What does a rafting company provide?
Welcome to Rafting! This is the first part in our series aimed at welcoming new participants to the sport of whitewater rafting. If you are new to rafting, a first timer, or you are getting a group together and don’t know what to expect whitewater rafting you probably want to know why would you go with a rafting company and what do they provide?
The easy answer is: Just show up and we take care of the rest. That is the mantra of any good rafting company.
Rafting is an adventure sport and there is a lot to think about before your first trip, but that’s the beauty of going with a rafting company you don’t have to worry about any of it. We sat down with our friend Tyler from H20 Adventures to take a look at what he provides to his guests on every rafting trip.
Rafting Trip Inclusions
3 basic pieces of equipment for rafting
A Paddle
A Personal Flotation Device (PFD, Coast guard rated for whitewater)
A Helmet
Beyond that Rafting Companies (or outfitters as they are also known) offer a number of other pieces of equipment to help keep their clients safe and happy on the trip.
Meals
Outfitters provide meals on most river trips which take up 1 or more full days. Commonly for your first time most rafters will take a single day trip to get accustomed to rafting and outfitters will often provide lunch with the trip.
Meals can be as simple as a sandwiches and some sides to fully catered all inclusive trips on longer excursions. Outfitters always pack extra food as well and river guides take a lot of pride in the meals they serve to their guests with many being fantastic chefs.
Wetsuits and Paddling Jackets
Since rafting is an outdoor adventure sport there is no telling what the weather will be. Rafting companies come prepared for anything, and throughout the world the wetsuit and paddle jacket are standard equipment for any whitewater adventure.
Wetsuit
Wetsuits and accompanying booties provide an excellent barrier to help keep a warm layer of water close to your skin. Even if you take a long swim this layer of neoprene keeps you warm no matter what mother nature throws at you.
Paddle Jacket
Wetsuits are often doubled up with a paddling jacket to help keep the wind and splashing waves at bay. Paddle jackets provide an impermeable layer against splashing waves. cold winds, and the occasional water fight with one goal in mind; keeping you warm and happy on the river.
With these two pieces of equipment you will be warm in all but the most frigid snowy conditions.
Whitewater Rafts
Tough boats are essential to to handling the abuse of whitewater day in and day out. Rafting companies by the best and toughest equipment out there to meet the rigors of commercial rafting and keep guests safe in the toughest whitewater.
Companies work hard to keep their fleets in the best shape possible to avoid any issues out on the water. This is one of the most important reasons to go with a rafting company. It is a standard practice in the industry to have a patch kit with every boat group out on the water. This keeps every trip running smoothly.
Professional Guides
One of the most important things an outfitter provides though is the Guide. They will help you get down the river, teach you to paddle, tell you about the river ecology, and handle every detail of the trip.
Guides are there to take care of your every need on the trip.
Wherever you go in the world, rafting companies ranks are filled with seasoned professionals who at minimum are trained in first aid, swift water rescue, river navigation, and a variety of interpretive guiding skills.
Many guides seek advance rescue training, advanced medical certifications, and internationally recognized guide training from organizations such as the American Canoe Association and the International Rafting Federation.
Outfitters take care of every detail of your trip from entertainment, to safety and logistics. Just show up and they take care of the rest. Learn more about getting on a river trip or book an adventure today.
Photo Credit: Fianna Larsen, Immersion Research