Everything You Need to Know Before Your First White-Water Rafting Trip

While many would-be rafters are likely to be over-cautious, some can be overconfident—in a bad way. You don’t need to be an amazing swimmer to have a go at white-water rafting but it is important to know how to swim, because (even when wearing a lifejacket) nervous or non-swimmers are more likely to panic if they fall in.

Insider tip: In some places, particularly countries where a large proportion of adults cannot swim (such as India and Nepal), rafting companies might not even check that you can swim, so it’s up to you to judge your own abilities.

Some companies have age limits on who can go rafting, depending on the river’s characteristics. This is sometimes 8, 10, or 12. If there are no lower age limits or if your child meets that limit but you’re not sure they would be comfortable, err on the side of caution. Generally, class II and III rivers will be more suitable for children.

In some locations—such as the US, New Zealand, Canada, and parts of Europe—trainees must pass very stringent safety tests before they’re allowed to become fully licensed guides, but these standards are not in place everywhere. That doesn’t mean that guides in other countries aren’t highly skilled and well trained, because they often are, but it’s important to check their credentials before getting on the river with them.

But what credentials should you look out for? Membership to international or national rafting/ kayaking associations, for one. If a company’s guides are properly trained and accredited, they’ll usually be pleased to share that information with you, too. In both cases, look for information on the official website, keep your eyes peeled for certificates on the office walls, and always ask if you’re unsure.

Insider tip: Check out online reviews before committing to a company. If past clients have raised concerns about safety—especially if these concerns have been raised repeatedly—it might be best to steer clear.

Safety kayakers are guides who paddle alongside the raft to help out in case someone falls in, or in other emergencies. Most companies will send at least one safety kayaker but there’s safety in numbers—so, the more safety kayakers there are, the better. If you get the sense that a company is cutting costs by limiting the number of safety kayakers, that’s not a company you want to travel with.

The guide that sits at the front of the boat shouting instructions at the passengers isn’t just doing that for the paycheck. Your guide’s job is to make sure you have fun and, most importantly, stay safe. If they shout at you to paddle harder, to lean to one side, or to duck, it’s for good reason. Experienced guides all have stories to tell of clients who took a swim—or worse—because they were too busy chatting and laughing to put real muscle power into paddling.

Although your guide will usually do whatever they can to prevent your raft from capsizing, there’s always a chance that it’ll happen anyway. However, it’s never a guide’s intention for the raft to flip, or for passengers to fall out.

If a raft capsizes, the guides are also responsible for bringing everyone to safety. Depending on the river conditions, that in itself can be a risky and challenging task, so be sure to listen and follow their instructions closely.

For a half- or full-day trip: In general, bring as little as possible. You’ll be provided with essential safety equipment, such as lifejackets, helmets, and possibly wetsuits, if they’re needed. Wear waterproof shoes that won’t slip off—think: Tevas rather than flip flops. Always bring a change of clothes for after, but leave it on the bus or wherever else the guides suggest. Apply waterproof sunscreen before getting on the water, and fix glasses or sunglasses with a strap.

For a longer rafting adventure: If you’re going on an overnight or multi-day trip you’ll obviously need to take more supplies, and rafting companies will usually provide you with a packing list. This might include a sleeping bag.

While you can take valuables on the water with you—guides sometimes have dry bags that clip onto the side of the raft, or you could take your own—it’s best to avoid taking things such as phones or keys. Firstly, you probably won’t need them for a half- or full-day trip. Secondly, many companies provide photos that you can buy (or download for free) after the tour. So, there’s no real need to take your own phone with you, much less your keys.

Yes, rafting can be a risky activity, just as hiking, swimming, or riding a tuk-tuk can be. But as long as the above precautions are followed, it doesn’t have to be super scary. Rafting is a fantastic way to experience natural landscapes and—if you join a longer, overnight tour—it can also be a way to immerse yourself in local cultures and really feel a travel destination rather than just see it. So, relax and enjoy the ride. Just don’t forget to paddle.