How to Go on a First Whitewater Rafting Trip

A group of people in a raft working together to negotiate the raft's safe passage through a rapid in the river is what whitewater rafting is all about. It's exhilarating to ride the current, paddle around an obstacle and shoot through to the other side.

Whitewater rafting is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, although you should choose the right river at the right time of year in order to be safe and truly enjoy the adventure. Read on to learn more about how to go on your first whitewater rafting trip and experience the thrill yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bathing suit
• T-shirt
• Water shoes
• Bottled water
• Lunch and snacks, if not supplied by the outfitter
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses with a strap

1. Before attempting to raft down a river conduct some research on the classes of whitewater you should expect on the river you are planning to raft during the time of year you are rafting.
   
   Each rapid on a river is rated. Class I rapids are just fast moving water. Class II rapids have swifter currents, but are still easily negotiable. Class III rapids take some skill and knowledge to paddle through. Class IV rapids become more dangerous and are usually attempted by paddlers with some expertise. Class V rapids are large and dangerous and are attempted by experts. Class VI rapids are extremely dangerous and may have never been successfully navigated on a raft.
   
   Snowmelt in the spring, heavy rainfall, and dam releases upriver can increase the currents on the river and therefore the difficulty of the rapids. This can bring positives and negatives to a whitewater-rafting experience. If you are looking for a higher degree of challenge and excitement on your whitewater adventure, go when the river is moving fast. If you want a milder experience, go at a time of year, usually the summer, when water levels are lower.
   
   First time rafters should experience a river with rapids rated no higher than Class III.

2. Groups or individuals should hire an experienced outfitter and guide to accompany them on their first whitewater rafting trip. Across the country, just about anywhere there are rapids to forge on a river, there is an outfitter that offers rafting trips.

3. Make reservations from a certified whitewater-rafting outfitter for the river you want to experience. When making the reservation, tell the outfitter it is your first time and ask her advice on which river, or section of a river, to experience.

4. Ask the outfitter what is provided on the rafting trip and what supplies you must bring. Lunch is important. Some trips provide lunch as part of the experience, but other trips expect you to provide your own nourishment. There are no convenience stores or fast food restaurants along most rivers.

5. Whitewater-rafting trips can last anywhere from two hours to multiple days. For a first experience four to six hours is plenty of time paddling down a river.

6. The outfitter is usually not located directly on the river, but at a remote location. Here there will be changing rooms, a place to park your car, restrooms, and concession stands.
   
   At this gathering point you will be supplied with paddles, helmets, and life jackets. Wet suits are usually available to rent. Depending on water conditions a wet suit may or may not be required.

7. Only bring what you absolutely need on the river. A dry bag (or bucket) is supplied to put anything you are taking on the river but don't want to get wet, like lunch. Make sure you follow instructions for sealing the bag or things could get wet and soggy on the river.

8. Groups of rafters are transported to the put-in site on the river. Listen to the instructions and guidance of the guide that accompanies you down the river. He will give you a safety briefing on what to expect on the river. She will instruct you on what to do if you fall in the river while navigating a rapid.

9. The first few minutes on the river are usually interesting as everyone in your raft gets used to paddling and working as a team. Expect some problems. Adjust the placement of the people in your raft to aid in navigating down the river.

10. Rapids are usually spaced between sections of calmer water. Enjoy the trip downstream.
    
    Have fun paddling down the river and challenging the rapids with your newfound skills.

Tips & Warnings

• Most outfitters require that you sign a limited liability waiver before taking you out on a river. There are inherent dangers when whitewater rafting. Read the liability forms required carefully to fully understand the risks involved in whitewater-rafting.
• If wet suits are only recommended, but not required rent one anyway. It's a miserable trip down the river if you are cold the whole time.
• Ask the outfitter how many people are in a raft. When gathering a group together to go whitewater-rafting, get enough people to fill the raft so that you don't have to share the raft with strangers.
• Whitewater rafting trips are great adventures for Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops. On calmer rivers kids in fifth grade and up can handle a raft (with the help of an adult or two). River guides and outfitters set minimum age limits and these should be strictly followed.
• Leave your wallet and other valuables locked inside your car. Leave electronic car keys in a locker or sometimes the outfitter will hold your keys. Don't take the chance of the electronic key getting wet and ruined on the river.
• Follow all safety guidelines including wearing helmets and life jackets when on the water.
• Alcohol consumption and whitewater rafting do not mix. Save drinking for after the whitewater rafting trip!
• Never attempt to raft a river for the first time on your own. Choose a guide that has experience and knows the characteristics of the whitewater on the river you plan to raft.

Resources

• Find whitewater rafting trips all over the country at the Whitewater Rafting Guide to River Trips.

[Jaybeew]

on 2/8/2009 Great tips! You're brave!