3 Things to Avoid When Whitewater Rafting
Here at Rolling Thunder River Company, safety is always our top concern. Whether you’re enjoying a gentle float down the Toccoa or a thrilling Ocoee River whitewater adventure, we are committed to making sure that everything goes smoothly.
It’s pretty hard to have a bad time when you’re rafting, but there are things you can do to jeopardize your safety and lower your likelihood of having a good time. To ensure the safety of yourself and your fellow guests while guaranteeing an amazing, memorable adventure, there are a few things that you should always avoid.
Keep reading for some whitewater rafting tips to learn what not to do on your next rafting adventure!
Failing to Use Proper Safety Equipment
You may not want to wear a PFD or a helmet, but if we say you need to, there’s good reason! Your life jacket is designed to keep you from drowning if you end up in the water. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, rapids can pull you under.
And that helmet? That protects you from hitting your head on rocks and logs that could be hidden under the surface of the water. We have rules regarding the use of safety equipment for your own protection, and failing to abide by these rules is the best way to have a bad time.
Rafting Under the Influence
Rafting while drunk or under the influence is dangerous. Drugs and alcohol impair your physical capabilities, judgment and reasoning skills, and these are three skills that you need when rafting. If you’re feeling a bit anxious about your adventure, remember that liquid courage does not equal real courage, and hitting the water wasted greatly increases your risk of getting hurt.
Worrying About Your Tan
We get it. A day spent on the water seems like the perfect time to work on your tan. Unfortunately, this is a bad idea for a few reasons. First and foremost, you should always wear sunscreen when rafting. The sun is more intense on the water, and sunburns, dehydration and even sun strokes can happen faster than you probably reason.
Secondly, if you’re worrying about your tan, you aren’t devoting your full attention to the river and any potential hazards that lie within. For your own safety and the safety of your rafting companions, you need to protect yourself from sun-related problems and pay attention to the river.
At Rolling Thunder River Company, we’re here to help you have amazing adventures on the Nantahala River, the Ocoee River and the Toccoa River. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we offer incredible trips for rafters of all skill levels.
Amy Saunders
Ooh, that’s quite eye-catching! I found it rather useful when you explained that it’s much safer to join any rafting activity while being sober so we can always be cautious with our surroundings. You see, my son and his college mates are going on a camping trip near the river basin next weekend and they’re finalizing the itinerary. I’ll ask them to keep this tip in mind so they’ll enjoy the journey later.