Many people are lured by the adventures of riding white-water rapids, but one is often haunted by moving images of a raft capsizing as it goes down a waterfall, overboard boaters impacting river rocks, kayaks sinking between conflicting streams, and the list goes onward. So, naturally, you must be wondering about the safety and amenities on the renowned Ocoee River, and we at Raft One have the following answers to your concerns:
Will my friends and I receive equipment before rafting?
You bet! In fact, not only do we issue helmets and PFD’s with all our vessels but such are also required by the Coast Guard. Additionally, all rafting tours are piloted, if you will, by our expert guides who are certified in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Swiftwater Rescue. Do keep in mind that a rafting tour quite literally requires all hands on deck as all must row their boat.
Do the river rocks present any risks to inflatable rafts?
For the much greater part, no. Yes, rocks are dense and ought to be avoided rather than tested; however, our rafts are made of highly-dense and highly-durable PVC, and the air is separated by eight compartments, so the chances of sinking before the end of the tour is not possible.
What kinds of clothes should I wear on the river?
Regardless of what you choose to wear, you ought to bring an extra set of clothes and shoes because everything on your body shall become drenched and soaking wet.
Some clothes are better than others. For example, board shorts are always water-friendly. Also, any type of synthetic shorts are a good choice. If you must wear pants, then choose those which are specifically designed for the outdoors and are made of the lightest and fastest-drying material.
You cannot go wrong with wearing a short-sleeved or long-sleeved T-shirt. Because you’re going to be wearing a lifejacket, you might consider wearing an outer shirt that is designed for the outdoors and is light-weight. Eyewear is one of those things that is easily overlooked, so you ought to invest in a pair of plastic sunglasses and a retaining strap as the sunshine in the Southern states is not only nearly inescapable but is also reflected off the water.
What kinds of shoes should I wear on the river?
Something may have led you to believe that most sneakers are suitable, and that’s true for the most part. However, running shoes typically have less material than basketball and tennis shoes have and are thus a better choice. Ultimately, the two best choices are swim mocs (water shoes) and strappy sandals.