Does anyone have a recommendation on which outfitter or trip to go on? I'm planning on taking three teenagers in a couple months. I think we can handle some rough rapids(I think). There are several outfitters to choose from and it would be helpful to have a recommendation. Thanks

About all the same in my experience

Some might have a mustier smelling bus and vest rentals

I have been with sunburst several times. It has always been a geat trip with them.

I'm a sexist pig. Try to make sure you get a male guide.

Never done the ocoee. Haven been on the hiwasee several times in my kayak. It is pretty close to the ocoee. Not near as big a rapids. Few class 2 and maybe a class 3 at times. Its pretty tame for the most part but did flip my yak once last year and it was near death to me as no one was around to help me grab my gear and get to shore. Damn rocks beat the crap out me. Webb brothers outfitters in reliance Tn is who I use to shuttle my yak. They rent rafts and inflatable yaks also.

Watch for deals through Groupon. I think the last time we went we went through High Country Adventures and we had a great experience.

Do the hiwasee on inner tubes, it's a blast. I think all the outfitters up there are pretty reputable on the Ocoee.

I've been on the Ocoee twice with NOC. First time was a blast and nobody left the boat. Second time the whole boat went in the Olympic section where they have the viewing area.

There's a reason you have to sign a waiver before going out.

I have done the Upper Ocoee, we went with Ocoee Rafting.
https://ocoeerafting.com/

The upper is intense, and I would suggest that you be able to trust all parties to follow instructions - either that or do the lower.

[img]https://www.dropbox.com/s/hyak31az09m90pe/IMG_3225.JPG?dl=0[/img]

I used to guide the Ocoee for Ocoee Outdoors. They have been at it since 1977: http://ocoeeoutdoors.com/

Also a fine outfitter is Sunburst Adventures, now owned by former Ocoee Outdoors guide Scott Mantooth: https://www.sunburstrafting.com/

All of the outfitters who have been in business for a while are good, the bad ones don't last, there is lots of competition and insurance is so expensive it keeps the amateurs away.

I can't help you with an outfitter recommendation because I can't remember who we went through. I can tell you it was a ton of fun. I've probably done the Ocoee 5 or 6 times when I was in high school and loved it.

I've been with several named above. I can't tell the difference in them. All about the same.

This reminds me of one of the funniest scenes I've ever witnessed. While headed to the side after a rapids to wait on the rest of our group a snake fell off into another raft doing the same thing. One snake and 8 people were all trying to exit that raft at the same time and I'm not sure there was over about a second between any of them hitting the water.

It's is a lit of fun. Been doing it for years

Watched a raft get caught going over one of those big boulders. We were in a jetty off to the side. I kid you not, 1/2 raft went over wave/boulder and bent/broke in half. The back end acted as a spring board and threw the guide 15-20' in the air and completely over the front of the raft. Our guide had us quickly go over and help out.

^^^This X2^^^ We did this last August for my daughter's birthday. I think we paid $100-$125 through Groupon for 6 of us to raft the lower. They're usually around $50 per person. Enjoyed every minute of it and well worth the $$!

I appreciate the help. Looking forward to taking them. Trying to decide if we want to go on the more difficult rapid. They are in better shape than me but I think we can handle it.

Yeah buddy! Don't forget the sunscreen