| water rafting is defined as a recreational activity | | | | company itself, the water level, difficulty of the trip, and |
| enjoyed by several passengers in an inflatable rubber | | | | so on. |
| boat used for navigating down a river or other | | | | Single or Multi-Day Excursions |
| fast-moving body of water. If you love adventure and | | | | Some people look for a whitewater rafting trip that will |
| want to do something special for your next vacation, | | | | start early in the morning and have them back to their |
| then perhaps a whitewater rafting trip would be the | | | | car or campsite by late afternoon. However, other |
| ideal option. Steered by a professional guide, you will | | | | diehard outdoor enthusiasts prefer rafting trips that are |
| make your way through raging water, while enjoying | | | | multiple day excursions. In this case, you would take |
| the thrill and adventure of the rapids. The key to a | | | | your sleeping gear with you down the river and camp |
| successful whitewater rafting trip is good planning, | | | | out along the banks at night. This experience is truly |
| which is why we decided to provide you with the top | | | | amazing and one that you will never forget. Therefore, |
| five things you need to know. | | | | check out all your options to see if a multi-day trip is |
| Safety, Expertise, and Certification | | | | more to your liking. |
| The most important aspect of planning any | | | | Price |
| whitewater rafting trip is to ensure you will be guided | | | | Whitewater rafting trips are not all created equal. |
| down the river by a professional guide, one who | | | | Therefore, rather than just settle on the first outfit you |
| knows not just the water and how to steer the boat | | | | talk to, take your time to find out about the length of |
| but also one who is certified as a “Whitewater | | | | the trip, the amenities included, level of skill for your |
| Rescue” or “Swift-Water | | | | guide, price per person, equipment rental fees, and |
| Technician”. Additionally, your guide should be | | | | gratuity. Obviously, price is just one consideration when |
| certified in CPR, Advanced First Aid, and other | | | | booking a whitewater rafting trip and while it should not |
| common river rescue techniques. | | | | be the number one factor, it is certainly something to |
| Unfortunately, only about 5% of whitewater rafting | | | | consider in the overall planning. |
| guides meet these criteria. While this type of activity is | | | | Additionally, ask about group, student, or corporate |
| generally, safe and you are required to wear life vests | | | | discounts. Many times, even the best outfitters will |
| and helmets, sometimes things happen. In this case, | | | | offer a nice discount if you have over a certain |
| you want to ensure you have the best possible guide | | | | number of people in your party, if you are a student, or |
| with you if something were to go wrong. Therefore, as | | | | if you are taking the trip as part of a corporate outing |
| you begin your search, ask questions specific to | | | | such as a team-building event. In fact, there are even |
| safety, expertise, and certification, and make sure | | | | discounts offered in many cases for wedding parties |
| every passenger will undergo a safety orientation prior | | | | so always ask. |
| to heading down the river. | | | | When to Go |
| Special Needs and Children | | | | Finally, you want to take a whitewater rafting trip when |
| If you or someone in your group has a special need, | | | | it will be most enjoyable. Obviously, the time of year |
| make sure you choose an outfit that can | | | | you choose will depend greatly on the region or |
| accommodate. Remember, whitewater rafting does | | | | country where you plan to raft. However, you can do |
| not exclude people who are not able-bodied. In fact, it | | | | your own homework pertaining to precipitation, along |
| is common to see people who normally live in | | | | with dam and reservoir water releases, snowfall, |
| wheelchairs along with people who have other types | | | | rainfall, and heat or talk to the outfitter to find out what |
| of disabilities enjoying this kind of activity. | | | | time of year they recommend. |
| For children, again you want to choose the right | | | | Generally, whitewater rafting in the United States and |
| whitewater rafting outfitter. However, most gladly | | | | Canada is best from April to October. However, some |
| welcome children on this type of adventure, knowing it | | | | rafting outfitters will supply passengers with wetsuits |
| is an excellent family experience. However, you will | | | | whereby they can take to the river with the first snow |
| need to research age and size requirements in that | | | | runoff in the spring and if water levels permit, later into |
| these vary depending on the type of boat, the outfit | | | | the year, as late as November. |