Question 1

How can I make a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Reservations can be made by emailing us at taosraftandkayakrentals@gmail.com or by calling or texting (575) 741-6336. We're happy to answer any questions when you reach out.

Question 2

What is your cancelation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations happen — we understand! Here's our policy:
Rentals Full refund if cancelled by 6:00 PM the day before your reservation. If you cancel on the day of your reservation, we will refund 50% of your payment.
Guided Trips Full refund if cancelled 72 hours (3 days) or more before your trip. 50% refund if cancelled between 24 and 72 hours before your trip. No refund for same-day cancellations or no-shows.

We're always happy to help you reschedule if your plans change.

Weather & River Conditions Safety is our priority. If TRKR cancels your rental or guided trip due to weather, high water, or unsafe river conditions, you will receive a full refund. We will contact you as early as possible if conditions require a cancellation.

Question 3

Does TRKR require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Rentals: No deposit is required at the time of the reservation. Payment is due on the day of your rental. A refundable damage deposit is added on to the total price on the day of the rental. The damage deoposit typically ranges from $100-$500 depending on the amount of gear and the length of the rental. 
Guided Trips: A [25%] deposit per person is required to confirm your reservation, with the remaining balance due on the day of your trip. Reservations are not confirmed until the deposit is received.
We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (May–August), as guided trips fill up quickly.

Question 4

Is there a shuttle service provided?

Accepted Answer

Shuttle Information At this time, guests participate in the shuttle on all commercial trips and paddling lessons. Here's how it works:
1. Guests drive their own vehicle to the Big Eddy takeout, located approximately 3–4 miles from the highway on a graded dirt road. 2. TRKR transports guests from Big Eddy to the Chavez put-in to begin the trip. 3. At the end of the trip, a guest drives the TRKR guide back to the put-in to retrieve the TRKR vehicle.
The end-of-day shuttle takes approximately 20 minutes. Note: all-wheel drive is recommended for the Big Eddy road during the summer rainy season (July–August).

Question 5

Do I need boating experience to rent a raft or kayak?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our rentals are designed for paddlers with prior experience on moving water. If you're brand new to rafting or kayaking, we strongly recommend joining one of our guided day-trips on the Rio Chama — it's the best way to experience the river safely. If you'd like to learn the skills to eventually paddle on your own, we also offer private and group lessons.

Question 6

Can kids go boating with TRKR boats and gear?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Kids are welcome on TRKR rafts and inflatable kayaks, with the following safety requirements:
- Minimum weight: All children must weigh at least 50 lbs. Our Type V PFDs require this minimum weight to fit and function properly. 
- Under 12: Children under 12 must share a boat with an adult, either in a raft or a two-person inflatable kayak. 
- Above 1,500 CFS: When the river is running at or above 1,500 CFS (a measure of water flow and intensity), all minors must be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 90 lbs. 
- Above 3,000 CFS: When the river is running at or above 3,000 CFS, all minors must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 100 lbs.

Not sure what the river is running? Check current conditions when you book — we're happy to help you decide if the timing is right for your family.

Question 7

Do I need to know how to swim?

Accepted Answer

Rentals Yes, basic swimming ability is required for all TRKR self-guided rentals. In the event of a capsize, you need to be comfortable in moving water. This applies to both raft and inflatable kayak rentals. All renters are required to wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times on the water.
Guided Day Trips on the Rio Chama Non-swimmers and those with limited swimming ability are welcome on our fully guided day trips. Your guide rows the raft — you just sit back and enjoy the river. All guests wear a properly fitted PFD for the duration of the trip, regardless of swimming ability.

Question 8

Are there weight or physical fitness requirement for adults?

Accepted Answer

Weight and fitness limits are determined by equipment safety ratings:
Inflatable Kayak Rentals & Kayak Guided Trips Maximum weight: 250 lbs. Kayaking also requires an active level of fitness, as paddlers are responsible for maneuvering their own boat on moving water.
Raft Rentals & Guided Raft Trips Maximum weight: 350 lbs. Guided raft trips are a great option for those who prefer a more relaxed experience, as your guide handles the rowing.
Note: Children must meet the minimum weight requirement of 50 lbs to fit properly in a Type V PFD. See our Kids & Family FAQ for full details.

Question 9

Do I need to wear a life jacket while boating?

Accepted Answer

Yes. US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) are required by both federal regulation and New Mexico state law on all rivers and lakes. Every TRKR rental includes a PFD, whistle, and paddle. Helmets are also included and required on all whitewater sections.

Question 10

What should I bring on my trip? (sunscreen, water, snacks, dry bag, etc.)

Accepted Answer

Rentals For self-guided rentals, plan to bring:
Sunscreen (biodegradable preferred on the Rio Chama)
Plenty of water
Food and snacks
Rain gear
A dry bag to protect your belongings (TRKR dry bags available to rent)
Renters are also responsible for arranging their own vehicle shuttle between put-in and takeout.

Guided Trips & Paddling Lessons TRKR provides water and rain gear on all commercial trips and lessons.
Our Full-Day Guided Trip on the Rio Chama includes lunch. We also offer a Bring Your Own Lunch option at a discounted rate. Paddling lessons do not include lunch unless otherwise arranged at the time of booking.

Question 11

Will TRKR deliver a raft/kayak to me anywhere I like?

Accepted Answer

Yes! TRKR offers delivery and pickup with the following guidelines:Taos area: Free delivery and pickup. -Angel Fire, Red River, and Abiquiu: $25 delivery and pickup fee. Rio Chama: TRKR is permitted to deliver and pick up at all boat launches on the day-use sections. Rio Grande: TRKR is not currently permitted to deliver or pick up at Rio Grande boat ramps. However, we can meet you at any roadside location along the river — just coordinate with us when booking.

Question 12

Do you have wetsuits and river booties?

Accepted Answer

Yes! TRKR offers the following gear rentals to keep you comfortable on the water:
- Wetsuit: $10/day - River booties: $5/day - Splash gear (waterproof jacket and pants): $5/day
The Rio Chama runs cold year-round — we strongly recommend a wetsuit for early season kayak trips and anytime water temperatures are low.
All wetsuits, booties, and splash gear are included at no extra charge on TRKR commercial guided raft trips on the Rio Chama.

Question 13

Can I drink alcohol while boating?

Accepted Answer

No. Alcohol consumption while boating is illegal under New Mexico's Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) law and is strictly prohibited on all TRKR rentals. Violations are enforced by NM State Parks and Wildlife officers and can result in fines, arrest, and loss of boating privileges. Anyone found consuming alcohol on a TRKR rental vessel will be in violation of their rental agreement.

Question 14

What if I have experience but I'm not sure how to rig the boat that I rent?

Accepted Answer

TRKR can provide riverside assistance where we will show you how to rig and de-rig your boat, plus we will provide a general safety speech and boat operation review.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions