4 Tips For The River Rafting Beginner

River rafting is a fun way to explore local rivers and have an adventure. If you have never been river rafting before and you are getting ready for your first trip, you should keep these tips in mind.

Wear The Right Clothing 

When you are spending all day out on the river rafting, you should expect to get wet and dress accordingly. You might even end up in the river completely soaked, so it's important to wear synthetic clothing that won't retain water and can dry out quickly. If you are going on a river rafting trip in early spring, it can be pretty cold so wear the right protective gear, like a full body wetsuit and a water resistant jacket. 

Wear Protective Gear

River rafting is a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous. The risk exists on any river rafting trip that you will be thrown from the boat and into the river. You should make sure that you are wearing the right protective gear at all times. This includes both a life vest and a helmet. The life vest will ensure that you aren't quickly pulled under the water by the rapids if you do happen to fall out of the boat, and the helmet is there to protect you from the dangerous rocks in the river. 

Be Ready To Swim

You should always be prepared for being thrown into the water, and one way to do that is by being swim ready and knowing how to swim properly. If you do find yourself in the river, make sure that you are swimming with your feet up and not floating below the surface of the water. Your feet can get caught on large rocks, making it difficult for you to swim back to your boat. Look at your guide for cues, and they should help guide you back to the river raft once you are thrown out. Be sure to check your life vest and tighten it as needs be, as the straps can become loose while swimming.

Pick The Right Trip 

Don't pick a river rafting trip that you and your group can't handle. For example, if you are a beginner planning a trip with a lot of other beginners, choose an easy trip that isn't a full day, like a half a day trip on a calmer river. If you are rafting with more experienced people, you can choose a more challenging river and extend the trip to a full day. 

Keep these beginner tips in mind when you go river rafting and you will be sure to have a fun and safe time! 


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