SoCal Rafting

My family and I had the best rafting experience with this rafting company! From the moment I booked they made me feel so comfortable. The rafting trip was so much fun! The water may have been kind of low but our guide was so awesome! For sure coming back next year!

I got a Groupon for a friend and I to do the zorb and tubing adventure. We had quite a lot of set backs but even then I had a great time on the water. I think some of the complaints I had could easily be addressed and I know the drought was affecting the timeliness of the tours.
The water was pretty low and we did get stuck a bunch but the actual tubing part was pretty fun overall. We were late getting started though because we had a tube malfunction. It would be maybe a good idea to have the guides bring extra tubes so we could have avoided further delay? Additionally because many ppl kept getting stuck our group completely separated and the guides were likely not going to be able to oversee anyone had they got into trouble. I don’t think we needed a guide for the most part but they did stress that standing up could result in serious injury? I was a little confused about that. The staff however was very friendly and apologetic for delays. They offered us a full refund but we declined because we did have a great time once we got going.
I would definitely like to go back when the river is higher and maybe try some of the other activities.

I went on Aug 15 in the summer, horrible and the water was so low! A 2 hr trip turned into 5! It was such a struggle because we got stuck on rocks every 5 minutes. Then we were told that march-​may are the best times to go because thats when rain water flows through the river. Why would you allow people to do this activity when theres barely water?! The workers are great and very helpful but the experience was omg… –_–

If you are staying anywhere on the kern river or in kernville you need to visit so cal rafting.
I cannot praise them enough.
My family came in from out of town and every staff member was awesome. Toni in the store was so friendly and informative. We wanted to take our kids on the infamous Zorb. She was so great she fit us all for life jackets and took her time making sure we had all the info we needed to have a safe and fun trip even though the store was quite busy with other customers coming in, she didn’t rush us at all.
When we got out to the river Clayton was great. He moderated the Zorb to make sure it didn’t spin too quick for the little ones and everyone had a blast. It was such a unique experience that was unlike anything we’ve ever seen, better than what any other place was offering. They have so many other activities as well such as rafting and guided tours down the river.
The store is also fully stocked with any camping supplies you may have forgotten, great souvenirs and clothing.
Our trip would not have been nearly as fun without them. Thanks to everyone in the company that helped us during our stay.

We just had the most awesome Rafting experience with SoCal Rafting! Tyler, Chris and Clayton were the most skilled, patient and fun guides that made us (3 adults and 6 kids aged 6 – 12 years old!) feel completely safe while pushing us to test our limits on the Rapids! If you are looking to have a great day on the River, consider no others! While other companies may be a little less money, they do not include these amazing guides and you do not get a paddle (and having done this… I would NOT consider rafting with kids without a guide or paddles!!!) Other companies also give you a shorter ride on the river… shuttling you to the top of the same rapid over and over again. SoCal Rafting gives you a 2 hour run down the river that you can repeat as many times as your arms can handle! Great equipment, great experience! These guys ROCK! Look no further… Make this your first and last spot!!! Thanks so much to Tyler, Chris and Clayton! And don’t forget… If you like the trip… Don’t forget to tip!!! They deserve it!

We went rafting for the first time ever on 7÷10÷15. Loved every minute of it. Friendly staff. Amazing guides and great price!!! we can’t wait to come back and do this again.

Great Family fun there, Staff were awesome!!! had a great day thank you, and well be back for sure. The River was low but for my first time I had nothing to compare it to.
What a beautiful part of the world this place is, I was really surprised. the drive is cool too

Decided to try river rafting on a whim one day and found a groupon for these guys. I went tubing with my 16 year old cousin and we had an absolute blast! Our guides were Tyler and Clayton and they were very attentive to us the whole time and helped us our whenever we got stuck in some rocks they also chat with you while your floating around and we both had a great time. The tubing itself is a lot harder than you think but the rapids were definitely worth all the work :) I was concerned with the current drought that there wouldn’t be any water but there was plenty to still have a blast– will definitely be coming back!

This was my first time in Kernville, and SoCal rafting made my trip!
Im so glad I got the guided tour, even though I go tubing and rafting quite frequently.
What was nice, is that you get the tube for the rest of the day, as well as a ride back and forth to the start of the river drop in. Instead of buying your own tubes, and struggling with the driving and parking back and forth, SoCal made it so easy.
There was rain about a week before I went, so the water levels were pretty high. Overall, I will be back to SoCal Rafting very soon. Also, the guides were super kick-​ass. They stayed super hyped, and just had fun with everyone.

I don’t have 1 single negative thing to say about this company. They go above and beyond to make sure your trip is everything you were hoping for! Every staff member was helpful and friendly! This was our 2^nd year coming for 4^th of July weekend and the first year bringing our 6 year old daughter. Everyone was so helpful and honest when we asked them questions regarding her and what they thought she could handle. She went down the first time in a raft with a guide who I have to mention, his name was John and he was so friendly and great with her, he joked around with her and honestly I think he was the reason she really had so much fun going down the first time. He made her feel comfortable and safe and she kept wanting to race us and he would play into it and speed up so she could say she’s winning. And the. After that first time we got her an inner tube and used a bunji to tie her off to my husbands inner tube and he just towed her except for during the rapids which she rode down on her own, and did pretty well, I think I was more nervous than her. but we will definitely be back next year again. They are fantastic and do a great job of watching over everyone as well if anyone gets stuck or anything. They highly stress safety which is great as well because the river can be dangerous if you don’t follow the rules.

SoCal Rafting just took my church youth group of 28 teenage girls and leaders tubing this past week and they were awesome. They were so professional and had everything ready and organized for our large group. The river guides made the experience so fun for the girls and they were extremely patient with our lack of tubing skills! Lucian, the owner, is an incredibly nice guy and Toni in the shop was so kind and professional. If you want to tube, kayak, or raft the Kern River there’s only one place to go and that’s SoCal Rafting!

I’m from FL so this company was found on a random search. We had a total of 2 adults and 4 kids. No experience. We were therean hour early for check in. My opinion it was too early. It took us less then 5 mins. So we waited an hour lots to do in walking distance. Out tour was about 45 mins past the booking time. No one really helped or talked to us to inform we actually had to ask but the staff was very nice. Finally we got a tour guide CHUCK! Awesome. He was so patient with us. He pulled us off the rocks several times and was just very good about it. He very much made up for the fact we were going to bail since we waited so long. So if you have never rafted and wanted to experience this with you family… Book here! Ask for Chuck. Very happy with this random google find.

Ty and Troy were awesome! The river was low and rocky and these guys turned it into a game — their safety knowledge and know-​how on the river made for one of the most fun and exhilarating whitewater trips yet! The first time we went down we had 3 kids (two 8 year-​olds and one 6 year-​old) and Ty took them in his kayak. They had a blast-​part learning experience part water play Ty was great. In fact we had such a great time with these guys we came back and requested Ty and Troy a second time for another trip down the rapids before we headed home. Highly highly recommend! Especially if you have kiddos! We will be back next year for sure.

Went tubing for a Sunday Funday and it was awesome! There was 5 of us and it was all laughs. We had their newest employee as our instructor and he was super kind and helpful. If you want to enjoy a few hours of some laughs, also with great safety I would totally recommend this place. The cost was very reasonable, worth every penny for the memories! Will use them next time I am camping :) thanks so much !!!

My friends and I went rafting this past weekend and we had an awesome time! For being beginners, our guides Kyle and Troy were so patient and friendly. They made sure we were having the best experience possible. Overall, it was a great experience and we can’t wait to go back.

Awesome Rafting company which makes you feel so safe on the Kern River with super friendly staff!
Plus your store carries a very wide allotment of items and safety items like vest at a great price too!
Thank you for letting us all enjoy our family time on and around the Kern!

these people are great even when the water is low they do what they can and still make it fun.
better quality guides and equipment here
I think its funny how people cry about the river being too low and too many rocks… like its there fault lol …

After camping in Sequoia this was a great day time activity before heading back to Los Angeles.
The water unfortunately was too low. Our tubes kept hitting the rocks or getting stuck in between rocks. I am all down for some rock adventure along the river but thought there were just one too many stops on the river. My back and legs kept hitting the rocks. This is sad as the river seems like a direct consequence of the worst drought California is experiencing in history.
Why not educate customers on the river and why it is so low or provide some educational materials on how to preserve the river?
There are many people partying along the river so you won’t be in complete isolation.
At the very beginning there is a small waterfall. Make sure to hold on to your tube. I had a great time overall just wish the water level was higher.
Definitely grab a paddle since many parts of the river is slow or not moving. Otherwise you’ll be using your hands most of the way.
The staff was very nice and very attentive to our needs. Our friend’s tube had a hole in it at the beginning of the journey. After we told them about it they kindly gave us a free voucher for next time.
Thanks SoCal!

Sorry to break the 5 star review record, but I did NOT have a fun time. The river was way too low to tube without a paddle (ever heard of the expression «up the river with no paddle», that was us). We arrived around 10am, got our gear (no offer of a paddle) and took the shuttle. They told us it would take 2hrs to float down the river. We forgot water (totally our fault), but did remember sunscreen/​chapstick. We went in a shuttle bus with another couple, a couple who paid for the guided tour. Since we didn’t pay for that, the guide made no effort to give us any information.
There were so many places on the river where we became stuck on rocks. We could not get out. We’d have to get out of the tube and try to move it on slippery rocks. At one point (before Big Daddy), we got out and tried to walk around it because we were stuck. I ended up falling on the rocks. Not fun.
It took us closer to 4hrs to get back and when we did get back to return our stuff, there was no way in Hell I was going on another trip. We would have never made it back before they closed. Thus, an all day shuttle turned out to be a 1 trip shuttle. I should have been offered a refund for the difference. That would have been great customer service. When the river is that low, they should be suggesting that people pay the extra 5.00 for the paddle. These people know the River, we don’t.

Heard about SoCal Rafting from a friend who used the same company. He went kayaking through then and had pictures with the helmets, so I looked it up.
After heading to Sequoia National Park, my friend and I headed to the Kern River to find this place. Our intention was to kayak, but unfortunately they didn’t have any available at the time. J at the counter was super helpful and recommended the tubing. We were a little hesitant but decided to go for it.
The way they had it set up was a free shuttle would take us 3 miles up and drop us off. We had free reign but they gave us basic instructions. It was so much fun! And way better than kayaking would have been, especially because of the river level. You hit a Class 3 rapid called Big Daddy which is pretty fun and a little sketchy if you fall in haha. But nonetheless had an awesome time. My friend and I definitely want to go back.
Great customer service and awesome experience!