We've provided the following list of frequently asked questions to help you better understand our rules and procedures. Please review these questions and answers prior to your excursion so that you and your group can maximize your enjoyment and safety. Please feel free to contact us with any questions and/or concerns that were not addressed here.
- How many passengers can fit in a boat?
- When should my group arrive to go canoeing?
- For how many hours do we get to use the boat?
- Is there an age or size requirement?
- Can I bring a pet?
- Is this a dangerous river?
- What is the dam portage and what is required in regards to this obstacle?
- Do we need reservations?
- What if the weather doesn't cooperate?
- If there is an emergency what do we do?
- We have a large group. Is there anything we should know to make our lives easier when planning our trip?
Q: How many passengers can fit in a boat?
A: Each boat in our fleet has a maximum occupancy limit and maximum weight capacity determined by the boat manufacturer and our insurance company. Our canoes can hold no more than three (3) passengers with a gross weight of no more than four hundred and fifty (450) pounds. This means that the total weight of everyone in the boat and the equipment in the watercraft cannot exceed the limit. Also, our canoes can only fit three passengers if one of the passengers is a small child (over the age of six (6) and under ninety (90) pounds). Kayaks can hold one passenger, and tandem kayaks can hold two passengers. These rules were designed with the safety of our boaters in mind and thus are important to follow in order to have a fun filled outing.
Q: When should my group arrive to go canoeing?
A: Arriving early is an essential component that is often overlooked when considering a float trip. Nobody likes to be rushed. With that in mind we recommend that you arrive one half hour (30 minutes) prior to the departure time. We adhere to an "in line" policy of fifteen (15) minutes prior to the departure. This means that you and your group must be standing in line to be signed up and fitted for life jackets no later than fifteen minutes prior to the time scheduled for the trip to begin. This allows ample time for you and your group to organize yourselves and prepare for an enjoyable day. It also ensures that each trip will leave on time without one or two people holding up the entire group. Also, we strongly recommend that in order to save time you make a reservation prior to your arrival and that you have your rental forms and waiver forms completed in order to speed up the process. The forms are available on our site.
Q: For how many hours do we get to use the boat?
A: Every one of our rentals covers the entire day! We feel this is one aspect that sets us apart from other liveries that have strict guidelines on times and outrageous late fees. We want all of our customers to take as much or as little time as they want on the river. With this in mind there is one guideline; every boat must be returned no later 6pm. That means that if you embark on a two hour float trip at 8:00am you can spend many more hours on the river if you choose!
Q: Is there an age or size requirement?
A: Yes and yes. The size requirements, as mentioned above, are determined by our manufacturers. For more information on the size limits, please refer to the very first question on the FAQ page. As for the age limit, any passenger in the boat, regardless if accompanied by a parent or not, must be at least six (6) years of age. This is yet another policy set with the safety of our customers in mind. If you have a canoeing enthusiast in your group that is younger than six, we apologize, but always openly invite you to come back when the age requirements are met.
If you are under eighteen a parent or guardian must sign to be legally responsible for the boat. This person must also be present at the time of the rental whether they accompany the group canoeing or not.
You must be 21 years of age to rent a boat independently.
A: Yes. We understand that to many of our customers pets are just as important as any member of the family, and that some actually enjoy canoeing or kayaking equally as much! Unfortunately however, there is no safe way for us to transport the pet in our shuttle vehicles due to possible allergies suffered by other passengers or other unforeseen circumstances. If you are interested in bringing a pet, you will have to make transportation arrangements for the animal. Also, we do not provide life jackets for the animals if this is a concern. If you are interested in bringing a pet we recommend that you call for more details and inform us of the circumstances so that we can provide you and your group with the best option.
A: No matter how lazy or predictable a river may seem there are always hidden dangers and risk factors associated with canoeing or kayaking. Ignorance is not bliss when safety is concerned. That is why we go out of our way to make sure that you and your group are equipped with proper safety gear (more than most state laws require) and that we inform everyone repeatedly of dangers on the river. The water is not necessarily deep at most points (usually three to six feet) and generally does not have a swift current. However, as it is a natural body of water and not an amusement park ride mother nature can change the conditions whenever she feels. This means that fallen trees, rock formations, and even the wildlife can play a factor in the river conditions. If you have any safety questions or concerns we ask that you voice them to any one of our staff members before your outing gets underway. We would rather spend an extra few minutes clarifying safety information than have any member of your party feel uncomfortable during what is supposed to be a fun and relaxing day. (Just as a minor note: Our drivers will always recite a pre-written safety speech before loading any passengers into the boats. We've found that nearly all of the issues we've had in the past are from parties that do not take the information seriously. We ask that everyone in your group listens to this information and adheres to it during the entire trip to make the day as safe as possible.)
Q: What is the dam portage and what is required in regards to this obstacle?
A: Roughly five (5) miles north of our shop there is a dam that spans the entire width of the river, making it impossible to paddle around with your watercraft. The process is fairly simple. On the west side of the river there is a canoe portage at which you beach your boat and carry it around the provided pathway. Once around simply set your boat back in the water and continue on your trip. Anything north of the Rusty Oar (location provided on the map) requires that you use this portage. If you or any member of your group is unable to perform this task then please inform us of this so that we can help you with other options and arrangements.
A: We require reservations. We recommend strongly that you make a reservation at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to your departure time. If you simply arrive and want to embark on one of our trips you may be disappointed with a prolonged wait or with the possibility that we are entirely booked for the day. Planning ahead makes everyone's day more enjoyable, so keep this in mind when planning a trip.
Q: What if the weather doesn't cooperate?
A: We will call and inform you and your group the day of your scheduled trip if we feel it is unsafe to go boating (high water, dangerous storms, etc.) If it is simply raining we will still depart at our scheduled times. If you decide you do not want to canoe during unfavorable weather simply call us and cancel. There is no penalty for doing so, regardless of the reason. All we ask is that you contact us and keep us informed.
Q: If there is an emergency what do we do?
A: Honestly, we hope that you and your group consider this possibility. Boating is a risk activity, regardless of the safety measures taken to minimize the danger. We always advise that at least one member of the group carries a cellular phone in case of emergency. If the situation warrants immediate aid, dial 911. We can assist you in case of a serious issue, but please only contact us if you are sure you need aid. The important thing to remember, regardless of the situation, is not to panic. Make sure everyone is safe, then rationally consider what the best course of action would be to take.
Q: We have a large group. Is there anything we should know to make our lives easier when planning our trip?
A: This is yet another component of a canoe trip that unfortunately many individuals hope will just fall into place when the day comes. First of all, always make a reservation. Second, plan to arrive as early as possible, as larger groups tend to require more time to get organized. Have a group leader collect all of the money and the pre-completed forms in order to make sign up a short process rather than a long one. Finally, we strongly recommend carpooling. This allows members of your group to arrive at the same time, and also resolves limited parking issues. Planning ahead makes group trips enjoyable and simple, and will only benefit you in the long run.
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White River Canoe Company • 118 Cicero Road, Noblesville, IN 46060 • (317) 776-0129