If you’re going on your first white water rafting trip, you’re in for a great time. Some of the best rafting is in the Colorado area around Denver. Beginners to the sport may get addicted to the adrenaline rush of this exciting adventure activity. Here are some tips for beginners to get the most out of their first white water rafting excursion.
Pick the Ideal Spot
The first part of a great white water rafting experience is to pick the right place. Colorado is home to plenty of rivers, but not all of these waterways are appropriate for beginners to white water rafting. The sport of rafting has an official rating system that evaluates the difficulty of each tour. Beginners should start with river trails that include the first two classes of difficulty – easy and novice. Royal Gorge rafting is a great adventure for the beginners and the whole family.
Wear the Right Clothes
Next, you’ll need to outfit yourself with the right clothes in order to enjoy the experience safely and comfortably. As a beginner, it’s best to opt for a white water rafting trip in the summer months when it’s warmer. You’ll need to wear a bathing suit, a pair of shorts, a shirt, and river shoes or an old pair of sneakers. Flip flops are not ideal because they may fall off and easily get lost.
Expect to get soaked during a rafting trip, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
Secure Your Safety Equipment
Riders also need to be prepared to secure their safety equipment during the trip. Beginner white water rafting excursions still require specific types of safety gear. Riders will be equipped with a helmet and a life vest. Additionally, riders will also get a paddle to help navigate the rapids. It’s important to make sure the helmet and the life vest are secure and tight.
Pay Attention During the Orientation
Before setting off for your trip on the river for white water rafting near Denver, you’ll get a safety orientation with your guide and the staff. The safety briefing is intended to give beginners and experienced riders essential information about the specific trail and river conditions for the day. All riders should pay careful attention to the details during the briefing, so they can understand what to do if they end up in the water.
Listen to the Guide’s Directions
Once you get out on the trail, your guide will help ensure the raft stays afloat and the passengers have a good time while being safe. Throughout the ride, the guide may give specific directions about which direction to paddle and when to stop paddling. The guides leading white water rafting tours have the experience and knowledge to help riders navigate potentially hazardous conditions and come out without being harmed. Guides in Colorado have to meet specific state standards in order to lead a tour.
Never Leave Your Raft
Another vital piece of advice for all white water rafters, especially beginners, is to never leave the raft. Even though that sounds like common sense, it’s important to remember this if there is an emergency. If your boat goes over rough rapids, make sure you listen to the guide when it’s time to hold onto the grip or lean into the boat so you don’t fall out. If you do fall into the water, stay close to the raft to make it easier to get back in.
Don’t Panic in an Emergency
Finally, if there is an unexpected situation or an emergency during your trail ride, don’t panic. Most rafting trips are smooth and lack any serious problems. In the case of an emergency, listen to the guide’s instructions and stay calm, even if you end up in the water.
A white water rafting adventure is a great way to experience a thrill. Beginners can get a fun introduction to this outdoor activity and stay safe with these tips. Now get out there and have some fun
