Whitewater rafting
Q: DO WE NEED RESERVATIONS?
A: While we do take walk-ins and last minute reservations, we strongly suggest that you book your trip as far in advance as possible. Our Michigan rafting trips fill up quickly, especially during the peak rafting season of Memorial Day through Labor Day. Some trips we offer are by Reservation only, please check each rivers trip description for specific details.
Q: IS RAFTING DANGEROUS?
A: Rafting is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. However, as with all adventure sports, there is inherent and assumed risk involved. Risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy rafting at all levels. The guides working for Northwoods Adventures are trained to minimize and manage risks, and statistically speaking, you’re safer in a raft than in your car.
Safety is our #1 concern at Northwoods Adventures
One government report noted that the injury rate for whitewater rafting is similar to that for bowling! The most common injuries on rafting trips are sunburn and injuries that occur on land, especially getting into and out of the boats. Despite our training and risk management attempts, things can happen, because nothing is safe, especially not rafting, even though we try really hard to ensure your safety, we simply cannot make that claim.
Q: WILL I FALL OUT OF THE BOAT? WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DO?
A: Plan “A” is always to stay in the boat, but believe it or not, many people love falling out of the raft, after the fact. It’s exciting, but it can be disorienting and a little overwhelming at first. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Some people swim on their first trip. It’s all a part of rafting. Before you go on any trip, you’ll be given extensive instructions on what to do if you fall in, and how to be a smart swimmer. Follow your guide’s instructions, and your “swim” could be the most exciting part of your trip and a great story to tell your friends afterwards!
Q: IF I CAN’T SWIM, CAN I STILL GO RAFTING?
A: Yes. Everyone on commercial rafting trips wears a coast guard approved ‘life vest’ or personal flotation device (PFD). This critical piece of equipment is designed to aid in keeping you afloat in the event that you find yourself in the river. Many non-swimmers go on rafting trips, and they have a great time. Your guides will give you an in depth and engaging safety talk before your trip explaining what you should prepare for and do in the event you fall out of the raft.
Your guide is trained in whitewater rescue and will work with the rest of your guide team to ensure that you are able to feel comfortable with the whitewater conditions on your trip. We are willing to get in the river with you in the flatwater and give you some pointers on swimming techniques if you would like. All non-swimming folks should inform their guide on the trip.
Q: HOW FIT SHOULD I BE TO GO RAFTING?
A: All of our Piers Gorge and Menominee River trips use paddle rafts. This means that rafters will be an active source of power to move the boat through the rapids and you will need to learn easy commands from your guides to help maneuver the boat as it moves downstream. You should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into the life vests supplied by us. Paddling can sometimes be tiring, but your guides will instruct you on paddling techniques which are lots of fun to learn. If you’re in doubt about your fitness to go rafting check with your doctor before you go.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I BRING AND WEAR?
A: Take a set of dry clothes and flip-flops to change into after your Menominee River rafting adventure.
Q: I HAVE A FAMILY WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, CAN THEY GO RAFTING?
A: Yes. There are, however, age restrictions specific to each river trip, so please check into the details for the trip you’re interested in or feel free to Email Us or Call Us with any questions or concerns.
Q: I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN, CAN I GO RAFTING?
A: Many healthy people of all ages, including spry folks in their 70′s and 80′s, enjoy rafting at all levels.
Q: HOW EARLY SHOULD WE ARRIVE BEFOREHAND?
A: Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your trip departure. If you are not familiar with the area you may want to allow some extra time before your trip departure time. Make sure to get good directions before you leave home. Somehow every once in a while people end up at the wrong rafting company but have had plenty of time to correct the error and arrive at the right location with time to spare.
FYI: Be sure to take your reservation number and info with you. All trips leave our outpost at their scheduled departure times, if you are late you have missed the trip.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS ON A TYPICAL RAFTING TRIP?
A; Your trip begins when you meet us at True North Outpost at check in time. We will hand out and collect your release forms and distribute rental gear if necessary. Then everyone gets geared up and loaded on the bus which will transport you to the “put in”. The Trip Leader will deliver a safety talk en route – a vital, short discussion about how to be safe on the water, the Trip Leader will then assign you a guide. At the put-in we move quickly to get out on the river. you’ll head over to your rafting guide.
You may be asked to help carry rafts (many hands make light work), once the rafts are on the river, so are you. You’ll receive a paddle talk, learn to paddle as a team and be rafting before you know it. Then you’ll head on down the river, play games, do teamwork activities, shoot the breeze, learn a little, enjoy the scenery, see some wildlife. Before entering the class IV + rapids, we arrive at the ancient Piers Gorge Portage Trail. Anyone who does not meet our minimum requirements or who does not want to ride through the class IV+ rapids will remain at the portage trail overlook to watch from shore. Those who are willing and able to ride through the Gorge will climb back into the raft and get ready for the adventure ahead.
After traveling through this whitewater section of river, we walk back up to the overlook to rally with our onlookers, we can then switch supervising adults before we go through the Gorge a second time. We then collect our onlookers, depart from the lower beach, and travel down a little further to our last rapid, ‘Terminal Surfer’. At "surf hole" (conditions dependent) we can surf any who are willing.
Then its time to finish the float and load up to head back to True North Outpost to grab a snack and change and check out the photos from your trip!
Q; HOW MANY PEOPLE FIT IN A RAFT?
A: Our paddlerafts typically seat 7-8 people and a guide, this is because we run smaller rafts and are adamant about not overloading them as a matter of safety and social responsibility.
Q: DO YOU TAKE PHOTO’S? CAN I BRING MY CAMERA?
A; We will have a photographer take pictures in the rapids during your trip. These photos will be for sale when you return, and are posted on our website for online purchasing. These are professional quality pictures and usually come out wonderfully. This is a great option if you don’t want to fool around with your own waterproof camera, which you are more than welcome to bring.
Q: SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE?
A: Yes, please do. Your guide works hard to ensure that you have a fun, yet safe Michigan rafting adventure, and they appreciate being tipped. If you feel your guide has done a good job at keeping you entertained and sharing the wonderful river environment with you, feel free to tip them. $5 to $10 per person is widely accepted as the industry norm; tipping is always appreciated but never expected.
Climbing
Q: I want to climb at the indoor gym. what do i need to do?
A: All you need to do is show up. You can also check out packages and book online HERE. We are well set up for first-time indoor climbers. Next thing to do to save on time is sign our online waiver HERE. If you bring anyone under 18 they absolutely must have a waiver filled out by their parent or court appointed legal guardian. Finally check our availability that day. You can do that after you choose your package on our climbing page.
Q: why climb?
A: Indoor rock climbing is a full body workout. The common misconception that climbing is all about upper body strength is COMPLETELY FALSE. The combination of balance, movement and economy of strength are much more important. More than anything, rock climbing is fun. It combines the physicality of sport with the analysis of logic games and the mental control of tightrope. And at True North Outpost we believe anyone can learn to climb.
Q: who can climb?
A: Anyone. One of the great things about climbing is that anyone can excel. Unlike many sports in which only specific body types can excel (like height in basketball) anyone can rock climb. Also, because of the slow, controlled movements involved with indoor rock climbing, many climbers can continue into their 60’s, 70’s, and above. Our staff is here to help you in any way we can to get you on the wall and having a good time.
Q: your a bouldering gym. what is bouldering?
A: Bouldering is a fast-growing and social style of rock climbing. Climbers do not use ropes or harnesses, but scale shorter walls above a thick, padded floor. There is very little special knowledge or equipment required to start bouldering, making it fast and easy to learn and enjoy.
Q: what should i bring?
A: You should wear loose comfortable athletic clothing and comfortable socks. If you have long hair bring something to tie it back. Rental shoes for indoor rock climbing are available for $5. (climbing shoes are subject to availability)
Q: can i just drop the kids off and get them later?
A: Only if your kids are 14 years and older. If your kids are 13 and under, DIRECT parental supervision is required. Parents are required to notify the manager on duty before leaving their children at Base Camp Climbing Gym. Unattended children 13 years and younger will not be allowed to climb or be in the gym area.
4 years and under can climb within arm’s length of their supervising adult. Each adult can only supervise two children this young at a time.
5-7 years old can climb under direct supervision (can see and hear them at all times) of an adult. Each adult can only supervise two children this young at once.
bike Rentals
Q: do you take cash or checks for bike rentals?
A: No, we require a credit card for renting bikes as well as identification from each renter.
Q: Where do i ride?
A: We have a plethora of maps and advice in the shop. As well as a local trail system that starts 500 yards down the road from the outpost. All you have to do is ask.
Q: do you have a way i can put my bike on my car?
A: We offer a hitch rack (2″ hitch, 2 or 4 bikes). Be very careful transporting bikes as you are responsible for damages.
Q: Do i need a helmet?
A: We will supply you with a helmet for your bike. We also offer children’s helmets for the little ones.
Canoe, Kayak, Paddle Boards, tubes & duckie Rentals
Q: Are Kayaks, Canoes and Paddle boards safe?
A: Our kayaks, paddle board and canoes are very stable and are easy to use for a wide range of ages and sizes. Fear not! Our knowledgeable rental staff will help you choose the right boat or paddle board for your adventure.
Q: do i need to be in good physical shape to have fun?
A: All our boats/paddle boards require physical work, but participants do not have to regularly exercise to enjoy their experience. Renters of all sizes and ages generally enjoy their experience on local lakes and rivers in our boats.
Q: Do i need a life jacket or helmet?
A: We provide paddles, helmets and life preservers for each renter.
Q: IS THERE AN age limit for kids on the water?
A: No. As long as parents are on the water with the children and feel comfortable taking them, we allow children of all ages. We do require children to wear life jackets and have sizes specifically for youth and children, in addition to adult life jackets.
Q: what if i fall out of my boat or paddle board?
A: You might, but most boaters and paddle boarders do not. Don’t expect to fall in, but be prepared to fall in. Leave behind anything you don’t want to get wet. If you fall off your board, do not linger in the water. It is very easy to get back on the SUP boards from the water. For tips on boat safety and what to do if you fall out ask our rental staff when you come to get your gear.
Q: do i need a reservation?
A: You may walk in and rent any of our equipment at any time depending on availability. But making a reservation is a easy way to ensure you get exactly what your looking for.
Q: can you help me load my equipment?
A: We will carry your equipment to your car, but we do not offer any assistance putting it on your vehicle. Your vehicle is important to you and to us. We will however assist in you in the best ways to attach your equipment to your vehicle.