Whitewater rafting is a thrilling experience that provides family fun and lasting memories. Nothing beats traveling down a river on a raft; with a guide, you don’t have to be overly courageous or have extensive skills. However, it would be best to remember safety; you can do plenty to have a fun and safe experience.
Come Prepared For The River
The company you are working with should provide essential gear, like life jackets, paddles, and helmets. If it’s colder, wetsuits could be provided as well. Choose comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting wet, and wear either waterproof shoes or sandals secured to your foot. Consider the climate and the weather you are in when choosing an outfit. Wear clothing that will dry quickly.
Do not bring valuables with you, and put any personal items you need in a dry bag. Wearing shorts with sealable pockets is a great idea. If you do bring a camera, make sure it is waterproof. Many rafting companies provide participants with photos, so there is often no need to bring along a camera.
Whitewater Rafting Safety Tips
Before booking your rafting trip, choose a reputable company with trained and experienced guides. Your guide’s job is to keep participants safe. Listen to your guide and follow all the instructions. Don’t get carried away laughing with your friends or family; listen to the guide and pay attention.
Only go rafting if you can swim. Guides are trained to quickly pull people out of the river if they fall out, but the situation could become dangerous if you don’t know how to swim and panic. You don’t need to be an excellent swimmer, but basic swimming skills and feeling comfortable enough not to panic are essential. Consider brushing up on your basic swimming skills before embarking on a rafting trip.
Only take your children if they are comfortable in the water. Most companies have age limits for their trips, so pay attention. Sometimes, lower-grade rivers and rapids are a better fit for children. Always check the life jackets and confirm they fit properly, according to the United States Coast Guard guidelines.
Whitewater Rafting Destinations
Now that you have tips on being prepared and safe on the river, consider where you will go for whitewater rafting. Some of the best whitewater rafting destinations are in the Western United States. Montana, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and Green River, Utah offer some of the best experiences. However, opportunities can be found in other states, such as Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maine, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
If you’re going on vacation and would like to try whitewater rafting, ask around or perform a search to find your options. If you are lucky to live near a river offering whitewater rafting, you can make it a regular outing. Just keep these tips in mind to maximize your experience.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
