Tips On Preparing For A Whitewater Rafting Tour

Most whitewater companies will send you a brochure about what to bring and how to prepare for a whitewater rafting tour but either way it pays to have some prior knowledge. Here some basics of what and what not to bring.

Clothing

Make sure to bring water friendly clothing on any whitewater rafting tour during the summer. If you go overboard when you are river rafting during the summertime, the best clothing to have on is a bathing suit, nylon shorts, and a t-shirt. The cover clothing will protect you. The bathing suit will come in handy if you want to go swimming during your trip.

During the winter, most outfitters provide customers with a wetsuit and paddling jacket. You should bring wool socks and warm under clothing on a whitewater rafting tour to stay cozy. You are also going to want to wear tennis shoes or river sandals on any whitewater rafting tour because you are going to step on rocks when you are getting in and out of the raft. Sandals or tennis shoes will protect your feet.

Extra Preparations

Even if you don't sunburn easily, make sure you bring sunscreen with you on a whitewater rafting tour. The sun can get pretty strong during the day and it will reflect off of the water, making it extra dangerous.

If you haven't signed up for a whitewater rafting tour that includes lunch, bring food so you can have a picnic. Most rivers are in very rustic areas so there won't be many options for eating out, if there are any at all.

What Not to Bring

Avoid bringing cameras, video cameras, sunglasses, jewelry, pocket books, and keys with you. If you do, you will have to leave them with the outfitter. If you don't feel comfortable leaving your valuables with the outfitter, you should leave them locked up in your car.

Your outfitter will provide you with a life jacket so no need to bring your own. Make sure to get a life jacket that fits you properly and if you need help adjusting it, don't hesitate to ask the guide of your whitewater rafting tour. A loose life jacket will not help you if you fall overboard and a tight jacket will get more and more uncomfortable as the day passes.

So there you have it. A whitewater rafting tour is one of the most exciting and fulfilling ways to spend a vacation but you need to go prepared in order to have a trip that runs smoothly. Remember that with the right amount of planning and preparation, you can have a fun, hassle-free vacation.