Your Guide to White Water Rafting Safety Gear

Are you planning your first white water rafting trip in the Smoky Mountains? For white water rafting beginners, the idea of maneuvering through rapids can be a little intimidating. However, at Smoky Mountain Outdoors, we do everything we can to keep you safe during your adventure, including using the best safety gear. Here’s your guide to white water rafting safety gear and how it helps keep you safe on the river:

1. Life Jacket

Before you head out on the river, you will be fitted with a life jacket. This is one of the most important pieces of white water rafting safety gear you’ll wear. It is designed to keep you buoyant in the water in the event you fall out of the raft. Your life jacket will keep you afloat even in turbulent rapids. The life jackets we provide are U.S. Coast Guard-approved and specifically designed for white water use. Their bright red color makes you easily visible to our guides so we can find you in the water and get you back to safety. Additionally, our guides can grab your life jacket to pull you back on board the raft. For a life jacket to be effective, it must fit snugly and not ride up when in the water. Our trained guides will help ensure a perfect fit.

2. Helmet

A helmet is another essential piece of white water rafting safety gear. While the chances of hitting your head during your guided rafting trip are low, wearing a helmet will ensure your head stays safe. The helmets we provide are designed to absorb and distribute the force of an impact to protect your head from injury. Their bright color also makes you more visible from a distance. For optimal protection, your helmet should fit securely without wobbling and should cover your forehead without blocking your vision.

3. Paddle

For your rafting journey, you will be provided with a paddle. This acts as your tool for propulsion as well as white water rafting safety gear. Your paddle is an extension of your body and plays an important role in both navigation and personal safety. Your guide will instruct you on how to paddle properly and provide instructions on when and where to paddle in order to propel and steer the raft through rapids and obstacles. Paddling in unison with your fellow rafters allows your raft to avoid obstacles and maintain control. If you fall out of the raft, try to keep hold of your paddle. It can be used as an extension of your arm to be hauled back to the safety of the raft. In an emergency, your paddle can also be used to signal for help.

4. Footwear

What to wear for white water rafting is very important for both your safety and comfort. While not included in the safety gear we provide, footwear still plays a vital role in preventing injuries and enhancing your experience. It’s essential to wear secure shoes with a heel strap, such as old sneakers, water shoes, or sport sandals. You want to wear shoes that will stay on your feet and offer protection from rocks and rough surfaces. Keep in mind that the shoes you wear will get wet on the river. Flip-flops and bare feet are not allowed on your guided rafting trip.

5. Sun Protection

Another one of the important things to bring white water rafting is sun protection. This isn’t white water rafting safety gear we provide, but it’s something you should consider bringing to protect yourself from sunburn. The sun’s rays are intensified when reflected off the water, making proper sun protection essential. We recommend applying a broad-spectrum, waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Generously apply to all exposed skin before you embark on your rafting journey. Your lips are also susceptible to sun damage, so don’t forget to apply a lip balm with SPF. You may also want to wear a hat or sunglasses with a strap to protect your eyes from the sun. Just remember that anything you bring on the raft will get wet and could possibly get lost.

More About White Water Rafting Safety

At our Smoky Mountain river rafting outpost, our commitment to your safety goes beyond just providing the right white water rafting safety gear. Our guides are highly trained in safety practices, rescue techniques, and first aid, and they are intimately familiar with the river’s characteristics. They will provide a thorough safety briefing before your trip, explaining how to use all the equipment and what to do in various situations. By combining top-tier safety gear with expert guidance, we ensure that your white water rafting adventure is incredibly safe and enjoyable. To further prepare for your rafting trip, check out these safety tips for white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains.