What better way to celebrate spring than to start it off with a whitewater rafting trip?! You gotta find something to satisfy your wild side! The ski slopes will be closing soon, but it’s just about time to go whitewater rafting. All that snow will be melting off of the mountainsides, and the river will be a-flowin’! Don’t just go willy nilly into the river with a raft, though. Here are some spring rafting tips to help better prepare you for the fun times to come.
What to Wear
Some of these are obvious, but there is a lot to remember when it comes to being fully prepared for a rafting trip. Since you’ll be getting wet (obviously), a dry change of clothes is necessary for after the trip is over. Then, of course, you’ll need to wear clothing that is appropriate for whitewater rafting, such as swimming trunks/light shorts, water shoes or sandals with straps, a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and don’t forget sunscreen! With Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting, a life jacket, splash jacket, wetsuit and helmet are all provided free of charge.
Listen to Your Raft Guide
Your raft guide will teach you everything you need to know in order to safely make your way down the river, as well as being the brains behind the teamwork and steering clear of obstacles in the water. If your guide yells, “Forward 1!”, reach forward with your paddle and give a full-bodied stroke through the water to propel the raft forward. Listening to your guide’s paddle commands will keep your raft on track and help you avoid obstacles that could get the boat stuck or flipped.
Hold the Paddle Properly
When you’re rolling around the river in a raft, you want to make sure that you’ve got a good grip on the paddle for safety reasons. Hold one hand firmly on the “T” grip at the end of the paddle, and one hand at the base of the paddle on the shaft. Otherwise, that paddle could go flying in the water or the hard plastic on the end of the paddle could really bruise somebody’s face!
Don’t Panic!
Every so often a rafter will end up outside of the boat. What I mean by that is that it’s possible to go for a little swim in the water. First thing to remember if that happens, don’t panic! Panicking only makes things harder on you. Look to your guide for instructions. They will either signal for you to swim back to the raft, swim to a nearby raft or swim to shore. Make sure you keep your feet floating and don’t try to stand up.
Choose a Reputable Rafting Company
The rafting company you choose for your trip can make a world of difference. Check for online reviews and it wouldn’t hurt to ask what type and how much training guides go through.
If you’re looking to book your adventure, give Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting a call at 877.RAFTING (877-723-8464).
