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March 25th, 2022
couple wearing sunscreen ready for a Pigeon River whitewater rafting adventure

How to Prepare For A Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting Adventure In 4 Easy Steps

May 28, 2015 March 25th, 2022

Congratulations! You have already made the first step towards a fun and exciting experience by deciding to enjoy a Pigeon River whitewater rafting adventure. Now it is time to make sure that you are prepared for this thrilling trip. That is why we have put together a quick list of everything you need to know about how to prepare for your whitewater trek.

1. Dress For Success

person dressed appropriately to go Pigeon River whitewater raftingBelieve it or not, what you wear can really make or break your Pigeon River whitewater rafting adventure because it affects how comfortable you will feel while out on the water. For example, we never recommend that guests wear cotton clothing because it soaks up water and takes a while to dry. Instead, we suggest that you invest in quality nylon or other water-resistant clothes to help you stay warm and comfortable during your adventure.

It is also a smart idea to make sure that you wear shoes that not only can resist water but that strap to your feet as well. Sure, your flip flops may be comfortable to walk around in, but they won’t do you much good when they float down the river after coming off in the raft. If you want to wear sandals, we encourage you to wear ones that come with straps that will secure them on your feet.

We recommend you pack for your rafting adventure:

  • Water shorts and t-shirt
  • Bathing suit or shorts (optional)
  • Contacts instead of glasses (if possible)
  • Water shoes or old tennis shoes
  • Sunglasses with straps
  • Small dry bag for personal items
  • Plastic bag for wet clothes
  • Change of dry clothes
  • Towel
  • Drinking water

Helmets and life jackets will be provided to you when you check in for your whitewater rafting adventure. You don’t need to worry about bringing your own.

Click here for more advice on what to wear when you go whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River.

experienced group Pigeon River whitewater rafting2. Wear Sunscreen

Just because it is a little cloudy outside doesn’t mean you can skip slathering on the sunscreen before getting onto the water. No matter what the weather is like, we always recommend that you apply plenty of sunscreen before embarking on your whitewater adventure. Not only will this save you from an uncomfortable sunburn that you have to mend to during the rest of your vacation, it will also help protect your skin from any hard long-term effects from the sun.

We recommend that you use a sunscreen that is designed to be water-resistant, like the ones designed for sporting events. It is also smart to invest in a bottle that sprays on the lotion instead of you having to apply with your hands. This will help you maintain a good grip on the paddle.

Also, it’s not just your skin that needs protecting from the sun. You will want to remember to pack an extra tube of chapstick or lip balm to keep your mouth from drying out in the sun as well.

3. Don’t Skip Breakfast

group whitewater rafting on the Pigeon RiverYou want to make sure that you are able to keep your energy up as you conquer the rapids during your Pigeon River whitewater rafting adventure. That is why we highly recommend that you do not skip breakfast before getting out on the water.

Your meal doesn’t have to be too extravagant, but you do want to stick to something that is high in protein because it will last the longest in your system. If you are visiting us for one of our later sessions, this advice still stands, but we recommend lunch instead of breakfast.

Either way, it is important that you have enough energy stored up to keep you fueled throughout the journey. Whitewater rafting is a team event, and you will want everyone on your team to be ready to face whatever challenges are waiting on the river.

couple enjoying a Pigeon River whitewater rafting adventure4. Keep a Positive Attitude

A positive attitude is the best thing that you can bring when preparing for a whitewater adventure. Whether it is a friendly smile to the guests you will share a raft with, a patient ear when the guides are trying to explain river safety or a smile if you find yourself getting tired, it is always important to remember to stay positive when whitewater rafting. After all, this is your adventure, why wouldn’t you want to enjoy it?

If you enjoyed reading this, check out our blog about 4 Things You Learn During Your First Pigeon River Rafting Adventure.