keeping your feet happy, warm and dry whenever possible, never sunburned, and bring several pairs of socks. There is no universal treatment, though some boatmen swear by Vagisil.
Any other health tips? Yes. Wash your hands with soap after using the bathroom, and before eating or cooking. Take extra-good care of your hands, meaning use lots of lotion, avoid putting them in bleach water (use gloves for dish washing). Use sunscreen. Drink more water than usual. Take food, water, and first aid supplies with you when you go on a hike. Tend small wounds with vigilance. Wear shoes.