First Time Rafting? 7 Tips for White Water Rafting Beginners
Are you thinking about going white water rafting for the first time? The Pigeon River in the Smoky Mountains is perfect for beginners! We know that rafting for the first time can be intimidating, so we’ve put together this list of tips for white water rafting beginners so you can enjoy a fun and safe adventure!
1. Wear the right attire.
One of the most important things for white water rafting beginners to know is what to wear white water rafting. You should expect to get soaked during your trip down the river, so waterproof and anti-chafing clothing is a must! Wear quick drying materials and swimsuits, and avoid cotton or denim. Make sure you wear shoes that will stay securely on your feet, such as sports sandals with heel straps, water shoes, or sneakers that you don’t mind getting wet. Flip flops and bare feet are not permitted. To protect yourself from the sun, wear sunscreen and consider a hat that can get wet.
2. Wear your safety gear.
Safety is very important when river rafting! White water rafting beginners should know that it’s essential to wear your provided safety gear for the entire trip down the river. Rafting safety gear includes a life jacket, helmet, and paddle, all of which we provide for you. Your life jacket should feel comfortable and snug without restricting your movements, and your helmet should fit securely on your head without shifting around. Our trained guides will help ensure everything fits you properly and is secure before embarking on your rafting adventure.
3. Leave your valuables behind.
While there are some things you should bring white water rafting like proper attire, secure footwear, and sun protection, there are also some things that you shouldn’t bring with you. If you’re a white water rafting beginner, you should know that you won’t want to bring anything valuable with you on your trip. Anything that you bring on the raft will get wet and could possibly get lost. Only bring the things you need or are willing to lose. While we do have lockers available on site, we encourage you to leave your valuables at home or at your vacation rental for safekeeping.
4. Trust your guide.
One of the best tips for white water rafting beginners is to trust your guide. Our guides are highly trained and prioritize your safety, so listen to everything they tell you. If they instruct you to paddle a certain way or lean a certain direction, you should do it. Their instructions while rafting are simple and easy to follow, such as lean left, paddle, stop paddling, etc., and these commands dictate the speed, direction, and weight balance of your raft to successfully navigate the river. Your guide’s goal is to help you have the best time possible while also keeping you safe during your white water rafting trip!
5. Pay attention to procedures.
It’s important for both white water rafting beginners and seasoned rafters to pay attention to all the demonstrations and instructions before your rafting trip. For example, our guides will explain what you should do if you or someone else falls out of the raft. You need to know how to get back into the raft or pull someone else into the raft, as well as the safe way to float down the river if necessary. Paying attention to these procedures will help you be prepared for every possible situation and stay safe during your trip.
6. Use the T-grip on your paddle.
For white water rafting beginners, the T-grip may be something you’ve never had to use before. The end of the paddles we provide looks like a “T,” which is why it’s called a T-grip. Before you get on the raft, your guide will show you how to use the T-grip properly. One hand should always be on the T-grip while the other is at the base of the paddle on the shaft. Keeping a firm grasp on the T-grip allows you to maintain control of the paddle and prevent it from slipping out of your hands. It also protects you from hitting yourself or your rafting mates with the paddle.
7. Work as a team.
One of the essential tips for white water rafting beginners is to work as a team. Rafting is a team effort, and your trip will be most successful if everyone on the raft works together. Coordinate your paddling with the rafters around you so you aren’t hitting each other’s paddles. Follow your guide’s commands closely to navigate the rapids successfully. Do your part by paddling when told and using strong paddle strokes to propel the raft in the right direction. This will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone on board!
White Water Rafting for Beginners at Smoky Mountain Outdoors
Following these tips for white water rafting beginners will help you enjoy a safe and fun trip down the river! As the best Smoky Mountain rafting outpost, we do everything we can to ensure your safety and help you have a great time! Our Lower River Rafting trip is ideal for beginners and families, as it has gentler rapids and offers a more relaxing ride down the river. Book a Lower River Rafting trip today!
