If your first unguided rafting trip involved being splashed with water while passing through rapids, your soaked clothing and shoes may have left you feeling uncomfortable during parts of your journey. Using some protective gear and rafting strategies can aid with a thrilling time that doesn't involve getting drenched unexpectedly.
Clothing That Protects
A wetsuit and a paddle jacket are constructed of dual layers of neoprene that are sewn together. As water penetrates the initial layer, it will be trapped within the middle chamber that separates the two layers of fabric. As a result, the skin won't get wet, allowing you to maintain your body heat.
Because a whitewater rafting experience will not involve constantly being splashed throughout a trek down the river, clothing will have time to dry while a raft is moving through calmer water.
River shoes may contain puncture-resistant soles and neoprene or mesh topline, vamp, and upper. A neoprene covering will possess a thermal property, and a mesh covering will aid with keeping your feet ventilated. Mesh is a fabric type that will dry relatively quickly.
A Rafting Guide
One of the reasons that you likely experienced a lot of water entering your raft is due to your rafting session being unguided. Some people who participate in extreme sports enjoy the unexpected occasions when water splashes them, but there are other adventurists who choose to take on a specific rafting route, solely to challenge themselves through the navigational aspect of rafting.
A rafting guide who has gone down the river many times will know which parts of the river contain the least amount of rapids. Customize your trip, by choosing one of the easier courses. Follow your guide's advice throughout the trek. You will be taught the proper way to use your paddle, which will help you maintain control of the raft.
Tethering Your Equipment
Fabric cords or elastic bungees that have clamps or clips attached to them will allow you to tether two rafts together. Tethering won't necessarily prevent water from splashing into each raft that you and your counterparts will be seated in, but it will prevent either one of the rafts from going off course. This could reduce accidental tip-overs. Tethering can also be used as a means to prevent the loss of items. Place extra gear inside of waterproof pouches, prior to securing them to a fabric cord or an elastic bungee.
