The Maine Whitewater Experience-Awesome showcase of Maine Rafting

This is an awesome video showcasing rafting in Maine. They show shots from both the Kennebec and the Penobscot Rivers. They also show some other cool stuff to do in Maine at the end. Overall very cool video put out by the Maine Office of Tourism. A must watch if you're interested at all in Maine Whitewater Rafting!




Whitewater Rafting Experience in Maine from Maine Office of Tourism on Vimeo.

Whitewater Tubing??

Not only can you take a regular commercial raft down the river, but it is perfectly legal to take whatever floats down the river as well..... if you have the experience and the guts to try! Check out this sweet vid of some of my buddies taking regular old tubes down some serious class IV whitewater on the Kennebec River.





Whitewater Tubing! from AerialFly on Vimeo.

The Kennebec River - Most rafted Maine River

Map of the Kennebec River and its rapids

The Kennebec River is the most rafted and popular river in Maine. Like all Maine rafting rivers, the Kennebec is dam controlled. This is one of the rivers that I commercially guide on and I think it is the best ride for your your time and money.  It features over 10 miles of class II-IV rapids starting at one of the oldest dams in Maine and the headwaters of the Kennebec River.

Kennebec River Dam - The Put In

               















You put in at the Harris Station Dam, which actually supplies power to Boston, over 400 miles to the south. The current then swiftly pulls you into the kennebec gorge. This part of the trip is the most beautiful but you wont be looking at the scenery because this is also the most deadly part of the day. With class III rapids like Rock Garden, Big Mama, and Alleyway the first three miles are a blur.  After a short calm section the river is back at you again this time with even more fury with the only class IV/V of the day, Magic Falls. The river literally drops away 30 feet over just a couple hundred yards which creates massive waves. If you are lucky enough to go on a big water day where the dam releases more than 8,000 cfs, your guide might even hit "Maytag." This is the biggest wave on the river and will make a 13 foot boat stand up.

After the first 6 miles the big rapids are over and its time for a relaxing float. This is where most companies have lunch, play games, and let you swim in the river. This is one of my favorite parts of the day because you get to know your guide, get a tan, and just have fun. 

Overall the kennebec is the most customer friendly river in Maine because its the closest to civilization and has some of the best whitewater in New England. 

If you're a beginner or a veteran of rafting you should consider checking out one of Maine's most fierce rafting rivers. The dam that controls the Dead River has just sent out its release dates, it it looks like it's going to be is one of the biggest years to date. The Dead River is unlike the other big rafting rivers of Maine because of its very limited releases. This river normally runs below 1000 cfs (cubic feet of water per second), but when it is released it pushed up to 10,000 cfs. This river is full of beautiful scenery, huge raft eating holes, and arguably the best surf waves in Maine.

Attached is a link to one of the local outfitters, Windfall Rafting. They have the Dead Rive releases posted with some of the best prices around.

 Windfall Rafting Dead River Releases

Welcome to the first and only Maine Whitewater Rafting blog. This blog is for beginners and veterans alike and will be filled with information about the Maine whitewater scene including upcoming events, tips for beginners, the best outfitters, and great new runs.