River Safety and Participation Requirements

This is an icon for river trip safety.
Whitewater rafting (and the activities associated with rafting) is properly characterized as an adventure sport. Adventure sports, by definition, include inherent risks to participants which are impossible to eliminate. The appeal of adventure sports is due in large part to the presence of these risks and one's participation in an adventure sport necessarily requires an assumption of those risks. It is incumbent upon you to determine if you and every member of your party is physically and mentally capable of participating in the chosen activity. Furthermore, it is part of your responsibility as a guest to be properly prepared for the trip – this means, among other things, appropriate clothing for actual conditions and to follow all policies, procedures and instructions provided by Ouzel staff. If you have questions about the level of risk and/or safety in general, please do not hesitate to call or email. If you are wondering if a river trip is right for you, read our participation requirements below and don't hesitate to call or email if you have questions.

Assumption of Risk

All guests are required to sign an Assumption of Risk or Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability form prior to the trip. This form outlines the risks inherent in whitewater rafting and the activities related to a river trip.  Anyone under the age of 18 MUST have a form signed by a parent or legal guardian and on file in our office prior to departure.  The form you are required to sign will vary depending on the particular trip.  View our  Assumption of Risk/Release of Liability Form for Oregon trips (McKenzie, Deschutes, Rogue, North Umpqua, John Day and Owyhee Rivers).  View our Assumption of Risk/Release of Liability Form for Idaho trips (Lower Salmon River).   

Participation Requirements

Whitewater rafting is an outdoor activity that requires moderate physical exertion and exposure to the elements. There are risks associated with whitewater rafting and the related activities that are impossible to eliminate. While we take all reasonable steps to minimize the risk associated with the activity, it is vitally important for our guests to understand what is required of them and to appreciate and assume the associated risks.
  • Guests must be able to understand written and/or oral information regarding health and safety presented prior to and during the course of a trip. Guests must follow instructions and guidelines given by Ouzel staff members during the course of a trip and are expected to exercise good judgement for themselves and their minor children during the course of a trip.
  • Guests must properly fit our life vests. Youth vests are rated for a minimum weight of 50 lbs. Our largest vests are rated to fit up to a 58" chest. While actual weight and sizes vary with regard to a proper fit, a proper fit must be achieved.
  • Guests must be able to ride/sit upright in a raft for up to (or longer than) two hours at a time and must be able to hold and effectively use a paddle. Paddling requires repetitive motion and moderate physical exertion over short periods of time.
  • Guests must be able to negotiate rocky and/or uneven ground at launch locations, while in and around camp (such as to access the bathroom) during stops for lunch or optional hikes, or during portages (such as Rainie Falls on the Rogue River). Guests must be able to enter and exit the raft.
  • Guests must be comfortable in the water while wearing a personal floatation device and must have the ability to make progress toward a raft or shore if they fall out of the raft.
  • Guests are expected to disclose health, medical or personal information that is pertinent to the health and safety of themselves, their minor children, fellow guests or Ouzel staff.
  • Guests are expected to adequately prepare themselves and minor children with the proper apparel and other personal items appropriate to the nature and length of the trip.
  • Guests must understand that Ouzel Outfitters reserves the unilateral right to dismiss participants at any time before or during a trip for refusal to follow instructions.  Furthermore, Ouzel staff members have the right to preclude a guest's participation in a given activity for which the Ouzel staff member deems inappropriate or poses an unreasonable risk to that participant.
Ouzel Outfitters will make any and all reasonable accommodations to include those who may have difficulty with any of the elements listed above. Many of the requirements listed above can be met with the extra assistance of guides, family members or friends. Our goal is to make our trips accessible to the widest range of participants possible within the bounds of prudence and safety. Don't hesitate to call our office if you have questions or concerns regarding physical limitations or the requirements listed above.