Tips on Preparing for Your Whitewater Rafting Trip

Your Need-to-Know Guide for Planning a River Adventure from a Certified Rafting Guide

Spring is here and summer is well on its way, which can only mean one thing in the river rat's world - rafting season is upon us! The warm spring sunshine is melting the winter's snow, filling the rivers to capacity and, in some cases, moving boulders and obstacles in the river to create giant waves and holes and in essence a brand-new river to run. Colorado is one of the foremost locations for spectacular rafting adventures with several rivers to choose from and everything from gnarly rapids to relaxing float trips. If you are planning a rafting trip this season for you and your friends or family, this is your ultimate guide to ensuring that your experience is safe, fun, and memorable for everyone in your party.

1. First, identify what level of rafting your party would enjoy and is capable of handling. Rivers are labeled according to six classifications indicating the level of difficulty of the rapids and navigation. Classes I-V are commercially raftable. Classes I-II are usually navigable by athletic amateurs with some paddling experience. These classes indicate that the rapids have only small waves and clear routes and that no technically difficult maneuvers are required. Class III rapids have large waves, usually have clear routes but might contain some obstacles within them, and necessitate some difficult maneuvers and skills. This is also the highest level of rapid that a first-year river guide is supposed to run, though many outfitters fail to adhere to this rule. Classes IV and V have large waves and holes, unclear lines with many obstacles, and require difficult maneuvers to navigate.

If you have young children or older adults, be aware of their limitations and recognize that some stretches of river might frighten them. Also, Class IV-V stretches, as well as many outfitters, have age requirements and may also require paddling experience and physical fitness.