What is more fun than an exhilarating, heart-pumping, potentially soaking wet, warm-weather afternoon? Whitewater rafting is one of the most fun activities to do on a hot summer day. Whether it’s a family vacation, team-building exercise with coworkers, or a group of friends on an afternoon trip; whitewater rafting is a great activity for people of all ages. Because of the teamwork required during a rafting adventure, it is a great way to build comradery, burn some calories, and get outdoors regardless of skill level or experience.
Below are a couple of tips that will help you maximize your whitewater rafting experience, and ensure that you have the best possible time.
- Research Safety Tips and Commands in Advance
Whitewater rafting is a blast, and following the rules will make it an even more enjoyable experience. Looking up the rules in advance and familiarizing yourself with them will help you to feel more comfortable on the water, and have more fun! Look up the proper swimming techniques and know how to do them in the event that you end up in the water. Many guides will let passengers get out of the boat and swim through smaller rapids. Knowing the commands will also result in an improved experience. The communication between the guide and the passengers is a crucial element in rafting. Knowing some of the commonly used terms and what they mean will go a long way.
- PAY ATTENTION DURING THE SAFETY TALK
It can be very tempting to get distracted during your guide’s safety talk before your journey begins. It is extremely important that you pay very close attention, as some of the tips and techniques that your guide will share with you are not always common sense. Many of them are specific to rafting, and you need to know them in order to not capsize. Terms such as “high-siding” and “bump” are commands that your guide may shout during your trip, and both are designed to help keep you in the boat! Knowing the commands may be the difference between sitting in the boat, and swimming next to it. Make sure to listen to your guide during the trip as well, because good communication between the guide and passengers will ensure the best possible experience.
- Make Smart Outfit Decisions
Now, this may seem like a no-brainer, but hear me out. Just because it’s in the mid-80s doesn’t mean that you’ll be nice and toasty on the water. The breeze off the water and spray coming over the side of the boat can make things a tad chilly. If it’s an early Spring day in the upper 70’s, you may want to consider wearing a splash jacket or a wetsuit. But just because you’ve planned to go on a hot July day doesn’t mean you’ve thought of everything! You should also try to wear shoes that won’t easily fall off if you end up in the water. Sandals or an old pair of tennis shoes are always a good idea when rafting. And don’t wear that nice pair of Raybans that you just bought unless you have some straps for them, otherwise you may want to pick up some inexpensive ones that you won’t mind losing.
Hopefully, these tips were helpful to you, so your next outing with us at River Rat is even more fun, more exhilarating, and more enjoyable for you and your friends and family.
