At the reservation office, we occasionally get calls from guests who are a little nervous about whitewater rafting because they’ve never been. It’s okay to be apprehensive, but don’t let it stop you from trying new adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains. In our experience, things are never as scary as we thought it would be. Most often you are very glad you ventured out and did something new and exciting. Carolina Outfitters and Carolina Ocoee are more than happy to provide you with an enjoyable first trip down the Nantahala River or the Ocoee River! With that said, here are 5 whitewater rafting tips for beginners.
Go with a Guide
If you have little to no experience rafting, go guided to get a feel for the river before you try a non-guided trip. Raft the Nantahala River in Western North Carolina first to get a bit of experience before you try something more challenging like the Ocoee River in East Tennessee. The Nantahala River is mostly class II’s with one III at the end. The Ocoee River is an intermediate/advanced river with continuous class III’s and IV’s. Work your way up to this river because it is wild and strenuous. By then your confidence will be high and ready for a fun-filled, high-action whitewater rafting trip.
Dress Properly for Your Trip
Most everyone rafts during the summer months with a few hardy souls rafting in early spring and late fall. During those months, we suggest a wetsuit (we have these on hand if you should want one), or wool and polar fleece to help keep your body heat in. For summer, wear quick-drying clothes such as synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon or even wool. Try to avoid cotton. Women can wear a one-piece bathing suit with athletic shorts. If the river is still too cold for you in the summertime, we have splash jackets at no charge to help keep you warmer. Footwear is important. You don’t want to go down the river barefoot. Always wear shoes that stay on your feet. Flip-flops are a no no. We suggest water shoes or tennis shoes, waterproof sandals with straps, or Crocs in sports mode (strap on the back of your heel). Bring a towel and a change of clothes, because you will get wet whitewater rafting. If you like, you can bring a bottle of water (no glass, plastic bottles only) to help keep you hydrated. Sorry, no coolers are allowed on the raft.
Be Prepared to Paddle
Anyone is welcome to go on a whitewater rafting trip; there are no age limits for adults (children are required to be seven years old or weigh 60 lbs for the Nantahala River, and 12 years old for the Ocoee River). If, as an adult, you’re worried about your weight, the only requirement is that you be able to fit into our Coast Guard approved PFDs (personal flotation device). Though you have a guide steering from the back of the boat, he/she is going to need help paddling a boat load down the river (guided boats hold six guests for the Ocoee River and seven guests for the Nantahala River per trip). You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete, but know your limits, especially if you’ve had a recent injury. If you’re in doubt, check with your doctor first. The Nantahala River is beginner/intermediate; the Ocoee river is intermediate/advanced. Keep that in mind and adjust according to your endurance. You can always work your way up to the more demanding whitewater rivers.
Swimming
We occasionally get asked, “Will I fall out of the boat?” Though our guides work hard not to let that happen, we can’t guarantee that you won’t. A river is as wild as it’s beautiful and can be unpredictable. So, if you find yourself going for a “swim,” roll onto your back, and keep your nose and feet up with your body pointed downstream. If you can, swim to the boat, roll over onto your stomach, keep your feet up and swim toward the raft. Above all, don’t panic. Trust your guide. Carolina Outfitters and Carolina Ocoee guides are well-trained to get you back into the boat as quickly as possible. The guides will also cover all these measures in the trip speech before your trip down the river. Pay attention!
Choose a Reputable Outfitter
Do your research and pick a reputable whitewater rafting company like Carolina Outfitters or Carolina Ocoee. They have been in the business for over 30 years and have the expertise to provide you with an unforgettable whitewater rafting experience. Family owned and operated, their goal is to send you home with memories to last a lifetime.
If you have more questions, feel free to call our reservation line at 1-828-488-6345 or 1-828-341-5241, and our friendly knowledgeable staff will help you. We can also book you over the phone for your next whitewater rafting trip!
