Your First Rafting Trip: What to Know

A typical half-day rafting trip lasts 2-4 hours on the water. Your outfitter will provide all the gear (raft, paddle, helmet, life jacket, and often a wetsuit in cold water). You'll get a safety briefing on shore, then paddle through a mix of calm stretches and rapids with a trained guide.

You will get wet. That's the point. You might fall out of the raft — it happens, and guides are trained to get you back in quickly. It's part of the experience.

Swimsuit or quick-dry clothing as a base layer. Avoid cotton — it stays cold and wet. Synthetic materials or wool dry fast.

Closed-toe shoes that can get wet. Old sneakers, water shoes, or sport sandals with heel straps. No flip-flops.

Sun protection: A hat with a chin strap or visor, and consider a long-sleeve UPF shirt for full-day trips.

In cooler weather: The outfitter will usually provide wetsuits or splash jackets. Bring a warm change of clothes for after.

• Sunscreen (waterproof, applied before you gear up)
• Sunglasses with a retainer strap
• Water bottle
• Towel and dry clothes for after
• Waterproof camera or phone case (if you want photos)
• Cash for tipping your guide (10-20% is standard)
• Insect repellent (especially for river corridors in summer)
• Any personal medications (inhalers, EpiPens, etc.)

Rapid classes range from I (flat water) to V (expert only). For first-timers:

• Class I-II: Gentle. Great for kids under 8 and anyone who wants a scenic float with a few small waves.
• Class III: The sweet spot for most first-timers. Enough whitewater to be exciting, not enough to be scary. Ages 7-8+ typically.
• Class IV: More intense. Prior experience recommended. Strong rapids, bigger drops. Ages 12+ usually.
• Class V: Expert. Serious whitewater. Not a first-timer trip.

When in doubt, call the outfitter and describe your group. They run these trips every day and will steer you to the right one.

Look for these things:

• State licensing: Every legitimate outfitter holds a state outfitter license. If they don't, walk away.
• Guide certifications: Look for Swiftwater Rescue certification and ACA (American Canoe Association) training.
• What's included: Compare what each outfitter includes — gear, wetsuits, lunch, photos, transportation to/from the put-in.
• Reviews: Check Google reviews. Look at recent ones (within the last season).
• Group size: Smaller groups generally mean a more personalized experience.