A guest post by the Rolling Thunder River Company.
White water rafting is an exciting activity that can be fun for the entire family!
For those new to the sport, it is common to have many questions about successfully preparing for the trip. If you fall into this category, here are a few things to consider:
What Should I Bring
First you will need to dress accordingly. Wearing light, airy, and quick dry clothing will help make the rafting experience more enjoyable. Many newcomers to the rafting scene commonly forget to bring an extra pair of clothes to wear after the trip is over.
Having a towel and a dry set of clothing to change into once the trip is over will make your ride home much more comfortable! Sunscreen is another essential item that you should add to your list. This is an outdoor activity, and protecting your skin from the sun is a must.
While packing you may want to include a waterproof camera so you can capture all the exciting moments that you will experience throughout the day.
Safety and Swimming Skills
It's imperative to wear life jackets and helmets while going on a rafting trip, which are usually provided through the rafting company.
Although swimming skills may not be mandatory in all cases, it is recommended to have some basic swimming knowledge.
In the event that you fall into the river by mistake during the rafting trip do not do anything that will cause you to panic. Be sure to listen to the guide, and they will help you to safety.
Set Your Mind to Getting Wet
Rafting is a water activity therefore you should set your mind on getting wet, and possibly cold.
This is where the light, airy clothing comes into play. You want to be sure that your clothes can dry fairly quickly to prevent yourself from getting too cold.
Be sure you are 100% sold on this idea, and it is something that you want to do. All people going on this trip should be prepared to get wet!
Listen to the Trainers Before Embarking on Your Trip
It is very important that there are no interruptions during the training or briefing that the raft guides give prior to you getting on the river.
There will probably be a video prior to the trip explaining different rules and commands that need to be followed. These are trained guides, and they are there to make sure that your rafting adventure is both fun and safe.
Therefore understanding the rafting rules and instructions is essential to your trip.
A rafting trip is a must do activity in an adventurous person's life time. The thrill and excitement people experience from white water rafting is unforgettable, and thoroughly enjoyable.
It is a real adventure that everyone can enjoy, and above all else, expect to have a lot of fun!
So will you be the next person to embark on this exciting adventure? Please let us know in the comment box below!
About the Author: Rolling Thunder River Company is proud to bring you useful information that will help you enjoy your rafting adventure. For those interested in learning about Nantahala River rafting in North Carolina, or Ocoee rafting trips in Tennessee, visit our website today.
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Thanks for sharing. You mention waterproof cameras. Do you have any favorites? Do you recommend some sort of lanyard on them?
Thanks,
Shane
Hi Shane! Thanks for your comment. For my paddling trips I use an Olympus (Tough series) which is water proof and shake proof! You can also check the new GoPro Hero 3, a new outdoor video camera and camera. If you're diving as well, you might want to invest in underwater camera systems (for your point and shot camera) like Ikelite.
You can make yourself a lanyard with a thin rope and put it around neck and shoulders to facilitate movements. Hope this is helpful!
Just to add to the waterproof camera comment... I bought the Nikon Coolpix waterproof/shockproof camera last year and it has been excellent. It's been used on many paddling trips as well as snorkeling adventures and has always produced great shots. However my brother who is a whitewater rafting guide uses the GoPro Hero and loves it. Cheers.