Quick Details
July 24, 2022
Diversify Whitewater Community River Float on the River:
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Join us for a Diversify Whitewater Community River Float on the Deerfield River in Charlemont, MA on Sunday, July 24 from 2:30pm – 6:00pm ET. Participants will learn the basics of water safety and paddling techniques for rafting and enjoy a day floating down the Deerfield River. No experience or equipment is necessary to participate.
We will meet at Zoar Outdoor in Charlemont, MA and then head to the launch site together to begin the float. All groups will be guided by river professionals and expert paddlers. Refreshments will be provided for participants during the river float. This event is 100% FREE for all attendees! Participants age 5 and up are welcome.
The mission of Diversify Whitewater (DW) is to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in paddlesports by removing the barriers that exist for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and Allies in kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and stand up paddling by holding free community paddling events.
Registration for the event is required; registration opens on June 19. If you register for this event and cannot make your commitment, please call Zoar Outdoor (413-339-4010) as soon as possible to open your spot to folks on the waitlist.
We can’t wait to paddle with you!
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All folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color as well as allies are invited and welcome! No experience or equipment is necessary to participate.
Participants age 5 and up are welcome.
The mission of Diversify Whitewater (DW) is to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in paddlesports by removing the barriers that exist for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and Allies in kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and stand up paddling by holding free community paddling events.
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Rafters:
The Deerfield River is always cool, regardless of the time of year or air temperature. When packing your river clothes, please plan accordingly. Our event will run rain or shine. You will be getting wet! Everyone will be fitted with a personal floatation device (PFD), helmet, and paddle. If the weather is cold, wetsuits and splash tops are available.
Wear items such as:
- Synthetic long underwear, garments made of polypropylene, Capilene, or some polyester/spandex blend
- Fleece or wool socks
- Bathing suit
- Fleece or wool jacket/sweater (early/late season or if you tend to chill easily)
Other items to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Retaining strap for glasses
- Nose plugs
- Towel
- Required medications
- Extra money for snacks, T-shirts, or coin-operated showers
Spring & Summer Wear
Close-toed shoes (hiking boots or sturdy sneakers) For your safety, no sandals or flip flops will be permitted.
Light jacket, fleece top, or sweater
Rain Jacket with hood
Light pants
Comfortable longer shorts (chaffing from the harness could occur with short shorts)
Deerfield Valley Canopy Tours will provide you with gloves to wear
Spaghetti Strap shirts not recommended.
You should remove any dangling jewelry and tie long hair back. You should also remove all items from your pockets before going on the tour, we will not go back to obtain any articles lost along the course. Please leave valuables in the car while you’re on the tour. We have a key box where we would be happy to keep your car keys until you are off the tour.Can I bring my camera?
We don’t recommend bringing any electronics on the water because the river has no guarantees of keeping it safe and dry. However, if you have a waterproof container to put your phone in with a clip or lanyard that you can attach your phone to you, you are welcome to do so. We will also have folks taking photos of the event on the water, and we will be sure to share them with you electronically after the event!