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What Do You Bring Whitewater Rafting?
What Do You Bring Whitewater Rafting? By Tim Shisler by Tim Shisler
You’re hands are sweaty with excitement and a dash of fear. The trip has been
on the calendar for two months and it’s all the office can talk about. But what
do you bring on a whitewater rafting trip? Do you need dry clothes? Sunglasses?
Sunscreen? To simplify things I’ve written down a few must haves and some
optional items as well. Remember that every outfitter is a bit different and
some may provide a few of the items below so a quick call to the outfitters
office may be in order.
Clothes:
Most trips taken during the
summer are met with hot dry weather. Of course there are exceptions but most of
the time swim trunks and bathing suits are in order. Women may want to wear
shorts to prevent chafing while cotton shirts are to be avoided. Since the wet
cotton is cool against the skin rafters may be warmer without shirts on. On cold
days outfitters may offer paddle jackets for rent and wetsuits. Some include
them into the price of the trip so it is best to check. Also don’t worry about
dry clothes until you get back to your car. Most of the time it is so hot by the
time you have put the rafts back on the vans or busses you’re warm and
dry.
Sandals:
It’s best to bring tennis shoes or sandals with straps. Flip
flops are likely to fall off your foot and become lost. The Middle Fork of the
American in California has a mandatory portage around a water fall and guests
who have Teva or Chaco sandals seem to do the best. Since footwear is important
in case of an emergency don’t cheat on this item.
Sunglasses:
It’s
a horrible rule but one that seems to always happen. If you own nice glasses and
don’t put on a pair of straps you’re going to lose them. Cheap glasses are great
because the loss factor is not as bad but if you have prescription glasses or
want polarized lenses make sure you take straps and secure them to your head.
It’s not a guarantee that they will stay there but I’ve gone through four
seasons with prescription glasses and been ok.
Water and
snacks:
Most companies will provide some water at meals or on the boats
but you can never have enough. Water bottles are fine just lying around on the
bottom of the boat and the more water the better. Snacks also can be stuffed
into plastic bags for calm sections of the rivers but make sure you bring enough
for everyone in the boat. Companies usually have some sort of snack after the
trip and before lunch.
Cameras:
Waterproof disposable cameras are
best but if you have a waterproof case for your digital camera that should work
fine as well.
Remember that most likely if you are doing a day trip then all
you really need is yourself. The outfitter I worked for covered just about
everything else and many times guides carried emergency items with them. I
always had a few fleeces in case it got cold and a splash jacket or two. First
aid kids, emergency radios and other gear are carried by the guides. Remember if
you have any questions to call the outfitter before you go rafting. It’s much
easier to understand what is going on before you get there and are suddenly
floating along a river towards what sounds like a fright train.
Tim Shisler has been a river guide with Whitewater Excitement for the past
four seasons. He is currently working as a freelance outdoor adventure writer
and photographer.
• For more info California river rafting: http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com
•
Register for California white water rafting E-news, specials & a chance to
win a river rafting vacation:
http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com/web_specials.html
•
South Fork American River; California’s best river for first timers and
families: http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com/s_fork/trips.html
About the Author
Whitewater Excitement has over 28 years whitewater rafting experience.and is considered to be California's premier American river rafting company.http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com
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Added: Thu Nov 02 2006
Last Modified: Tue Nov 07 2006
