Zion National Park, Utah

River Rafting Tips:

No matter which course you choose, come prepared to paddle and get wet. The following tips will help you get prepared and know what to expect:

• Wear the right clothing. Both the water and the air can be cold during early spring and late fall so be sure to pack a pair of wool socks and a wool sweater. Wool will pull the water away from your skin and help prevent you from losing too much body heat. A windbreaker and hat might also come in handy. The spring run-off caused by melting snow makes for very cold water, so if you plan to go during March, April or May you should wear a wet suit. In the summertime you can don a swimming suit, shorts, t-shirt, or tank top and don’t forget to bring along lots of waterproof sunscreen.
• Listen to your guide. Prior to your expedition your guide will give you a tutorial, be sure to pay attention. One of the most common errors that rafters make is to paddle in the wrong direction; to turn right you paddle with the left oar and vice versa.
• Be ready for a challenge. Remember that river rafting will challenge both your body and your mental stamina. There really isn’t any need for special training at home before you take off on your expedition but be prepared to feel sore in unusual places at the end of a long day on the river. You will of course be required to wear a life jacket but it is a good idea to know how to swim just in case.
• Inform your guide of any preexisting medical conditions that may affect your performance. Your guide needs to be aware of any heart conditions, back and neck injuries, diabetes, or epilepsy. You may not experience any problems during your expedition but it is a good idea to make your guide aware of it so that he/she can be as prepared as possible.
• Choose the right guide. You don’t want to jump into a raft with just anybody as your guide, make sure that he/she will not only show you a good time, but bring you home safely as well. Ask him/her what the standard ratio of guests to guide is. Any more than fifteen to twenty people per guide could be problematic. Also ask what kind of training the guides have. Of course the guides are required to have certain qualifications, but you will want to make sure that they have received at least two to four weeks of training on the specific course he/she will be taking you on. Make sure that they provide you with 20-30 minutes of training before taking you out.