river rafting

Do not stand up in moving current. If you unintentionally fall into the water, you want to float on your back with your toes pointed up, facing downstream.
Do not wear cotton if you are going rafting in the cold weather. For the cooler months wetsuits, neoprene, polypropylene and wool are all items you can wear to keep you warm and dry.
Do not bring use alcohol or illegal substances while on your trip. It is dangerous and can bring harm to you, your guides, and fellow rafters.
Do not use your paddle as a splashing device
Avoid fallen debris and trees branches in the river

If you have never gone rafting, you should educate yourself on the sport. Know what it is and what you should be capable of doing. Be honest with yourself. Dont try doing a Class V river on your first ride.

Are you a good swimmer Can you endure upper body exercises for a couple hours If so, good If not, try taking some swimming lessons before your trip. Exercising your upper body is good to achieve some resistance on longer rafting trips.

Rivers are classified in six classes from Class I (easy) to Class VI (likelihood of death if attempted). For first timers, a Class II (or even Class III) is a good place to start while still having a thrilling experience. Choose your Class according to your physical limitations.

Rivers have different behaviors during the year. Summer rafting is usually calmer, due to low water volume. On the other hand, some rivers take advantage of the melting snow more water flow and some even have daily dam releases.

Some countries might have an age limitation to raft. Some places dont allow rafters under the age of 12.

Rafting should never be done solo. If youre a newbie rafter, try going with an experienced guide. If youre experienced, do go with other experienced rafters. But never alone.

Your guide knows what you should do and when to do it during your trip. DO always follow their instructions. Common things you will hear during your raft will be: lean left right, bounce, sit in out, paddle, stop paddling, and high five

I know you want to have fun, right But, drinking alcohol before rafting will not only endanger yourself, but also be a risk to other rafters.

Rafting should be done while there is plenty of sunlight. Try coordinating your trip so that it ends before darkness falls. In some rivers there is moonlight rafting, but these should only be done with well experienced companies and guides. Rafting in a pitch black river can be kind of creepy