If you are a newbie to the whitewater rafting scene, listen up! There is a lot of fun to be had on the water, but knowing what to expect before you depart will make the experience all the more enjoyable. Although you will have a veteran tour guide to show you the ropes and be there every step of the way, every passenger is responsible for his or her own actions and that of the group as a whole. Adherence to the rafting rules and a clear understanding of what the activity entails are paramount. Here are some simple tips to help make your Ocoee river rafting tour the memory of a lifetime!
Whitewater Rafting 101
Like most high-intensity activities, rafting is not one for the unhealthy or extremely overweight. You will need to be able to paddle and capable of working as a team. This is a lot easier said than done, and gives the toughest endurance trainers a real challenge. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with medical conditions are advised not to partake in rafting for this reason. As always, if you are not sure, be sure to speak to your family physician before making a reservation.
Most tour businesses will provide brief training sessions to on-board passengers and teach them the fundamentals. Everything from proper safety procedures to what to do in an emergency are covered. This should also help alleviate any anxiety and concerns you may have about rafting.
Remember to dress accordingly. The risk of dehydration when rafting during peak season months (now through August) is good , so be sure to don a pair of shorts and a loose-fitting tee shirt. However, the situation changes quite drastically in the off-season as it is not uncommon for river temperatures to plummet below 40 degrees. To avoid hypothermia, passengers are required to wear wet suits over their regular apparel. Raft One customers are provided these when the weather permits under the discretion of our tour guides and for FREE!
Lastly and perhaps most importantly, listen to what the guide says and follow their instructions at all times. Ocoee whitewater rafting is rarely a solo venture; it takes good teamwork to make it down the river.