What not to wear when white water rafting?
Cotton is a rafter’s worst enemy. It takes a long time to dry, leaving you cold and clammy without any insulation. On most rafting trips, that makes it a poor choice of clothing because if you get wet once (and you will! You do have a small chance of being injured on a rafting trip, about 1:558 and a 1:100,000 chance of being a fatality. This means that for the vast majority of people, rafting is simply a great fun adventure. Rafting not just about big white water.If you’re wondering if an you wear jeans white water rafting you’re not alone. We’ve been there, done that and we don’t recommend it. Cotton and similar materials take a while to dry after getting wet, which will make them heavy and uncomfortable. Plus, if temperatures are cooler, you’ll also be cold!You don’t want to wear anything cotton when you go white water rafting near Gatlinburg. You might be wondering why not: cotton is lightweight, right? However, cotton is known for getting wet and staying wet. Pick clothes that dry quickly and are lightweight.If you’re new to the world of river rafting, you might have questions and concerns about what to expect and how to prepare. Contrary to common misconceptions, white water rafting for beginners is just as fun, as long as you choose the right path and know what to anticipate.Many people believe that rafting is only for experienced swimmers. However, the truth is that rafting is an excellent activity for all types of people, regardless of their swimming ability. Even non-swimmers can enjoy whitewater rafting without putting themselves in danger.
Is white water rafting safe?
So, How Safe is Rafting, Really? Low Fatality Rate: With a fatality rate of about 0. Comparatively Safe: Rafting with professional guides is actually safer than many everyday activities. Avoid cotton (not even underwear! Footwear: The best shoes for rafting are ones that stay on your feet and can get wet. Choose water shoes, water sandals with a heel strap or an old pair of sneakers you don’t mind getting soaked.The most common injuries during a whitewater rafting trip are foot injuries, but they’re easily prevented with the right footwear. Proper water shoes protect against stubbed toes, sunburns, and debris in the water. Make sure your shoes fit well and are broken in before the trip to avoid rubbing or discomfort.Trail Running Shoes Running shoes are the perfect pair. These shoes help create balance in warm water that tops off from excessive summer heat. And while maintaining moderate body temperature in cold water splashes, they are suitable white water rafting shoes for winter.Anything that’s the style of a Chaco or Teva sandal is perfect because it has the adjustable straps, and has a back strap that secures your heel into the shoe. Another option that many choose, is to wear an old pair of sneakers or tennis shoes that they don’t mind getting wet.
Can a beginner go white water rafting?
Whitewater rivers are classified based on difficulty, ranging from Class I (gentle waters) to Class VI (extremely dangerous and only for experts). For beginners, a Class II or III river provides an exciting yet manageable experience. The river classification system is based on an International Scale of River Difficulty and ranges from Class 1 to Class 6 rapids. In this video, we explain the different white water rafting levels, as well as what to expect from each category of rapid on your next rafting trip.Upper Tuolumne River (Cherry Creek), California. Cherry Creek is the gold standard for Class V and is the hardest section of commercially rafted whitewater in the United States.
How to not fall off white water rafting?
Always float on your back with your face out of the water. All the while, keep your feet at or above the surface of the water. Keep your arms out to the side to help slow down and maneuver in the river. Be aware of your position in relation to the raft. After falling, grab the side of the raft with your arms as soon as possible. If there is a safety rope, grab it. Hold firmly until the guide or other rafters pull you back onto the boat. When pulled on the raft, face the rescue crew.If you are separated from your raft and can’t quickly get back to it, then your best bet is to swim to another raft if it is closer. If the shoreline is closer than your raft or other rafts, then swim to shore. While swimming, it’s important to keep your bearings with downstream obstacles and shoreline obstacles.Whether it be your guide or a guide in a different boat, someone will likely be giving you instructions and working to get you back into a raft. Guides always point in the direction that they’ll want you to swim. The quicker you can respond to them, the quicker they’ll be able to assist you in the water.To prevent falling out, tuck your feet into the boat well; your guide will show you how in the boat you will be rafting in. Make sure to listen to the paddle commands, lean in and paddle hard, and keep paddling through the rapids to keep up the boat’s momentum through big wave hits.
Can I wear shorts for white water rafting?
The clothing you should wear for a guided rafting trip includes quick-drying materials, such as synthetic shorts and a moisture-wicking shirt. Don’t forget to wear supportive footwear, and consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection. Unlike some other water-based sports and activities, whitewater rafting requires sturdy footwear. Do not make the mistake of showing up in flip flops, Crocs, aqua socks, or any other slip-on shoes that don’t have laces, straps, or fasteners to keep the shoe on your foot at all times.Don’t wear flip flops, Crocs, or other slip-on shoes—they can easily fall off your feet and get lost in the rapids.Barefoot – never an option. No stability in the raft and unsafe walking to/from or near the river. Hiking Boots – remain wet and heavy during a trip. Not safe for floating in rapids.Smaller injuries such as stubbed toes, sunburns, and blisters are the real bummers on a trip. Fortunately, they are preventable! Foot injuries are the most common, yet easily preventable discomforts of rafting. Wearing good water shoes is the first step to taking care of your feet.
Do you wear socks in white water rafting?
If it’s chilly, you can wear wool socks under your shoes or sandals. Headwear: Bring a paddling hat or a baseball cap. Make sure your ball cap can be cinched tight to keep it from getting washed overboard if a big wave crashes over the raft. Though you may be given a helmet, a cap visor offers added sun protection. Wearing a swimsuit under your gear is a great option. It provides comfort and quick-drying benefits, making it suitable for your whitewater rafting adventure. Just ensure your swimsuit is made of quick-drying material for optimal performance.