Denali Canyon Wave Rafting

Bald eagles, waterfowl, and beaver are all common sights, and we also have the opportunity to see bears, moose, foxes, and wolves however this is not a designated wildlife tour and specific wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Your shoes will be left at the office in a bin and you will be given a pair of cool river rafting shoes. Dress warm and bring socks. The water is really cold. Your cothes keep you warm and the dry suit keeps you dry. The only body part that should get wet is your hands and your head.

In an oar boat, you hold on and enjoy the ride – your river guide does all the work. In a paddleboat, you will participate in propelling the boat downstream. Both rafts run the same stretch of river and the same rapids. The paddleboat tends to be more adventurous for the customer because you are actively leaning outside the raft and paddling through waves.

Recommended 12 years and up in an oar boat, 15 years and up in a paddle boat.

Yes. Each participant will be wearing a coast guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) which will keep you afloat if you find yourself in the river. Before your departure, your raft guide will give you an in-depth safety speech and prepare you for what do to if you fall out of the raft. Safety is our top priority here at New Wave Adventures, and all of our raft guides have gone through an intensive training course in whitewater rescue.

Professional photos will be taken during your trip. Handheld cameras and phones are discouraged, as they are more likely to be lost than used during your trip.

Guests are provided with all of the proper equipment, including a dry suit, wetsuit booties, PFD (personal floatation device), helmet, and paddle if applicable.

Personal items are not allowed on trips, with the exception of special medications that can be carried by your raft guide.

Canton Wave is the most challenging rapids offered on the Nenana River, ranging from Class II-IV (ages 12+). This 11-mile section of the river is not only some of the best whitewater in the state of Alaska, but you will have ample opportunity in between rapids to take in the wild and scenic beauty of Denali.

Class I - Easy. Smooth water; light riffles; clear passages, occasional sandbanks, and gentle curves. The most difficult problems might arise when paddling around bridges and other obvious obstructions.

Class II - Moderate. Medium-quick water; rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks and ledges. Maneuvering required. Best handled by intermediates who can maneuver canoes and read water.

Class III - Moderately difficult. Numerous high and irregular waves; rocks and eddies with passages clear but narrow and requiring experience to run. Visual inspection required if rapids are unknown.

Class IV - Difficult. Long and powerful rapids with standing waves; big hydraulic waves and boiling eddies. Powerful and precise maneuvering required. Visual inspection mandatory.

Class V - Extremely difficult. Long and violent rapids that follow each other almost without interruption. River filled with obstructions. Big drops and violent currents. Extremely steep gradient. Even reconnoitering may be difficult. Rescue preparations mandatory. Can be run only by top experts.

Class VI - Extraordinarily difficult. Paddlers face a constant threat of death because of extreme danger. Navigable only when water levels and conditions are favorable. This violent whitewater should be left to paddlers of Olympic ability. Every safety precaution must be taken.

Check out other frequently asked questions here!