If I was a person interested in the West Branch Paddlers Club, or the 444 Club and using Riverside Adventure Company services: I would wonder how charges for Susquehanna River trips are calculated? This blog post is for people like me, who want to know what they are paying for. It’s pretty straight forward really. More comments and item definitions below the spreadsheet. Hopefully this helps:
How we arrive at our costs for this trip. Click on the image to enlarge.
Categories, Items and Definitions
The line items are basically in our shorthand. For the sake of public consumption: more detail would likely be necessary for a core understanding. So, here we go…
Transportation
This is the vehicles we use to make the trip happen. The “quantity” number is calculated using the hours running or moving per day, because only at those times are the vehicles depreciating from wear and tear. These numbers were determined using their own costing criteria, present gas prices, insurance prices, and history of each vehicles maintenance record.
Van
this is our 15 passenger van (typically). We do have a school bus as well, or for very small groups, we might even occasionally drive our 4wd Crew Cab pick-up truck.
Trailer
This is our aluminum body kayak trailer (typically). We do have other trailers that might be more appropriate for certain trips, but mostly this trailer is our “go to” for these longer river trips. Light to tow and easy.
Labor
This is the humanity it takes to deliver our logistical, strategic, and conceptual services to our clients. These are the people who know the river, have gotten training and put in countless hours at their passion. These folks are insured, and want to earn a “livable wage”. That being said, they are not getting rich from our trips, and a good bit of the time they spend on prep, and wrap up is either a gift, or partially covered in the hours we bill. Mostly, the staff does this job because they feel strongly about the rivers and stewardship and it’s their passion in life.
Adventure Guide 1
This is the LEAD Guide. This is the “base model” river trip. It’s the absolute minimum amount of labor we can provide and still safely and effectively deliver a great experience to our clients. When we have only one Guide, THERE WILL NOT BE A GUIDE ON THE WATER WITH YOU. One Adventure Guide is only enough labor to provide transportation, shuttles, camp and entertainment options to our clients. One Adventure guide must always be “off river” in the event of an emergency situation, or a client who is either unable or unwilling to progress with the itinerary as outlined. When Clients are “on river” and paddling unguided, we will either be assured of good cellular phone service, or be provided a satellite communications device by your Guide.
Long weekend, river trips to distant locations are not the place to learn how to paddle. Although these waters are all classified as Category 1 (safest), that does not mean that dangers are not present. Participating in this event presumes our clients have at least beginner level knowledge of paddling, and are of physical conditioning capable of completing the distances outlined in the itineraries of each trip. If you have no paddling experience, CLICK HERE to see some opportunities to meet our staff and get some basic paddling under your belt.
Adventure Guide 2
This is the ON WATER Guide. This is the “Deluxe model” river trip. It’s the amount of labor we want to provide for safely and to effectively deliver the best possible experience to our clients. When we have two Guides, THERE WILL BE A GUIDE ON THE WATER WITH YOU. One Adventure Guide is only enough labor to provide transportation, shuttles, camp and entertainment options to our clients. Two Adventure Guides allow us one “off river” in the event of an emergency situation, or a client who is either unable or unwilling to progress with the itinerary as outlined...and one on river Guide. The on river guide can ensure safety, provide instruction, educated, and provide history and context to your experience. When Clients are “on river” and paddling guided, the on river Guide will either be assured of good cellular phone service, or have a satellite communications device with your group.
Long weekend, river trips to distant locations are not the place to learn how to paddle. Although these waters are all classified as Category 1 (safest), that does not mean that dangers are not present. Participating in this event presumes our clients have at least beginner level knowledge of paddling, and are of physical conditioning capable of completing the distances outlined in the itineraries of each trip. If you have no paddling experience, CLICK HERE to see some opportunities to meet our staff and get some basic paddling under your belt.
Camp
These are the items that have to do with our “down times”. When we are trying to get some sleep, waking up, getting ready or recovering from a day paddling.
Camping
In this case “dam camping” is the fees we pay to camp at our “overnight locations”. This one is fairly inexpensive, but they vary with each trip.
Generator
This if the quiet Honda Generator that we take on each trip. As much as we are all trying to “get away”, RAC understands the necessity for electronics in the modern world. As a result, this generator will be made available in times when it’s appropriate and in situations when other electric is not available.
Coffee
Coffee is coffee, and nothing beats a good cup of it before you get out on the river. As a result, RAC will always supply and provide freshly ground, whole bean, free-trade coffee roasts from our local supplier (Bason Coffee). We will use our propane burner to make some pots of coffee using our French press. Sound luxurious? A good cup of coffee in camp is always worth the effort.
Communal Gear
So, this part is a little complicated…so hang in there with us.
When the group is pushing our maximum sized and we can only take 10 Adventurers maximum on each trip…space can get valuable on the van. It’s a balancing act, and there is a “right size” for gear. Left to their own devices…most Adventurers WAY over pack. As a result, we offer some tools to make things a bit easier:
propane tank and propane burner capable of boiling a 5 gallon pot of water. This is more “fire power” than most people want or need, and we will let folks use it as they see fit.
Paper plates and plastic silverware. We always appreciate if our guests bring their own, and use it multiple times, but if something is forgotten, or if you need to save space…we got you.
Larger plasticware for placing things like pancakes or dinner items you might want to cook. Heck, even jiffy-pop popcorn needs a bowl. We got you on those kinds of items.
A few camp chairs. Not necessarily enough for all, but a few.
Water. Again, if you forget or need space…we provide the basic of life.
A couple of large coolers and ice. This is a pretty major one. Ten folks all bringing coolers is a real space hog. We want to help.
*Optional shower - if the overnight location does not offer showers, we have one we can bring along with us.
Thing we don’t supply
Food
So at this point, you might see that there is no food included. That is because it’s about impossible to get this part right…and it costs money. Between dietary goals and medical considerations: we don't presume to have any chance of getting this right. So instead we offer the following options:
Eat in camp and on the river -
If you are more of a “purist” when it comes to your paddling/camping adventures…far be it from us to stop you. We want you to be as granola as you wanna to be. For this reason, we suggest everyone bring all the food that helps them achieve that goal. There won’t be much time in camp, but when we are there, and sitting by the campfire…we want you to eat what you want until you are content.
Eat at the local establishments -
The “local flavor” is part of the charm of going new places and seeing new folks. As much as camping is nice…you aren’t going to meet any of the locals that way. As a result, RAC has scouted the local restaurants and watering holes for you, and we will provide transportation to our favorites for most evening meals.
Without this aspect of our trips, we would have never experienced the heaven that is the Mahaffey, Pa Starlite Lounge. We would also have been in camp during the Renovo Leaf Festival celebration. But, we scout these places, and make notes and try to alway give our clients the “flavor” of each place…literally.
Both have advantages and disadvantages, and we want to give you the option to decide for yourself, which option is for you. Perhaps one night of one, and another of the other? No problem.
Camping supplies
Tents, sleeping bags, camp chairs, etc.
All that stuff that keeps you warm, out of the elements and comfy is on you. Again, we can’t presume what you want or need to be happy…so we leave that to you. From minimalists to those who need more creature comforts…we want you to be happy. That being said, there are limitation to your space, that you can see HERE…so plan accordingly.
Dry bags
We don’t have them for everyone, and we don’t presume to know everyone’s needs. We have a few, and we can rent them if needed. That being said, because of how we arrange and conduct our trips, they might not be as important as you might think. Basically, our trips are a series of day trips. That means, all you ever really need to have on the boat, is what you are going to need for that day. You can see more about that list of things at this supporting “gear list” web page.