Is rafting
dangerous?
Rafting is
thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. However, as with all
adventure sports, there is inherent risk involved. That risk contributes to the
excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy rafting so much. The guides working for the outfitters listed with Rafting America
are trained to minimize and manage risks, and, statistically, you're safer in a
raft than in your car. One government report noted that the injury rate for
whitewater rafting is similar to that for bowling! The most common injury on
most rafting trips is sunburn, and most other injuries occur on land,
especially getting into and out of the boats.
If I can't swim,
can I still go rafting?
Everyone on
commercial rafting trips wears a coast guard approved life vest or personal flotation
device (PFD). This critical piece of equipment will keep you afloat in the
event that you find yourself in the river. Many non-swimmers go on Rafting
America rafting trips, and they have a great time. Your guide will give you an
in depth safety talk before your trip explaining what you should prepare for
and do in the event you fall out of the raft. Your guide is professionally
trained in whitewater rescue and will work with the rest of your guide team to
ensure that you are able to feel comfortable with the whitewater conditions on
your trip. All non-swimmers should talk to their outfitter when considering a
Class IV+ or Class V trip.
How fit should I
be to go rafting?
On rafting trips
where we use oar boats (the guide does most of the work), you can choose to be
as active as you wish. On many rafting trips paddle boats are used. This means
that guests will be an active source of power to move the boat through the
rapids and you will need to learn commands from your guides to help maneuver
the boat as it moves downstream. You should be reasonably healthy, and must be
able to fit into the life vests supplied by your outfitter. Paddling can sometimes
be tiring, but your guides will instruct you on paddling techniques which are
lots of fun to learn. If you're in doubt about your fitness to go rafting,
check with your doctor before you go.
What should I
wear on the river?
Luckily…this is not
a fashion contest! Your gear will depend on the time of year, water
temperature, and weather for your trip. Ask your outfitter for gear
recommendations before your trip. As a rule of thumb we recommend you dress for
the water temperature, rather than the air temperature, since you'll be getting
wet. Wetsuits can be rented with many outfitters, and are best when you know you'll be constantly wet--some rivers have prolonged spaces between rapids, which can make a wetsuit unbearable in hotter temps. Cooler days, with cold water, and
especially Class V trips, we require a wetsuit, or a wetsuit/paddle jacket
combination. You might also bring some synthetic fleece, polypro, capilene, or
wool garments. Don't wear cotton because when it becomes wet, it will just make
you colder. An old pair of tennis shoes, running shoes, or even Converse
hi-tops are the best on the river. Wetsuit booties are good if it is cold.
Sandals don't offer as much protection, and tend to come off easily in a swim.
Sunglasses, especially prescription glasses, should have a croakie or other retainer
that cinches tight. Consider a hat cord to tie your hat to your life jacket as
well. In warmer weather, and late season warmer water, shorts and a T-shirt are
good. Use sunscreen, but don't put it on your forehead, or the backs of your
legs. It may run into your eyes, or cause you to be slipping all over the boat.
Which trips are
best for me?
If you are just
learning to raft, start off with a Class II or III, or an easy Class IV rafting
trip. If you are nervous about being part of a paddleboat, an alternative is to
ride along on an oar boat, which many companies offer on different rivers. Many
rafters who are confident in the water, healthy, and feel adventurous, drop
right into a Class IV river without prior experience. Guides will make sure you
are trained in safety and paddle techniques. For Class V rivers, you must have
prior class IV experience. Some outfitters that operate on larger whitewater, such as the Colorado River, offer motorized rigs large enough to provide a variety of intensity depending on where you sit on the boat.
I have a family
with young children, can they go rafting?
Many companies have
special family trips available, on which you can take children as young as
four. Each particular river trip and company has its own suggested age limits.
Contact the individual outfitters to find out suggested ages for their trips.
I am a senior
citizen, can I go rafting?
For fit, active
seniors over 65 we recommend, as a first step, a class II paddleboat or oar
boat trip. Depending on how this feels to you, you might want to try paddling a
Class III river. Many healthy people of all ages, including spry folks in their
70's and 80's enjoy rafting at all levels.
What happens on a
typical rafting trip?
Your trip begins
when you meet the trip leader at your designated rendezvous place and time. He
or she will collect your release forms and distribute wetsuits if you rent them
from your outfitter. Then everyone gets on
the bus which will transport you to the “put in” where rafts await you in the
river. At the put in, the trip leader will give you a safety talk - a vital 20
to 30 minute discussion about how to be safe on the water. Then you'll head to
your boat and jump in! Paddleboats typically seat six to eight people and a
guide. On a paddleboat, the guide will give you further instruction on how to paddle once you
are afloat and give you time to practice following his or her commands. Then
you'll head on down the river, and have the time of your life!
What are my
chances of falling out of the boat? What should I do if I do?
Plan "A" is always to stay in the boat, but believe it or not,
many people love falling out of the boat. It's exciting. But it can be
disorienting and a little overwhelming at first. Many people have taken
multiple trips and never fallen in. Some people swim on their first trip. It's
all a part of rafting. Before you go on any trip, you'll be given extensive
instructions on what to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe. Follow your guide's
instructions, and your "swim" could be the most exciting part of your
trip and a great story to tell your friends afterwards!
Can I bring my
camera or video camera?
We don't recommend
bringing video cameras, or even expensive still cameras, on trips. Many people
bring disposable waterproof cameras, which work just fine. The quality of the
pictures is reasonably good, and if you lose your disposable camera, it's not the end of
the world. If you do choose to bring a more expensive camera, you can protect it waterproof cases available in the retail market that fit many shapes and sizes of camera. Many river trips also have professional photographers riverside, whose photos
you can view and order after the trip.
Should I tip my
guide?
Tipping is certainly
appreciated by the guides, who work hard to make sure you have a fun, yet safe
trip. If you feel your guide has done a good job, keeping you entertained, and
sharing the wonderful river environment with you, then feel free to show your
appreciation.
Find your Rafting
America adventure:
