760-376-3745
Help Me Choose a Rafting Trip
Cancellation Policy
You may cancel 30 or more days before your Sierra South trip date and receive a full refund, less a $25 processing fee per person. Cancellations made 29 days or fewer before the trip date are non-refundable. If you must cancel, please try to find a friend to take your space. All trips go rain or shine. However, we reserve the right to alter or cancel a trip/class due to high or low-water conditions, other such uncontrollable situations, or insufficient reservations. Only in the case of canceled trips are trip fees fully refundable. Upon approval by our company officers, refunds will be sent via credit card. Refunds cannot be granted by guides, nor can refunds be given if you leave a trip or class early for any reason. Sierra South is not liable for other costs incurred in association with a canceled trip. We strongly recommend trip insurance, such as Insure My Trip, to cover any unexpected situations.
| Trip Length | 30 days or more prior | 29 days or fewer |
| Two Day, Full Day, Half Day | $25 cancellation fee/per person | No Refunds |
| Lickety Split, Lickety Blaster | $15 cancellation fee/per person | No Refunds |
Trip Date Change Policy
You may reschedule your trip 30 days or more prior with no change fee. 29 to 21 days prior, you may change your trip date for a charge of $15 per person. 20 days or fewer a trip date change will not be available. All trip date changes must be within the same rafting season.
| 30 days or more prior | 29-21 days prior | 20 days or fewer |
| No Change Fee | $15 change fee/per person | Date change not available |
Deposit Policy
When booking 30 days or more in advance, a minimum 25% deposit or the full payment amount is due at the time of booking. 29 days or fewer to your trip, you must pay your full balance.
| 30 days or more prior | 29 days or fewer |
| 25% deposit due at time of booking | Full Payment Due |
Guest Responsibility and Liability Policy
All Sierra South trips and classes involve physical activity and inherent risk. While our staff strives to operate trips safely and professionally, we cannot guarantee the safety of participants.
Guests are responsible for evaluating their physical condition and selecting a trip appropriate for their abilities. Guests should consult a medical professional if they have concerns about their ability to participate.
Participants are responsible for following all guide instructions and safety procedures during activities.
All guests must sign a Release of Liability / Assumption of Risk waiver prior to departure.
Minors under the age of 18 who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must have a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian before the trip.
Participants will also be asked to sign a photo and video release allowing Sierra South to capture media during the trip.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Sierra South has a zero-tolerance policy against the use of any drugs or alcohol before or during our activities. If you are visibly under the influence, you will be removed from the trip with no refund.
Minors/Youth Policy
Minors must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
Trip Minimums Policy
Some trips require a minimum number of participants to operate.
Minimum guest requirements are:
- Lickety Split / Lickety Blaster / Half Day / Full Day: minimum 4 guests
- Two-Day Lower Kern Trips: minimum 6 guests
- Forks of the Kern Trips: minimum 8 guests
- Kayak Classes and Climbing Classes: minimum 2 guests (excluding private classes)
Minimum numbers may be met by one or multiple reservations and may be fulfilled up to the day before the trip.
If minimums are not met, Sierra South will attempt to contact guests to discuss alternative tip options or rescheduling.
Guests may call 760-376-3745 for updated trip status.
Water Level Policy
River conditions change throughout the season. Trips may be modified or substituted based on water levels to maintain safety and provide the best possible experience.
Possible adjustments may include:
- Class IV trips converted to Class III during high water
- Class V trips converted to Class IV during high water
- Class IV trips moved to Class II–III sections during low water
- End-of-season rafting trips converted to tubing
If Sierra South cannot perform a trip and no substitute option is available, guests may be eligible for a full refund.
High Water Protocol
During high-water seasons (typically mid-May through early July), additional safety protocols may apply.
Minimum age requirements during high water include:
- Lickety Split / Lickety Blaster: 8 years old
- Lower Kern Class II–III: 12 years old
- Class IV trips: 16 years old
- Class V trips: 18 years old
All Upper Kern Class IV participants must pass a mandatory swimming proficiency test before launching.
Terms of Service
Use of Our Website
The Sierra South website provides information about rafting trips, outdoor adventures, and related services. Visitors may browse information, communicate with our team, and make reservations through our website or affiliated booking systems.
Users agree to use the website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not disrupt website functionality or interfere with other users.
Sierra South reserves the right to update website content, services, or policies at any time without prior notice.
AI Assistant and Automated Responses
Our website may include an AI-powered digital concierge designed to assist visitors in learning about Sierra South trips and local activities.
This tool is intended to provide general informational assistance. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally contain incomplete or outdated information.
The AI assistant does not replace direct communication with our reservations team and should not be relied upon as the sole source for booking decisions, safety requirements, or trip eligibility.
For the most accurate and current information, guests should contact our reservations team directly.
SMS Communications
Sierra South may offer guests the option to receive SMS (text message) communications related to reservations and requested services.
Types of Messages
Guests who provide their mobile phone numbers may receive messages such as:
- reservation confirmations
- trip reminders and preparation information
- waiver reminders
- weather or safety notifications related to trips
- post-trip follow-ups, such as photo notifications
Sierra South does not send promotional marketing text messages unless explicitly requested.
Message Frequency
Message frequency varies but typically ranges from 1–4 messages per reservation or trip.
Consent to Receive Messages
By providing your mobile phone number during a reservation, form submission, or communication with Sierra South, you consent to receive SMS communications related to your requested services. Consent to receive SMS messages is not required as a condition of purchasing services.
Opt-Out Instructions
You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message received.
Help Instructions
For assistance, reply HELP to any message or contact our reservations team directly.
Message and Data Rates
Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier.
Intellectual Property
All content on the Sierra South website, including text, images, graphics, logos, and trip descriptions, is the property of Sierra South or its content providers and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws.
Content may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sierra South shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of this website or reliance on information provided on the site.
Participation in rafting and outdoor activities is subject to the separate liability waiver required prior to each trip.
Privacy
Your use of this website is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how Sierra South collects, uses, and protects personal information.
Changes to These Terms
Sierra South may update these Terms of Service periodically to reflect operational changes, legal requirements, or improvements to our services. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
Governing Law
These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes arising from the use of this website or Sierra South services shall be resolved in the appropriate courts located in Kern County, California, unless otherwise required by law.
Contact Information
If you have questions about these Reservation Policies or Terms of Service, please visit our Contact page, or use the following contact:
Sierra South Mountain Sports
Address: 11300 Kernville Rd.
Kernville, CA 93238
Phone: 760-376-3745
Email: Tripreservation@sierrasouth.com