River Rafting – Helpful Tips That Will Keep You Safe and Allow You to Have Fun

After years of thinking about it, you have finally decided that you are ready to tackle your first river rafting experience. However, before you pack your bags, book a guide, and grab your paddle, you must take the time to prepare yourself for your upcoming adventure. The down listed tips will give you a better picture of what to expect and will keep you safe during the trip of your lifetime.

Tip 1: Listen to Your Guide

This is arguably the most important pointer from this list. Pay attention to everything your guide has to say. Do NOT ignore him because his number one duty is to ensure your safety and that can only be done with your help. Before you head out, your guide will gather the group and tell more about:

• How to lean to keep the raft balanced
• How to paddle in river rapids
• What to do with the paddle should you fall out of the raft
• How to be safe on the raft
• How to swim safely in river rapids

Once the instruction is done, do not be shy to ask questions. It is important that you embark on your trip fully prepared about what is about to come.

Tip 2: Never Take off Your PFD and Helmet

Your personal floatation device and helmet are not fashion features. They are safety gear meant to save your life in case the raft flips over or you slip out of the boat. They will keep you afloat and protect your head from trauma in case you hit the bottom or fall on a rock. Both should be secured in place, so check them rigorously and make sure they are feeling comfortable before you board the raft. If necessary, request assistance from your guide and ask him to conduct the gear check-up.  

Tip 3: Review the Packing List

There are several things you must bring with you to make your rafting trip enjoyable and memorable. Before you lock the door of your house and plunge into your new adventure, make sure you have packed:

• Workout clothes and/or bathing suits
• Strapped sunglasses
• Secure and comfortable footwear
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Water shoes or wet suit
• Dry set of clothing

Tip 4: Always Keep Your Hands on the T-Grip

The T-grip is located at the end of the paddle. It is imperative that you always keep one of your hands on it to not lose control over your paddle and injure the adjacent rafter. One of the most common accidents during white water rafting colorado is when one doesn’t hold the paddle correctly and it makes contact with someone else. The safety of the other members of your group is as important as your personal well-being.

Tip 5: Always Wear Sunscreen

Rafting on the Arkansas River in sun-soaked Colorado can cause severe sunburns. This is caused due to two things, the powerful rays of the sun and their reflection from the water. Do yourself a solid and apply waterproof sunblock on your skin, especially your face and around your eyes. You do not want your trip to get ruined because of sunburn.

Tip 6: Drink a Lot of Water

White water rafting in Colorado is a mixture of scenery, nature, and exercise. As we already said, the sun and heat can be quite powerful during summer, which in combination with physical exhaustion can lead to dehydration. Bring a water bottle with you and drink from it when you start feeling muscle pain and fatigue. Being well-hydrated will allow you to keep going and carry your own weight instead of becoming a burden to the other members of your group.

Tip 7: Keep Calm!

There will be times when the river will throw you some curve balls and surprises. Or maybe you will just be caught off guard from the speed of the rapids and the size of the rocks. Regardless of the situation, remain calm and allow your mind and body to acclimate to the circumstances and acknowledge what the others are saying so you can all be safe.

Tip 8: Have Fun

Do not drain the fun out of the experience by being too cautious and playing safe. Prepare yourself for your trip and once you are on-site, sat in a raft with a paddle in hand, do your best to relax, enjoy, and have a great time.

White water rafting is an excellent escape from city life, work, and everyday obligations. Spending time on the river getting your heart pumped up will surely allow you to recharge your batteries. The sport is for everybody regardless of their age and fitness levels, so do not waste time and book a trip today.