If you have never been white water rafting before, it can be hard to know what to bring along with you. While we have lockers available at our outpost, you still do not want to drag along a bunch of unnecessary items. Here are 3 things you need to bring on your next Smoky Mountain rafting adventure:
1. Extra Clothes
As you might expect, when you go white water rafting you are bound to get wet. In order to avoid having to ride back in sopping wet clothes, we recommend bringing something to change into after your rafting trip. In addition to extra clothes, you want to make sure you are properly dressed for the rafting trip. It is important that you plan your attire based on what time of the year you are going out on the river. If you are coming when the temperature is on the cooler side, we recommend wearing synthetic, quick-drying clothes in order to not be too cold. You do not want to wear anything that is made of cotton because it will hold in water and whisk away your body heat. If you are planning on rafting in the summer months, swimsuits and shorts work best. This will help to keep you cooled off and also make the drying process a little faster. No matter what time of year you are visiting, it is always a good idea to bring a towel.
2. Plenty of Sunscreen
You might think that you may not need sunscreen because you are going to be out in the middle of the water. However, it is better to be safe than sorry, especially in the summer months. There is nothing worse than enjoying a fantastic ride on the rapids only to discover that your skin has been burnt in the process. If you want to bring a pair of sunglasses to further protect yourself against the sun, be sure they have a retainer strap to avoid dropping them in the river.
3. Appropriate Shoes
Even if you are planning to go white water rafting in the summer months, you want to be sure you bring the right kind of shoes. You will not be allowed to go rafting barefoot or in any type of flip-flops. The reason for this is because the bottom of the raft and boarding area can be slick so it is safer to wear good shoes. Also, it will make it much easier to paddle in the raft if you have a steady foot grip and are not sliding. The best kinds of shoes to bring on your Smoky Mountain rafting trip are tennis shoes, water shoes, or sports sandals that have a heel strap. Any of these will make your rafting trip much easier and more enjoyable. If the weather is going to be cooler, you may also want to bring a pair of wool or fleece socks to keep your feet warm because the water may be a little chilly. For more details about what clothes and shoes to bring, be sure to take a look at our FAQs page.
Now that you know what to bring with you on your next Smoky Mountain rafting adventure, be sure to check out all our available trips and plan your trip today! We hope to see you soon out on the Pigeon River!
