Rafting for Beginners: Info & Tips to Prepare for Your First Raft Trip

Posted by on Jan 17, 2016 in Gear, Gear Rentals, Rafting, Summer, Travel, Trip Planning
Rafting for Beginners: Info & Tips to Prepare for Your First Raft Trip

So, you’re ready to take the next step of your outdoor comfort zone and attack the rapids….Well, we love that idea! So, strap on your life jacket and listen up; you are about to find out everything and anything you will need to make your first rafting trip an amazing life memory!

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Make sure when taking on your first white water you know what you’re in for. You will need to ask yourself a few questions first…(and no lying!).

  1. Are you in shape? Most whitewater trips will involve some if not constant paddling, so make sure you get in a few upper body workouts before hand.
  1. Can you swim? You would want to stay with the float trips (class I and class II rapids) if you cannot swim. If you can, go ahead and check out some class III rapids and get ready to paddle! (view some great class III trips at coloradorafting.net)
  1. How much do you want to challenge yourself? As a beginner you can push yourself all the way up to a class IV section if you are in great shape, but consider starting at the easier classes to see better gauge what level you should start with.

GEAR UP!
These Rocky Mountain waters are not for the tame. When you consider they flow at more than a mile above sea level, it is less of a shock when you realize how cold it is out there! The amazing Colorado sun will warm you up, but remember you are almost guaranteed to get wet during your adventure, so be prepared.

8-14-09 Browns 021Some local tips:

  1. Wear some kind of under layer, such as an Under Armor or waterproof shirt. This will help keep you dry during your trip.
  2. If you tend to run cold, consider renting some water socks or shoes from one of the outposts that you are rafting from.
  3. Bring a nice warm sweatshirt and socks for afterwards. Nothing feels better than a toasty sweatshirt after a great day of rafting, so bring a change of clothes for after your trip.

 

HAVE A GREAT ATTITUDE!
With any challenge in life you must begin with an open mind. Trust you are in the hands of experts, and let them teach you “how to”.  Be willing to push your comfort zone to ensure a great challenge and an ever bigger sense of accomplishment. It’s a great feeling to try and succeed at something new, so now you have no excuses; time to get going and tame the mighty waters one rafting trip at at time!

HAPPY PADDLING!!!