White Water Rafting for Beginners
The song of the river ends not at her banks, but in the hearts of those who have loved her.
-Buffalo Joe
White water rafting is an exciting outdoor adventure for everyone, including children and senior adults. If this is your first or second time rafting, there are probably some questions and concerns crossing your mind. The first part of having a great time white water rafting is finding out what beginners need to know and what to look for in a rafting company.
Safety Precautions
White water rafting is a thrilling sport for all ages. Like many adventure sports, there is risk involved in participating. Traveling with a company that takes the time to teach you safety measures such as how to properly wear a life jacket, helmet, and personal gear is crucial to having a good time.
Well-trained guides will coach everybody on their raft how to get in and out of boats, paddle, where to place their feet, rafting language, and what to do in the event of an emergency such as an upturned raft or if someone falls out. In this manner, everybody is educated and more confident, and the guide can better minimize any dangers.
If you have any worries about your ability to raft due to your physical health, check with your doctor beforehand.
Swimming Abilities
Many people are worried about falling out of the raft and not being able to swim. Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate for safety reasons and all of our guests are required to wear a lifejacket and helmet, which eliminates the worry of staying afloat so everyone can have a great time.
Guests can choose from a variety of skill levels that they are most comfortable with. Trips that are Class II-IV are suitable for beginners.
Wilderness Aware Rafting professional guides work to educate everyone at the start of each trip on what to do if they fall out of the raft and how to properly float down river to the riverside where they will be picked up with little, if any, injuries. If there is a part of the river with any risk of falling out, we’ll be sure to warn you to “dig in” before we hit the rapids.
For many people who do fall out, it’s actually the most exciting part of the trip that they enjoy telling others about.
Well-Trained & Knowledgeable Staff
Wilderness Aware Rafting earned the 2012 Better Business Bureau’s “Excellence in Customer Service” award and we have been twice named Colorado’s Company of the Year. Every member of our staff works to maintain our excellent safety record since 1976. The owner and management team is involved in daily operations and making sure guests have an excellent experience.
Part of the awesome experience of taking a trip with us is the trust and care that our guides are professionally-trained, First Aid and CPR certified, and drug-tested. We also make sure that our guides are fun and easy to get along with.
Preparing for Your First White Water Rafting Trip
The day before your beginner white water rafting trip, make sure you pack the right gear to have a comfortable and fun time. We don’t recommend wearing cotton at all because you’ll stay soaked and cold longer. Bring a swimming suit and wetsuit. If you don’t have a wetsuit, they are available to rent.
We do recommend sunglasses with a securing strap and hat since the glare reflecting off the water and canyons can be harsh on the eyes. Water resistant sunscreen is a must to avoid burns. For your feet, bring tennis shoes that you are ok with getting wet or secure sandals. Lastly, also bring a change of clothes, towel, water bottle, fleece jacket, and cash.
Are you ready to sign up for a beginners’ trip? Browse our selection of white water rafting trips or contact us today to get started.
