How To Plan A Family Rafting Trip

Here are a few tips on how to plan a family rafting trip. What is rafting? Rafting is a recreational activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. Guided rafting is when you have a guide to show you the ropes of rafting. Unguided rafting is when there is no one to show you the ropes of rafting. Guided is best when you are not familiar with the body of water. Rafting is fun but can also be dangerous. The minimum age for rafting is seven years old for beginners and fourteen for intermediate. Height and weight can also affect the age limit, if too small or little you will be turned down. The tips below will give you an idea of how to plan ahead for your rafting trip.

When choosing a location for rafting, you need to know the six classes of rapids:

1. Easy. Small riffles. No significant waves or obstacles.
2. Novice. Moderate rapids with regular waves, small drops, clear passages and wide channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required.
3. Intermediate. Moderately difficult rapids with larger irregular waves, often narrow channels. Complex maneuvering to avoid obstacles required.
4. Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise maneuvering in fast, turbulent water. Complex channels with many significant obstacles to be avoided.
5. Expert. Extremely long, violent or obstructed rapids, following each other almost without interruption. Drops may have large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with difficult routes. May become very steep.
6. Unrunnable. This means you can not travel this water. 

How To Plan A Family Rafting Trip

1. Choose the right location for rafting. Using the class guide above, choose a location with the right difficulty level. If you have a family member who is inexperienced at rafting, choose a place where it will be easy for them to get the hang of rafting. This needs to be fun not dangerous.
2. Once you have picked your location for rafting, make reservations for where you will be staying. If you will be camping, pick a location close to where the rafting will take place. Be sure to be on time at check in and check out times. Make sure everyone attending knows the time and places to meet. Make sure you have transportation from the end of the rafting route back to your vehicle.
3. Pack all the items you need for a fun adventure rafting. Clothing and accessories need to be packed. Rafts, life vests, compass and first aid kits should be packed together. If you will be camping, bring all essential items, such as tent, sleeping bags, lanterns, flash lights, pots, pans, water coolers, etc.
4. Food items need to be stored in a cooler if you will be camping. Bring as many coolers as needed to keep items from spoilage.
5. Bug spray and a bug light can also be packed for those night bugs that will be flying around.
6. Make sure to have all items on top of the car secured down so they will not fall off along the way.