White water rafting is a ton of fun and definitely something that I recommend you try. I went white water rafting on the Tully River in Northern Queensland, Australia and I loved every minute. But what should you expect from your first time on the river in an inflatable raft?
What to wear white water rafting
For white water rafting you should wear swimwear. Ladies, you might want to wear some sports shorts and a rash vest over your bikini if you’re in a warm climate – just in case!
You should expect to be provided with a life jacket and helmet and, depending on the climate, a wetsuit and wind proof jacket for warmth.
The best place to sit in a white water raft
There is debate over the ‘best’ place to sit in a white water raft and it largely depends on the kind of experience you want to have.
Personally, I like the front. I like to see where I’m going and be right where the action is. You do get splashed the most, but you’re probably going to get wet anyway (and that’s sort of fun, right?).
In the middle you’re probably least likely to go overboard because you bounce around the least, so perhaps sit here if you’re worried at all.
The back is a good spot for a view of the action! When you go down the rapids you’ll see everything that’s going on in front of you. You’ll bounce around the most in this spot, so if you loved a bouncy castle as a kid – give this spot a try!
You are going to get wet!
In white water rafting, falling in is pretty much a given. For a start, early into the ride, the instructor is likely to ask your team to capsize the boat on purpose. I believe this is so that you realise that it isn’t so scary, ready for when it happens by accident!
But don’t worry! When you end up in the water there is a real sense of comradery amongst the team. Expect to be hoisted back into the boat by your teammates!
Out of boat activities
One thing I wasn’t expecting when I went white water rafting was the times that I wasn’t in the boat. I was expecting to fall in, yes, but I wasn’t expecting to be asked to deliberately get into the water.
My white water rafting experience included (optional) opportunities to climb up onto rocks and jump into deep water. There was also the chance to go down some of the smaller rapids just floating alone with my life jacket.
I took those opportunities and I loved them, but it did surprise me.
Photos to buy
Like many adventure activities, it’s likely that the white water rafting company will have photographers strategically placed to photograph the fastest rapids.
So enjoy it – a smile looks better than a look of terror!
Want to try it?
You could try white water rafting on the Tully River in Australia (like I did!)
Or how about Whistler in Canada? Or my ancestral home, North Wales?
If I’m looking for a particular activity close to where I live (or where I’m going!) I often use Viator – they are a TripAdvisor company and have a whole range of bookable activities all over the world. I’ve booked a few things through them and they’ve been great.
Have you tried white water rafting already? What was your experience like? I’d love to know!
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Just for transparency, because integrity is really important to me, I do want you to know that the product links on this page are affiliate links. That means that I will get a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to purchase an activity.