ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, April 22, 1996 TAG: 9604230162
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
So you want to go white-water rafting in West Virginia.
You can call the tourism people in the Mountain State -1-800-CALL-WVA - and get a list of outfitters specializing in white-water trips on the New, Gauley and other rivers. But your request might result in a list of three-dozen rafting companies. How do you determine which to choose?
The rafting industry is aware the growing number of choices and the advertising blitz can be confusing and a bit overwhelming to consumers. ACE Whitewater is developing guidelines to assist would-be rafters, said Jack Lund, a river guide for the company. Here are his suggestions:
WORD OF MOUTH: ``That is the best advertisement there is,'' Lund said. The rafting customer, more than anyone, knows the quality of the trip he or she experienced, and can accurately pass that information on to friends. ``I would rely on word of mouth more than anything else,'' Lund said.
MAKE PHONE CALLS: Chambers of commerce and national organizations can be a good lead on quality rafting companies. In West Virginia, the Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau is a prudent starting point, Lund said. The number is 1-800-VISIT-WV. The better companies likely will be members of industry organization, such as America Outdoors, 1-800-524-4814, and Professional Paddle Sports Association, 606-472-2205, he said.
BROCHURES: Ten minutes spent looking at the pictures and reading the text in the literature you receive from rafting companies will tell you much about the quality of the organization, Lund said. As a general rule, professional literature equates to a professional outfitter.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS: If you plan to spend more than one day in the area, additional attractions - biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking clinics, overnight facilities - take on importance. Find out what the outfitter has to offer, and whether you can enjoy the extras on the outfitter's property or you must drive a distance to reach them, Lund said.
GO BIG: ``Big outfitters got big by offering quality trips,'' Lund said. Even so, some of the smaller, mom-and-pop companies will tell you they can provide a quality experience, and perhaps at a lesser price.
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshots) Lund.by CNB