White Water Rafting FAQs

Below you will find user submited FAQs and How-to information for White Water Rafting. Tips are displayed based on reader popularity, so make sure to vote for your favorite FAQs!

Is rafting dangerous?

White water rafting is exciting, wet, thrilling, wild and incredibly fun. However, as with all adventure sports, there are inherent risk involved while getting your FunFix. The risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy white water rafting so much! The guides working for most outfitters are very well trained and certified to minimize and manage risks. Statistically, you're safer in a raft than in your car. The most common injury on most white water rafting trips is sunburn. Most other injuries occur on land, especially getting into and out of the boats. Please search FunFix.com to find a white water rafting locations near you and discover all the fun things to do while white water rafting.

If I can't swim, can I still go rafting?

Everyone on a commercial white water rafting trip wears a coast guard approved life vest or personal flotation device. This valuable piece of white water rafting equipment will keep you safe in the event that you find yourself in the river. A lot of non-swimmers go on white water rafting trips and have the time of their lives.

Your white water rafting guide will cover all the safety issues prior to your trip and how you should prepare for and do in the event you fall out of the raft. Your white water rafting guide is professionally trained and certified in whitewater rescue. They will work with the rest of your team to make sure you are able to feel comfortable with the whitewater conditions on your trip. All non-swimmers should consult with their outfitter when considering a Class IV+ or Class V trip.

How fit should I be to go rafting?

On white water rafting trips, where the outfitter use oar boats (the guide does most of the work). You can choose to be as active as physically permitted. On most white water rafting trips paddle boats are used. This means that participants will be an active source of power to move the boat through the rapids and you will need to learn commands from your guides to help steer the boat as it travels downstream. All white water rafting participants should be reasonably healthy and must be able to fit into the life vests supplied by the outfitter. Paddling can sometimes be tiring, but your guides will instruct you on paddling techniques. If you're in doubt about your fitness to go rafting, check with your doctor prior to booking your white water rafting advnetuer.

What should I wear on the river?

Your white water rafting gear will depend on the time of year, water temperature, and weather the day of your trip. Ask your white water rafting outfitter for gear recommendations. We recommend you dress for the water temperature, instead of the air temperature, since you'll be getting wet. Wetsuits can be rented with many white water rafting outfitters, and are best when you know you'll be constantly wet. Some rivers have prolonged spaces between rapids, which can make a wetsuit unbearable on hotter days. Cooler days, with cold water, and especially Class V trips, most outfitters require a wetsuit, or a wetsuit/paddle jacket combination. Don't wear cotton! When it becomes wet, it will just make you colder. An old pair of tennis or running shoes are the best choice for white water rafting adventures. Wetsuit booties are good if it is real cold. Sandals don't offer as much protection and tend to come off easier. Sunglasses, especially prescription glasses, should have a retainer that cinches tight. Consider a hat cord to tie your hat to your life jacket too. In warmer water, shorts and a T-shirt are good. Use sunscreen, but don't put it on your forehead, or the backs of your legs. It may run into your eyes, or cause you to be slipping all over the white water raft

Should I tip my guide?

Tipping is greatly appreciated by the white water rafting guides. Their job is to make sure you have a fun, while having a safe trip. If you feel your white water rafting guide had done a outstanding job, keeping you entertained, and sharing the wonderful river environment with you, then we certainly encourage you to show your appreciation.

Where do I go White Water Rafting?

Your in luck! Your at the right website!

FunFix.com has the most complete list of White Water Rafting outfitters in the nation. Also, your opinion counts. Please contact us back after your adventure to place a testimonial on your experience (good or bad).

Our number one goal is to help other action seeking individuals like ourselves get their FunFix. Please search our site to discover all the fun things to do while White Water Rafting.