10 New River Rafting Tips

River rafting is a great outdoor activity and these ten new river rafting tips can make this activity even more fun. Since white water rafting trips are available across the world, anyone can take part in this activity. The severity level varies depending on the river, which makes participation in this activity suitable for all ages and levels of physical abilities.

1. Know the river's class rating. The International Scale of River Difficulty uses the Roman numerals I to VI to indicate the level of challenge associated with a particular river. Knowing the class of the river for which a trip is planned will allow a rafter to identify and prepare for what dangers or level of difficulty exist, as well as allowing the rafter to evaluate whether his skills are sufficient for the trip. One exception to the use of this scale is the Grand Canyon, which pre-dates this system and is graded on a one to ten scale, with ten being the most difficult.
2. Avoid sunburn. The most likely injury to occur during a rafting trip is a sunburn and some can be quite severe. Be sure and use appropriate sunscreen and apply it periodically. Other than the sunburn dangers of river rafting, assuming guides are used or the rafter sticks to a difficulty level he is comfortable with, the injury rate for rafting is about equal to that of bowling.
3. Wear a coast guard-approved personal flotation device. While rafting is safe, accidents do happen and the rocks which create the rapids can also cause injuries when a rafter enters the water. A PFD will allow an injured person to stay afloat until he can be rescued or retrieved.
4. Wear appropriate clothing. What is appropriate will depend on where the trip will be, what time of the year, the anticipated weather and the water temperature. On river rafting trips the rafters tend to get wet, so dressing for the water temperature rather than the air temperature is a good idea. Wet suits are often used.
5. Consider a multi-day rafting trip. Of the top ten new river rafting tips, this is one of the most fun. On a multi-day rafting trip the rafter has a chance to learn new skills and become comfortable using them, as well as the ability to experience more and varied conditions. This can only help your experience level grow.
6. Learn the language of river rafting. Many times all paddlers and occupants of a raft are called on to make instance corrections in paddling or their location in the raft. Experienced rafters have developed an "oral shorthand" which are simple command to cover a particular action. Knowing these can make the trip more enjoyable as well as prevent any accidents. An example of this is when the leader of the raft yells "high side" all rafters know to jump to the high side of the raft to prevent it from overturning when stuck in a hydraulic or pinned against a rock.
7. Stay sober. While learning ten new river rafting tips is a great way to ensure a trip is enjoyed, this tip is one based on common sense. Fast water, rocks and drinking don't mix. Many outfitters will not allow anyone to take part in the trip if he is drinking. Save the booze until afterwards.
8. Ask the outfitter for advice. Most of the guides love what they do and are more than willing to share their experiences. 
9. Feet first. If a rafter leaves the boat, the best position to float down the river is with your feet first, protecting your body and head from collisions. The goal is to stay uninjured until being retrieved.
10. Reward good service. The ten new white water rafting tips ends with a tip on tips. The guides work very hard and tipping ensures that not only will your next trip be wrapped in good karma, but you may also be remembered and offered the best seat in the raft.