White water rafting..ever go?

Question

Im going whitewater rafting for the first time this weekend, and I honestly have no prior knowledge about it. Anyone care to share your experiences?? Let me know what I should be prepared for?

Answer 1

Great activity.  i would reccommend that you be prepared.  Get a cord for your sunglasses unless you wish to donate them to the river gods.  If you plan on taking anything with you put it in a river bag(sell them at any sport store or walmart) and tie it to the boat.  if there is no sun wear a spalsh jacket it will keep you warm.  And one last safety tip this is a river you don't swim like normal.  If you get tossed out of the boat sit back with your feet down stream and float until you get to a spot where you can get back to the boat.  With your feet out in front of you can kick off any rocks and protect your self from taking a beating.  but most of all enjoy it!

Answer 2

It's a great time. Depending on where you are doing it, this time of year the water can be pretty cold. If you have a deal through a company usually they will include wet suits. I did it in Tennessee and am trying to go in New England sometime later in the spring. Get ready for some wild fun, I had a great guide on my trip super knowledgeable about the river and funny to boot. The river should be running pretty high since it's it's spring so you should be ready for quite a ride.

Answer 3

it is great . Depending on how agressive the river. Be prepared to be cold and ache everywhere. It is so worth it though.

Answer 4

Ive rafted on the Zambezi river in zambia the rafting company will normally give you a little training on small rapids before you set off down river. I must admit I was a bit doubtful before we set off but really enjoyed the day dispite overturning three nimes ...ENJOY

Answer 5

I have gone three times in West Virginia and each trip was great fun. I was a little worried the first time we went. It looked like it could be very dangerous. Let me assure you, if you go with one of the regular groups that do this all the time, you have no worries. The guides are very good at feeling out what experisnce level you have and the 'confort' level needed. They really are in complete control of the raft at all times, even when it feels like everything is just going crazy. You will not be disappointed.

One thing I could mention is that these places do make money renting wet suits to everyone that goes rafting. I only did this the first time we went. I was much more confortable without the wet suit. We went during the fall drawdown when the water was a little warmer. During the spring the water is a bit cooler, so the wet suit should be based upon uyour tolreance to cold water, if you fall in that is :)

The trips we took were all day. They stopped on a great set of Rock Ledges at the side of the river for a packed lunch that they provided at midday.

Have a great time and don't worry. Reputable companies will take care of you.

Answer 6

BE PREPARED TO GET WET AND HAVE A GREAT TME! IT'S A WONDERFUL EXPEREINCE, A NICE RUSH TOO. I HAVE WENT SEVERAL TIMES AND LOOK FOWARD TO GOING AGAIN. THE OCOEE RIVER IN TENESSEE  IS  A NICE PLACE TO GO, VERY NICE PEOPLE AND LAID BACK. SO GO ON, GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.

Answer 7

i went 2 years ago, it was fantastic, you are very low in the water so you get very wet, take a change of clothes.  We were bounced about all over the place, a bit like controled chaos.  At some point the instructor will try to put the boat in a position where everyone get thrown out which was fun, its also good fun going down the rapids without the boat.  Dont worry you get a wet suit and flotation device, just make sure you hang on to your paddle.  At the end of it a photographer will try to sell you photos of the event, its not too expensive if you have it put on disc, thats what i did and im glad i did, i got some great pics.

Just go and enjoy it.....

Answer 8

One of my best friends went one time and he loved it so much that it turned him into an avid kayaker. He loves it so much that he goes about every other weekend and he ususally has to drive at least 150 to 200 miles to find a place to do it. He's ate up with it and been doing it for about 12 years now.