FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RAFTING and things I have learned….
1-Is rafting dangerous?
My Answer- Yes! If you’re guide is insane!
Rafting America’s answer- Rafting is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. However, as with all adventure sports, there is inherent risk involved. That risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy rafting so much. The guides working for the outfitters listed with Rafting America are trained to minimize and manage risks, and, statistically, you're safer in a raft than in your car. One government report noted that the injury rate for whitewater rafting is similar to that for bowling! The most common injury on most rafting trips is sunburn, and most other injuries occur on land, especially getting into and out of the boat.
2-If I can't swim, can I still go rafting?
My answer- Doesn’t seem to much matter- I can swim and still almost drowned.
Rafting America’s answer- Everyone on commercial rafting trips wears a coast guard approved life vest or personal flotation device (PFD). This critical piece of equipment will keep you afloat in the event that you find yourself in the river. (You think) Many non-swimmers go on Rafting America rafting trips, and they have a great time. Your guide will give you an in depth safety talk before your trip explaining what you should prepare for and do in the event you fall out of the raft. (Is that so…) Your guide is professionally trained in whitewater rescue and will work with the rest of your guide team to ensure that you are able to feel comfortable with the whitewater conditions on your trip. All non-swimmers should talk to their outfitter when considering a Class IV+ or Class V trip.
3- How fit should I be to go rafting?
My answer- Doesn’t really matter- just make sure the former marine traveling with you still is.
Rafting America’s answer -On rafting trips where we use oar boats (the guide does most of the work), you can choose to be as active as you wish. On many rafting trips paddle boats are used. This means that guests will be an active source of power to move the boat through the rapids and you will need to learn commands from your guides to help maneuver the boat as it moves downstream. You should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into the life vests supplied by your outfitter.(Not that difficult when it’s hanging around your knees.) Paddling can sometimes be tiring, but your guides will instruct you on paddling techniques which are lots of fun to learn. If you're in doubt about your fitness to go rafting, check with your doctor before you go.
4- What should I wear on the river?
A life jacket that fits is preferable.
Rafting America’s Answer- Luckily…this is not a fashion contest! Your gear will depend on the time of year, water temperature, and weather for your trip. Ask your outfitter for gear recommendations before your trip. As a rule of thumb we recommend you dress for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature, since you'll be getting wet. Wetsuits can be rented with many outfitters, and are best when you know you'll be constantly wet--some rivers have prolonged spaces between rapids, which can make a wetsuit unbearable in hotter temps. Cooler days, with cold water, and especially Class V trips, we require a wetsuit, or a wetsuit/paddle jacket combination. You might also bring some synthetic fleece, polypro, capilene, or wool garments. Don't wear cotton because when it becomes wet, it will just make you colder. An old pair of tennis shoes, running shoes, or even Converse hi-tops are the best on the river. Wetsuit booties are good if it is cold. Sandals don't offer as much protection, and tend to come off easily in a swim. Sunglasses, especially prescription glasses, should have a croakie or other retainer that cinches tight. Consider a hat cord to tie your hat to your life jacket as well. In warmer weather, and late season warmer water, shorts and a T-shirt are good. Use sunscreen, but don't put it on your forehead, or the backs of your legs. It may run into your eyes, or cause you to be slipping all over the boat.
5-Which trips are best for me?
My Answer- Well, I’m not sure for you, but road trips are now preferable for me.
Rafting America’s Answer- If you are just learning to raft, start off with a Class II or III, or an easy Class IV rafting trip. If you are nervous about being part of a paddleboat, an alternative is to ride along on an oar boat, which many companies offer on different rivers. Many rafters who are confident in the water, healthy, and feel adventurous, drop right into a Class IV river without prior experience. Guides will make sure you are trained in safety and paddle techniques. For Class V rivers, you must have prior class IV experience. Some outfitters that operate on larger whitewater, such as the Colorado River, offer motorized rigs large enough to provide a variety of intensity depending on where you sit on the boat.
6-If I have a family with young children, can they go rafting?
My answer- I will know the answer to this soon I’m sure. We’re already talking about it.
Rafting America’s Answer- Many companies have special family trips available, on which you can take children as young as four. Each particular river trip and company has its own suggested age limits. Contact the individual outfitters to find out suggested ages for their trips.
7-I am a senior - can I go rafting?
My answer- Only if you went to the University of South Carolina. That is the only school recognized as legitimate by “Flying Solo”. Especially when we’re playing Georgia!
Rafting America’s Answer- For fit, active seniors over 65 we recommend, as a first step, a class II paddleboat or oar boat trip. Depending on how this feels to you, you might want to try paddling a Class III river. Many healthy people of all ages, including spry folks in their 70's and 80's enjoy rafting at all levels.
8-What happens on a typical rafting trip?
My answer- There is no such thing as a “typical” rafting trip.
Rafting America’s Answer-
Your trip begins when you meet the trip leader at your designated rendezvous place and time. He or she will collect your release forms (You can bet mine did this) and distribute wetsuits if you rent them from your outfitter. Then everyone gets on the bus which will transport you to the “put in” where rafts await you in the river. At the put in, the trip leader will give you a safety talk - a vital 20 to 30 minute discussion about how to be safe on the water. Then you'll head to your boat and jump in! Paddleboats typically seat six to eight people and a guide. On a paddleboat, the guide will give you further instruction on how to paddle once you are afloat and give you time to practice following his or her commands. Then you'll head on down the river, and have the time of your life!
9-What are my chances of falling out of the boat and what should I do?
My answer- Enormous! You should not get in it in the first place. But if you do, you should look for that former marine I told you to travel with.
Rafting America’s Answer- Plan "A" is always to stay in the boat, but believe it or not, many people love falling out of the boat. It's exciting. But it can be disorienting and a little overwhelming at first. (You can say that again.) Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Some people swim on their first trip. It's all a part of rafting. Before you go on any trip, you'll be given extensive instructions on what to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe. Follow your guide's instructions, and your "swim" could be the most exciting part of your trip and a great story to tell your friends afterwards! (Well, there is that.)
10- Can I bring my camera or video camera?
My answer- Wish I had- I would have won the 100,000 Dollars!
Rafting America’s Answer- We don't recommend bringing video cameras, or even expensive still cameras, on trips. Many people bring disposable waterproof cameras, which work just fine. The quality of the pictures is reasonably good, and if you lose your disposable camera, it's not the end of the world. If you do choose to bring a more expensive camera, you can protect it waterproof cases available in the retail market that fit many shapes and sizes of camera. Many river trips also have professional photographers riverside, whose photos you can view and order after the trip.
11- Should I tip my guide?
My answer- You can bet I had a tip for my guide! Get my bootie out of this boat!
Rafting America’s Answer-
Tipping is certainly appreciated by the guides, who work hard to make sure you have a fun, yet safe trip. If you feel your guide has done a good job, keeping you entertained, and sharing the wonderful river environment with you, then feel free to show your appreciation.
Do you have some favorite Tips you would like to share? Email them to [email protected]