Ten DOs and DON’Ts for whitewater rafting

It is important to know what to do or not do while rafting. This article fives five of each for your safety and piece of mind while rafting.

Five DOs of whitewater rafting:

Go with a professional

Not to toot our own horn, but we pride ourselves on being one of the best on the Ocoee River. Our guests and their safety always come first. We take our time to play on the river instead of racing to the finish, so you know you will get your money’s worth. With the inherent risk of Whitewater rafting, you always want to make sure you are rafting with the best. Our raft guides are professionally trained to give you the best trip possible.

Wear a life jacket and helmet

These are only effective when worn properly. This means fasten all the buckles and adjust the straps for a secure fit to maximize its effectiveness. These are the pieces of gear you need to check before you leave the outpost. Make sure your gear is in good working order.

Listen to your guide

The guide is here to keep you safe. Please listen to them. We commonly like to joke and kid around, but safety is never a topic that we will joke about.

Whitewater swim position

All reputable rafting companies will teach you what we call the whitewater swim position. It’s the safest way to navigate whitewater when you aren’t sitting in a raft. A common guide saying is Nose and Toes, keep them both out of the water!

Dress properly for the day

This means wearing the correct footwear, clothes and sunscreen. Proper footwear would be any shoe with a heel and toe straps. Guide favorites are Chaco’s, Keens and Teva’s, Tennis shoes work in a pinch. Proper clothing would be water shedding synthetic fiber. This means a dry-fit material, polypropylene, neoprene or other synthetic fibers, especially during the colder months. If you have glasses and will be wearing them on the river, make sure that you have a strap to keep them on.

Medical Conditions

If you have specific medical needs, please notify your guide before getting on the water. We carry dry bags to store epi-pens, insulin, or any medication that you might need while on the river. We also need to be warned of any recent surgeries, broken bones, torn ligaments or heart issues. This lets us better accommodate you while providing a safe environment. Okay you caught us we threw in a bonus do!

Five DON’Ts of whitewater rafting:

PANIC

People in a panic don’t participate in their own rescue, it’s important to help us help you!

Don’t jump out of the boat

Unless your guide instructs you that it is a safe place to swim, don’t get out, or push anyone else out!

Never, ever stand up in moving current

This is the most dangerous thing you can do in moving water.

Alcohol/Illicit substances

Please don’t participate in drinking alcohol or taking any non-prescribed medications before putting on the river. If noticed most companies will not allow you to go rafting.

T-grip Control 

Never let go of the T-grip, this is the top T shaped portion of the paddle. It’s the breaker of noses/destroyer of smiles.