Frequently Asked Questions
Many things come to mind when people contemplate a river trip. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions:
WHAT DO I WEAR ON THE TRIP?
Dress for the river is normally shorts, swimsuit, hat or visor, t-shirt and river sandals or old tennis shoes for the warmer months. In cooler months, layering your clothing is strongly recommended. FFA provides waterproof bags so that you can take off or put on clothes as necessary. Do not bring good shoes for the river - they will get wet! If you choose to wear sandals, they should have ankle straps.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
This is our most frequently asked question, so we'll tell you what the experts say:
Spring (March - April) Day: 75-90, Night: 45-60
Summer (May - September) Day: 85-100+, Night: 70-80
Fall (October - December) Day: 70-85, Night: 45-60
Winter (January - February) Day: 55-75, Night: 30-50
Rainfall averages 10-12 inches per year, with the highest months being in the fall
WHAT ABOUT THE GUIDES?
Our guides are outdoor enthusiasts with many years' experience running rivers throughout the American West. They'll row the rafts, lead the canoes, organize hikes, prepare lunch and with a little encouragement, even provide a bit of entertainment. Realizing that personal involvement increases one's enjoyment of a trip, they will welcome your interest in learning how to row, paddle or better understand the desert plant and animal life. Our staff will enrich your experience with knowledge of the Big Bend they have picked up in several fields: botany, geology, astronomy, history, etc. All FFA guides meet a minimum 40-hour certification in first aid and CPR.
SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDE?
Many guests ask us whether tipping the guides is appropriate. If you believe the guides have exceeded your service expectations, please feel free to leave a tip (10-15% of the trip price is normal). Tipping is by no means required.
WHAT IS THE LUNCH LIKE?
Our lunches vary based on current supplies, but expect a smorgasbord of picnic foods such as deli meats, cheese, fruit, chips, pickles, cookies, and pasta or tuna salad. Ice water will be available throughout the day on the boat, and tea and lemonade mixes are available at lunch.
SHOULD I BRING A CAMERA?
Big Bend is a scenic wonderland. We encourage you to bring a camera and plenty of film. We have waterproof containers available to store your equipment, but please remember this is a water activity, and there are no guarantees. (We stock a full line of disposable, waterproof cameras.)
WHAT ABOUT THE "BATHROOM"?
Because the trip will take us through primitive areas of Big Bend, bathroom facilities are limited. Some of the put-ins and take-outs along the day section have compost type toilets, otherwise "pink and blue bushes" or large rocks will have to suffice. To protect the resources, we carry out all garbage.
CANCELLATIONS
Please review the enclosed invoice regarding our cancellation policy. Because we prepare well in advance for the trip, last minute cancellations are costly.
CHANGES TO THE SCHEDULE
FFOC reserves the right to alter, modify or cancel any trip or a portion of any trip due to weather, water levels or the safety and convenience of our guests. It is the intent of FFA to operate the river tours in cases where the safety of our guests is not compromised. Guests should appreciate that inclement weather may not be cause for a trip cancellation. In the event FFA cancels a trip; a full refund will be given.
RESPONSIBILITY
Trip participants must understand and appreciate that river rafting, camping, hiking and wilderness travel involve certain inherent risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, loss of or damage to personal property, personal injury or fatality resulting from: capsize of raft or canoe, collision with a vehicle, vessel, rock, log, tree or other obstacles; falling while aboard a raft; accident or illness in remote places with limited or no medical facilities; and exposure to temperature extremes or inclement weather.
We require all of our guests to sign and Agreement and Acknowledgment of Risk before taking the trip. From time to time, we use photographs and videos of our trips for promotional and business purposes. By going on our trip, you consent to the use of your image, without compensation, for FFOC marketing activities. See you on the river!
Still have a question? Give us a call at (800) 839-7238 or email us.
