KERNVILLE, CA - The white water rafting season here in Kern County is coming to an end sooner than usual because of low water levels in the upper and lower Kern River. The Kern River is experiencing much lower levels than normal. So low, Kern River Valley Revitalization members say it's not safe for rafting.
Some local businesses that usually do white water rafting trips through the summer are now looking into providing other activities.
Sierra South has been offering white water rafting trips out of Kernville for almost 30 years. For the first time in the business' history, co-owner Tom Moore says they're switching the focus going into the summer season.
Moore said, "When the water gets too low to raft, we now are transitioning into tubing."
Other businesses are feeling the effects as well.
Kern River Valley Chamber President Fred Roach says, "There's been a lot of cancellations at motels and people that have decided not to come because they were coming just for the white water rafting."
The upper and lower Kern River is flowing in the range of 500 cubic feet per second. For a rafting trip to be successful, Moore says water needs to flow at a minimum of 800 cubic feet per second.
Moore said, "We have water at the first of June more like the water at the first of August. So it means the seasons a little bit shorter so it means we can't do the big raft trips for as long as we normally do."
White water rafting trips can cost anywhere from $30 up to $900, depending on the length of the trip. A trip down the river in a tube will only cost $25.
"We'd prefer to be rafting because that's what we like to do and it's more fun and more profitable than it is doing the tubes, but the tubes can be fun and it'll help bridge the gap until the next wet year," said Moore.
Although water levels are down, the potential for danger on the river remains.
Moore said, "It can be as unsafe as you make it. So if you know what you're doing and do it correctly, you can go out there and have a lot of fun."
Moore recommends wearing a life vest, helmet, and rubber shoes if you plan on getting in the river.
Some local businesses that usually do white water rafting trips through the summer are now looking into providing other activities.
Sierra South has been offering white water rafting trips out of Kernville for almost 30 years. For the first time in the business' history, co-owner Tom Moore says they're switching the focus going into the summer season.
Moore said, "When the water gets too low to raft, we now are transitioning into tubing."
Other businesses are feeling the effects as well.
Kern River Valley Chamber President Fred Roach says, "There's been a lot of cancellations at motels and people that have decided not to come because they were coming just for the white water rafting."
The upper and lower Kern River is flowing in the range of 500 cubic feet per second. For a rafting trip to be successful, Moore says water needs to flow at a minimum of 800 cubic feet per second.
Moore said, "We have water at the first of June more like the water at the first of August. So it means the seasons a little bit shorter so it means we can't do the big raft trips for as long as we normally do."
White water rafting trips can cost anywhere from $30 up to $900, depending on the length of the trip. A trip down the river in a tube will only cost $25.
"We'd prefer to be rafting because that's what we like to do and it's more fun and more profitable than it is doing the tubes, but the tubes can be fun and it'll help bridge the gap until the next wet year," said Moore.
Although water levels are down, the potential for danger on the river remains.
Moore said, "It can be as unsafe as you make it. So if you know what you're doing and do it correctly, you can go out there and have a lot of fun."
Moore recommends wearing a life vest, helmet, and rubber shoes if you plan on getting in the river.
