Staying Warm on a Spring Rafting Trip
It’s been a long and chilly winter, but spring is finally here! As the days get longer and temperatures begin to climb, we are inching closer and closer to the 2016 rafting season.
Smaller crowds make spring the perfect time to book your adventure with Rolling Thunder River Company, but there are still some chilly days early in the season. To stay warm and enjoy your trip, keep these tips in mind.
Staying Warm during Your Spring Rafting Trip
Neoprene and Polypropylene
When it comes to staying warm on the water, neoprene and polypropylene are your best friends. Polypropylene is an extremely versatile material that can be made into everything from socks and underpants to long johns and shirts, and the amazing thing about this wonderful fabric is that it helps you retain body heat – even when you’re wet.
Neoprene – the stuff wetsuits are made of – also helps you stay warm, but it doesn’t start working until you’re actually wet. The material is made up of tiny cells that absorb water which is then warmed by your own body heat.
Layer Up
Your mother probably told you to wear layers when it’s chilly, and her advice holds true even when whitewater rafting. The best way to stay comfortable on your spring adventure is to layer up. Start with warm undergarments with a fleece jacket on top. A splash jacket on top of everything provides some additional warmth and Rolling Thunder will provide one for you free of charge.
During the spring, a splash jacket is an excellent wardrobe choice. If it’s windy, it will act as a windbreaker. Your splash jacket will also lessen the initial cold shock when you blast through a wave. And of course, it will help keep your fleece jacket and any other under layers dry.
Stay Hydrated
It’s a no-brainer that you need to drink plenty of water when engaged in physical activity during the hot summer months, but it may not seem so necessary on cooler days. In fact, drinking plenty of water is just as important on cool days as it is on the hottest day of the summer. To regulate your temperature, your body needs to be properly hydrated. Drink lots of water before your trip, and go easy on the coffee since caffeine dehydrates the body.
Here in the southeast, we are fortunate to have moderate spring days that are perfect for whitewater rafting. There is always a chance for some chilly days early in the season, though, so it’s important to prepare yourself for whatever the weather may throw your way. Be sure to check the weather report before you leave home, and if you have any questions about preparing for your trip, don’t hesitate to contact us! Remember, we go rafting rain or shine.
The rafting season at Rolling Thunder River Company begins in April, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
