Some friends and I are going whitewater rafting in June any suggestions out there about shoes and...?

Question

clothing and what to bring it will be a one day trip and in No Cal.

Answer 1

It obviously depends on a lot of factors, but at a minimum, you probably want to bring a bathing suit and a sturdy pair of shoes. If you have a wetsuit, you might want to bring it, otherwise, your outfitter might charge you a rental fee. Your best bet would be to consult your outfitter and see what they suggest.

Answer 2

You probally wanna bring Teva sandals, a bathing suit, and depending how prone you are to being sunbruned a drytop. Sandals becasue you need to carry the raft down to the water, bathing suit becasue you're gonna be in the water. The dry top is up to you. If you burn easily I reccomend it becasue being on the water will reflect the sun giving you a bad sunburn.

Answer 3

these are very good questions to ask - i've seen so many ppl on the river NOT prepared and by the time they reach the take out they look like little smurfs - YES you can get very cold even in summer soooo

SHOES - i generally prefer sturdy water sandals (teva is a good co. for water sandals.)  you could also wear traditional water shoes.  I do NOT recommend regular sneakers b/c the water does not drain out quickly and if (and probably when) you swim it will feel like you are kicking with anchors attached to your feet.  Swimming in a rapid is hard enough on its own.  Add to that heavy feet and you could find yourself in trouble.

As far as clothes go... of course you'll want a bathing suit; however unless I didn't read carefully enough... that's all anyone else is saying to wear.  In addition to your bathing suit, you'll want some type of shorts - either some cool board shorts if your into style or just a pair of mens swimming trunks.  I also recommend some sort quick dry top.  It can be short or long sleeve; however DO NOT  wear COTTON.  Cotton does not dry quickly and the water that stays in the material drops your body temp consideraly - hence the smurfs at the take out.  Sporting goods stores or white water outfitters should be able to direct you to a good, fast drying shirt.  Wearing the shirt over your bathing suit will keep the life jacket from irritating your skin.

Hope this was helpful