First time white water rafting. Advice?

Question

In about 2 weeks I am going white water rafting in North Carolina. Had anyone ever been before? What should I expect? What is the best thing to wear? What else should I bring for a 2 night stay? Pretty much any advice or MUST have/knows?

Answer 1

Check with your rafting company for clothing suggestions. Boaters usually wear long sleeve shirts and trousers. The exterior fabric should shed water. No cotton or wool. A wet suit is better and a dry suit is best. Don't forget ankle high canvas shoes that lace up. Hypothermia is always a threat in Spring rafting. Arrange to have dry clothing at the take-out. Do you use eye glasses? Get a strap.  The rafting company should supply helmets and PFDs. Make sure they fit. Consider using crotch straps with the PFD.

Answer 2

Are you on the Nantahala?  Should be fun!!  Bring clothes that dry quickly as you will be getting wet.  It will be cold in the mornings and evenings so you'll want something to protect you.  Out here in Idaho, whitewater capital of the world, we wear drysuits for March and April rafting.  Splash jackets and pants are better suited for later on.  In August, we wear shorts.  The only shoes I ever wear are Teva sandals.  If its cold, I wear them over neoprene booties.  I'll also wear sealskinz gloves if my hands are cold.  Pack some sweats in your dry bag.  In any case, WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET!!!  I'm an experienced rafter and a very strong swimmer but I know that I am no match for Staircase or Slalom on the South Fork of the Payette.

Answer 3

Bring nothing that you will be upset if you loose. Really just ask the guide what to do and bring. Expect for the time of your life. I would wear a swim suit shirt and some river shoes.

Answer 4

YOU'LL HAVE A GREAT TIME.  IF ANYTHING PAY GOOD ATTENTION TO THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN, SPECIALLY HOW TO FALL AND IF YOU FALL AND GO UNDER RAFT ISSUE.  I WENT LAST YEAR AND WORE SHORTS AND T-TOP OVER SWIMSUIT AND AFTERWARDS YOU'LL NEED TOWEL AND DRY CLOTHES DEPENDING ON OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE.  ENJOY.

P.S. IF YOU LIKE TAKING PICS, TAKE A DISPOSABLE WATER CAMERA.

Answer 5

where in NC? if its western we're still having morning temps in the 30's so plan for layering your clothing. also bring plenty of stuff in case some gets wet. our lake levels have really gone up in the last 2 weeks (7'---yeah!) so the water should be moving at a decent pace. also our pm temps have only been in the 40's and low 50's so shorts may not work for this trip. remember, it's only march, snow skiing is still alive here. it's not like other places close by, at 4000 ft elevation we haven't seen warmth in a while.

Answer 6

I've always wanted to try white water rafting,I'm sure it will be such a fun adventure. You obviously want to wear a bathing suit,and lifejacket I would suggest reading this http://www.e-raft.com/planning.asp#Cloth... and have fun!

Answer 7

they'll give you wetsuits and stuff so just bring a swimsuit.

always paddle hard when your told to... te raft is more stable if its moving.

try and be proactive with your paddling. try and paddle to the main flow and avoid hazzards

Answer 8

make sure your life jacket is TIGHT. you'll be fine if u fall out that way. and when/if u fall out float feet first that way u can bounce off rocks with your feet instead of hitting them with your head.

pack warm clothes for night time because after being on the water all day you're going to be cold. during the day u can basically wear anything u want... except baggy clothes. i'd wear shorts and a tee shirt.