How to Prepare for Your Whitewater Rafting Trip

More than 75% of Americans view outdoor activity as a key aspect of their livelihood. With an abundance of nature available at your fingertips, there’s a lot to experience. Whitewater rafting is a perfect example of this. It is becoming an increasingly popular pastime for adrenaline-junkies and couch potatoes alike.

If you are one of the 28% of Americans who are planning a rafting trip, attention to detail is key. Considering the nature of the trip, it’s not easy to find a replacement for something you may have left behind. Packing shouldn’t be done last-minute and should be planned well in advance. This is especially true for visitors to the Grand Canyon. What will you need for this trip?

Checklist:

1. Two-piece rain suit
2. Sweatshirt or sweater
3. Sleepwear
4. Windbreaker or Jacket
5. 2 or 3 pair of ankle socks (good sun protection)
6. 1 or 2 swimsuits (More if you want to wear one everyday)
7. 1 pair long slacks, jeans or sweats
8. 3 pair shorts, cut offs (Nylon shorts dry quickly)
9. 3 shirts or blouses (1 with long sleeves)
10. 2 pair rubber-soled shoes (Wear 1 pair while other dries in the evening)
11. Shampoo and Soap
12. Towel, Washcloth (Thin ones dry quickly)
13. 2 hats or caps with brim and ties (1 for spare)
14. Sun screen (generous supply)
15. Hand and body lotion (16 oz per person: sun, water, and heat dries your skin quickly.)
16. Lip balm (With sun screen is best)
17. Flash light or head lamp, extra batteries
18. Pocket-size packages of Kleenex
19. 8 Zip-Loc plastic bags, quart size 7″x 8″(For personal trash, photo supplies, etc., during the day)
20. 1 water bottle (1 qt, Minimum to carry water while hiking)
21. Sarong
    

When it comes to trekking the intrepid water of the Grand Canyon, education is key. Knowing more about your environment will allow you to have a fuller experience. The Canyon and Colorado River have so much to offer, and participants are better able to appreciate the beauty when they know about its past. For example, the schist (metamorphic rock) that the Colorado River cuts through is 1.75 billion years old. That’s nearly half the age of the Earth itself.

Rafting through the Grand Canyon is a great way to experience what nature has to offer while taking the adventure of a lifetime. You will ride the waves of the Colorado River while making your way through the walls of ancient rock surrounding it. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, Grand Canyon rafting tours will leave you with a great story to tell.