Few things are as thrilling as whitewater rafting—the anticipation of the next big wave, that exhilarating drop in your stomach, the river’s spray cooling your body. If you want in but don’t know quite how to get started, read on for tips from rafting enthusiasts to help you ease into the sport.
Seek Out Reputable Companies
Outdoor activities can seem a bit daunting if you’re not familiar with them, but water rafting is a fun way to get started. The best way to get started is to find a reputable company that offers beginner-level rafting tours.
The guides will give you all the necessary instructions and safety gear, so you don’t have to worry about anything. They’ll also provide transportation to and from the river, so all you have to do is show up and have fun. Just make sure you dress appropriately for the weather and water conditions. The guide will also go over this with you, so you are prepared to hit the water.
Learning The Basics Of Rafting
The single most important thing you can do if you want to start whitewater rafting and have no experience is to find someone else to teach you. If you’ve got a friend who’s willing to take you down in their raft and show you the ropes, that’s great (though you’ll likely still want to take a River Rescue class at some point before you go it alone). Otherwise, I highly recommend taking a guiding class from any of the number of rafting companies that offer them across the country.
The next suggestion I would make is when you’re ready to buy your first raft, buy a high-quality used one. In the beginning, you don’t know what size or type of raft you’re going to prefer. You’re also likely to hit a lot of rocks, leave your boat in the sun too long without letting enough air out, or make any number of rookie mistakes that will damage your raft. Might as well beat up a cheaper used one, and then spend more money once you know what you want and how to take care of it.
Tyler Callantine
Tyler Callantine has more than 30 years of river guide and white water rafting experience from all over the western United States. His favorite river trips are right in their own backyard — on Colorado’s world-famous Yampa River and Green River through the Gates of Lodore. Find him at Dinosaur River Expeditions.
Research and Prepare Well for Your Adventure
If you have never been white water rafting, a thorough internet search is a good place to start. Look for reputable companies with a variety of options from beginner-friendly one-day rafting trips to multi-day rafting trips such as the Green River Gates of Lodore or Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument – both good introductory trips for first-timers with exciting whitewater.
A local family-owned company is another good bet. They have first-hand knowledge of the area, are in touch with the entire guide staff, and quite often, a manager or owner will be on your trip. Talk with friends, family members, coworkers. Find out what type of experiences they have had with guided river trips. They may direct you to a company that they had a fabulous experience with.
Definitely ask questions of the outfitter, read the pre-trip literature they provide and follow their suggested pack list. You do not want to be out on the river for a day or four days without gear that will make your trip successful and more comfortable.
Another suggestion is to research what is available where you think you may want to go rafting. Find out what other activities are available and extend your vacation to see and do more than just the rafting trip.
Research Whitewater Rafting Locations
Begin by researching whitewater rafting locations near you. For first-time rafters, this is something that you will want to do with an experienced guide at a legitimate location. Most websites will give a synopsis about what is required from you and what they will provide. They will typically provide all or most of the necessary gear. Make sure to read over safety information posted on their website as well. If you still have questions or concerns, call them! They will be happy to ease your anxieties and answer any questions you have.
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