How to Prepare for a River Rafting Trip

Properly preparing yourself for a rafting trip ensures that you have everything you need, when you need it, for the best rafting experience possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• River Raft First Aid Kits
• Life Vests
• River Raft Oars
• River Raft Paddles
• River Raft Repair Kits
• River Rafts

1. Plan early for your rafting trip. Make sure you have maps of your destination and know exactly where you'll enter and exit the river. You may not have transportation back to your vehicle after you exit the river, so plan ahead.
2. Know the ratings on the rapids you'll encounter along your course. If any rapids are too difficult for your crew to negotiate, make sure there's a means of getting around them. Ask rangers in the area or call the phone numbers on your river map for information.
3. Pack properly for your trip and make sure everyone going knows exactly what they'll need and what they won't. Make sure people don't bring a lot of excess baggage, since room in the raft will be limited.
4. Explain to people coming that they'll need very little clothing: a set of clothes for the day and a warm, dry set for the night. Each person needs a sleeping bag, personal gear (sunglasses, camera, toothbrush, etc.), a flashlight and very little else.
5. Make sure you have enough tent space for everyone.
6. Plan out meals: a simple, light breakfast; snacks for the daytime and a good, warm meal for the night. Make sure your camping stove is in working order and has plenty of fuel.
7. Make sure your raft is in good working order and that it has a first aid kit, enough life vests, a repair kit, an emergency signaling kit, extra rope and enough working oars and paddles.
8. Develop checklists you can use every trip and then add things you forget. Have a personal gear checklist and distribute it to every member to ensure they bring all they need.

Tips & Warnings

• Know the rules and regulations of the river you're going to raft before you leave for your trip.
• Make sure the proper permits are available. You may have to book in advance for a wilderness permit, since many rivers have limits on the number of people allowed on the river at any given time.
• Make sure everyone wears a life vest at all times when on the river.
• River rafting is a dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. Seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.