Everyone on commercial
rafting trips wears a coast guard approved buoyancy
vest. This will keep you afloat in the event that you
find yourself in the river. Many non-swimmers go on
rafting trips, and they have a great time. It is more
important that you are not afraid of the water.
Non-swimmers should not go on class IV+ or class V
trips, and should be comfortable in the water with a
buoyancy vest for class III or IV.
I have never been
before. Which trips are best for me?
Start off with a class
III, or an easier class IV trip. An alternative is to
ride along on an oar boat, which many companies offer on
different rivers. If you are confident in the water,
healthy, and feel adventurous, you can 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.
I have a family with
young children. Can they go rafting?
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.
What’s expected of
you?
Naturally first time
rafters can be unsure and daunted by the prospect of
going down white water rapids in a raft. To ease your
mind here are some tips about what to expect. Fitness-
anyone can raft at any level of fitness, though it is
better for your enjoyment if you at least a basic level
of fitness and some upper body strength.
What if I wear
glasses?
No problem, many people
raft with glasses. We suggest you to buy a cord to
attach them firmly to your head, so should they slip you
will not loose them. If you prefer to raft without them,
then we have a strong box to keep them safe in while
rafting.
Can I bring my camera?
We do not 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 pretty good, and if you lose it, it is not
the end of the world. They are well suited to rafting.
Some river trips have professional photographers, whose
photos you can view and order after the trip.
How do I keep my
belongings dry?
We supply you with a dry
bag to keep your belongings in whilst on the river.
Will it be cold?
Certainly the water comes
form the snow melt so yes it is cold. But you will find
that during the day time the sun can be very hot, so you
will be grateful of the cool water. In the later months
it can get very cold during the night time around camp,
you will have a camp fire, but you should bring warm
clothes and a good sleeping bag.
Will I get wet?
yes the chances that you
will get wet are common.
Do I have to help
around camp?
It’s up to you. you
will be required to pitch your own tent and maybe help
with some small things like unloading the rafts, you can
feel free to help with the cooking or anything else, or
just relax if you choose to
What about showers and
toilets?
Showers will not be
possible, in some places you can wash in the river or a
stream. In such cases please be aware of the environment
and use only biodegradable soaps and shampoos. Your
rafting team will construct a pit toilet for your use
near to the camp site and supply toilet paper.
What to bring
When rafting you will be limited to bring along only
a day pack sized pack and of course your sleeping bag...
Space on the rafts and in the dry bags is limited.
Things you should bring-
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping pad
Helmets,
Lifejackets
Paddles
Water bottle
Rain shell Warm jacket (down jacket-vest for Tamur
Expedition)
A miniskirt style swimming wear for women
Shorts or a swimming costumes
Loose fitting hiking pants
Long sleeve t-shirt / turtlenecks (synthetic)
Short sleeve t-shirts
Several pairs of thick socks (wool or synthetic),
with thin liners (synthetic)
Light weight long underwear, top & bottom
Hat
Hiking shoes
River shoes/Tevas
A baseball style cap, good sunglass and quality
sunscreen
