At Raft One, we often get asked if the sun has to be shining for a fun trip down the Ocoee River. Mother Nature definitely has her ways of putting a damper on outdoor activities, but the great news is that rafting in rainy weather can be a memorable, worthwhile experience.
You are going to get soaked no matter what, so it is not like a little rainstorm is going to ruin the day! As long as lightning strikes are kept to a minimum and the river is deemed safe to raft, customers are in for the trip of a lifetime.
Rafting in the Rain Is Fun!
For those who have a passion for the great outdoors, rain is considered just another thing to deal with. Sure, it means taking a few more safety precautions, but people who think river rafting is only suited for clear sky days are surely mistaken.
The water temperature on a mild day is still colder than that from above, so the fear of becoming ill is unwarranted. Besides, rafting companies always gauge the daily forecast prior to launching a tour. If the guide feels it is necessary for customers to wear wet suits and thermal jackets, then they will make that decision before anything else.
What many people do not realize is that the experience of whitewater rafting is made better during rainstorms. Calmer weather means calmer waters, but a lot of rafters prefer a bit of a challenge. The rainfall naturally causes an upsurge in the river flow, making for larger rapids that are more in line with customer expectations.
There is a marked difference between merely floating down the river and fighting head-on against the waves. The best part is you do not have to pay extra on a rainy day and may even get a discount depending on the number of canceled reservations. Plenty of customers will opt out due to “inclement weather,” giving you all the more reason to take advantage of the rushing torrent of water in a whitewater rapid tour.
Chances are, you will never look at rafting the same away again after completing the Ocoee in a rainstorm. April and May are the best months for the opportunity to raft in the rain, so remember to make your reservation early. Either way, you and your friends are bound to have loads of fun on the water.