Essential Eligibility Criteria

The following are physical and mental eligibility criteria for all participants on any Outdoors Unlimited river trip.

  • Be at least ten years of age for an oar boat and 14 years of age for a paddle raft.
  • The ability to get on and off of the raft independently or with the assistance of a designated companion. This may include maneuvering your body over and across tubes and fixed objects.
  • The ability to wear a Type V Coast Guard approved personal flotation device in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. If you near the maximum chest size of 58” you may be required to wear leg straps to ensure proper fit.
  • The ability to remain in a seated position for greater than one hour.
  • The ability to hold on to taut lines or handles through rapids.
  • The ability to independently swim in whitewater or swift currents and to assist in self-rescue in the event of an unexpected swim. This includes the ability to hold your breath and control your breathing while being repeatedly splashed with or submerged in water; the ability to orient yourself to new “in-river” surroundings; the ability to get out from under an overturned boat; the ability to swim into the current and float on your back; the ability to swim towards a boat or shoreline which may be greater than 50 yards away; the ability to receive a rescue rope, throw cushion, paddle, or human assistance, and possibly let go of the same.
  • The ability to swim 100 yards in flat water.
  • The ability to walk under low branches, around vegetation, and on uneven, slippery, rocky, and sandy ground unaided or with the assistance of reasonable additional equipment, or with the assistance of a designated companion. This includes the ability to maintain your balance near precipitous ledges or cliffs.
  • The ability to position yourself from standing, to sitting, to ground level and back to standing independently or with the assistance of a designated companion.
  • The ability to carry personal gear from shore to camp and back to the boats independently or with the assistance of a designated companion.
  • The ability to maintain your own safety in an environment where allergen exposure and cross-contamination may occur.
  • The ability to manage all personal care independently or with a designated companion.
  • The ability to participate in all activities of daily living such as eating, toileting, and dressing independently or with the assistance of a designated companion.
  • The ability to manage all personal medications, including dosing and administration independently or with the assistance of a designated companion.
  • The ability to comprehend and follow all verbal and non-verbal instructions given by crew in all situations, including during stressful or dangerous situations, and to effectively communicate with crew.
  • The ability to effectively communicate with other passengers.
  • The ability to remain adequately fed, hydrated, and properly dressed so as to avoid
    environmental injuries such as heat-related illness and sunburn.
  • The ability to participate in a group setting, in a remote environment, without negatively impacting or jeopardizing the health or safety of the other trip participants or crew.
  • IF ON A LOWER CANYON TRIP: The ability to descend the length of the Bright Angel Trail, while carrying all belongings, safely and within six hours from the start of the hike.
  • IF ON AN UPPER CANYON TRIP: The ability to ascend the length of the Bright Angel Trail, while carrying all belongings, safely and within 10 hours from the start of the hike.