Whitewater Rafting

Register for upcoming trips on our Trips and Events Calendar webpage

A group of participants rafting down a rapid.

Concord River, Lowell, Mass. with Zoar Outdoor

Come join a group from UMass Lowell for early spring whitewater rafting on the Concord River, right in our backyard in downtown Lowell. This urban whitewater gem plunges over three major class III-IV rapids - Twisted Sister, Three Beauties, and The Middlesex Dam. When the water level is right, Three Beauties becomes an intensely fun surfing hole. Surfing involves paddling upstream into a wave or hole with the goal to fill the boat with water, splash the entire crew, or maybe even have the boat stand on end. Participants on this trip may be required to swim aggressively wearing a personal flotation device in rocky, fast whitewater. The trip will be outfitted and guided by Zoar Outdoor based out of western Massachusetts.

Get more information about this trip on Zoar Outdoor's website.

Tentative Itinerary (Concord River)

Due to the nature of outdoor trips, all itineraries are subject to change.

12:30 p.m. Meet at Outdoor Adventure Center & Bike Shop
- 5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA 01854
12:30-12:45 p.m. Prepare for Activity
- Check in, use restrooms, fill water bottles, apply sunscreen, change into synthetic layers, etc.
12:45–1 p.m. Day Overview & Introductions
- Introductions, intro game, itinerary review, etc.
1 p.m. Outfitting
- Equipment selection and instruction by Zoar
1-4 p.m. Instruction & Whitewater Rafting
- Bring your own lunch and snacks
4 p.m. Clean Up & Debrief

Crabapple Whitewater

The Outdoor Program partners with Crabapple Whitewater to bring you this exciting day of rafting! Crabapple Whitewater offers numerous locations for whitewater rafting, including the Deerfield River in Massachusetts, Mount Snow in Vermont, or the Kennebec River or Dead River in Maine. Most whitewater rafting days are scheduled according to dam releases provided by the Army Corp of Engineers. Rapids may vary from Class II to IV.

Get more information about this trip on Crabapple Whitewater's website.

Tentative Itinerary (Crabapple Whitewater)

Due to the nature of outdoor trips, all itineraries are subject to change.

7 a.m. Meet at the Outdoor Adventure Center & Bike Shop
- 5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA 01854
7–7:10 a.m. Prepare for Activity
- Check in, use restrooms, fill water bottles, apply sunscreen, change into synthetic layers, etc.
7:10–7:30 a.m. Day Overview & Introductions
- Introductions, intro game, equipment selection, itinerary review, etc.
7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.: Drive to Trip Location
10:30–4:30 p.m. Instruction & Whitewater Rafting
- Please check-in approximately 30 minutes before your trip time.
- Lifejacket and helmet fitting – (all guests must wear a Personal Floatation Device and helmet issued by Crab Apple)
- Safety lecture and paddling instruction
- Bus ride to Ball Mountain dam
- Raft 4 miles in Class III whitewater
- “The Dumplings” rapid-Class IV
- Riverside snack
- Continue 4 miles in Class II-III whitewater
- Take out and ride back to Mount Snow
- Delicious chicken, fish or vegetarian option cookout
- Slide presentation of trip
4:30-6 p.m. Dinner with Crabapple Whitewater
6-8:30 p.m. Drive Back to UMass Lowell
8:30-9 p.m. Debrief
- Arrive back at the at the Outdoor Adventure Center/Bike Shop, clean up, review course content/answer any remaining question, etc.
9 p.m. Estimated Dismissal
- This will be determined based off of the course and timing of the day.

Exertion and Skill Level

No previous experience necessary. You must be able/willing to do the following: Wear a helmet and our personal flotation device (PFD), respond to and follow verbal or visual instruction, roll from front to back in water while wearing a PFD, demonstrate dynamic sitting position (sitting upright), and float with feet up in water. Specifically for the Concord River trip, guests should be able to paddle in the rapids, but with frequent rests. Remain calm, lay flat, and orient their body so their feet are aiming downstream if they find themselves unexpectedly in the water. Swims while surfing can involve more underwater time and are more likely to result in coming up under the boat. Our PFDs fit a maximum chest size of 56 inches.

Packing List

The items on this list are strongly recommended for your trip. The weather forecast and your thermal perception should be considered when packing.

Complete the online waiver
Full change of clothes & shoes for after the rafting is finished
Towel
Personal Medications
Medical Insurance Card
Sunscreen
Chap Stick / Lip Balm
Sunglasses
Sunglasses Keeper Strap Protects sunglasses; floating strap strongly recommended
Lunch / Snacks - Post-rafting food will be provided.
*Water Bottle With a carabiner or alternate leash to attach it to the raft.
Water Shoes/Sandals or Old Sneakers Closed toed with a backing; must stay on your feet; no flip flops
Wool or fleece socks For use on cooler and/or rainy days
Synthetic Clothing Quick dry; wear physical activity/outdoor clothing; avoid cotton, no jeans. Swim suit is optional to wear underneath wetsuit on warmer days
*Rain Jacket and/or Insulating Jacket Avoid cotton (including jeans). For use on cooler and/or rainy days
*Wool or Fleece Hat For use on cooler and/or rainy days
Paddling Gloves Optional; protects your hands; optional; recommended if you are prone to blisters
**First Aid First Aid Kit, Emergency Communication Device and 1 or more Wilderness First Aid or First Responder Certified Staff Members, qualified to facilitate activity
**Activity Specific Gear PFD’s / lifejackets, wetsuit, splash jacket, river booties, paddles, rafts, emergency equipment, etc.

*All items with an asterisk are available to check-out and included in the cost of your registration.

**All items under "Activity Specific Gear" and "First Aid" are supplied automatically by the Outdoor Adventure Program or the outfitter. You are welcome to bring your own gear. However, all participant equipment is subject to trip leader approval. Please, contact us to review any personal gear you would like to bring in substitution of the gear we may provide.