chris hodge wrote:

i'm considering a trip to the Gauley (first time) this year and am
looking for any advice I can get as I am unfamiliar with the area and
would like recommendations on outfitters,etc. I have rafted the Ocoee
in TN a few times and was very comfortable each trip, however I never
had to swim.

The Upper Gauley is a quite a bit more difficult stretch of river than
the Ocoee. If you're good enough to paddle the Ocoee in an inflatable
kayak, then the Lower Gauley might be more to your liking. If you're
absolute beginners, I'm not sure that you will have that much fun
kayaking either stretch.
Maybe it makes more sense to go with a raft and see how you'd like that.

If you're going to paddle during Gauley season, be aware of the huge
crowds going there during Gauley Fest weekend. The river will also be
pretty full in comparison.

I don't remember any rafting companies, but if you ask around on
http://boatertalk.com/forum/boatertalk/
or
http://boatertalk.com/forum/RaftZone

You'll probably get plenty of responses from people who have experience
with different companies on the Gauley. I've paddled the Gauley a couple
of times during the summer, but I didn't see any rafts then.

HTH.

Wilko


--
--
Wilko van den Bergh wilko(a@t dse d.o.t)nl
Eindhoven The Netherlands Europe
Look at the possibilities, don't worry about the limitations.
http://wilko.webzone.ru/