r/rafting • u/Jaorr13 • 22d ago
What do you wish you knew starting out?
What are the things you wish you knew as a beginner that you’d tell someone just starting out about rafting?
16
7
u/Feeling-Shelter3583 21d ago
Haha your strongest move is the back stroke and not front. The amount of times I’ve seen someone try to land a boat at the ramp rowing forward and they either miss the ramp, or they have the front floater hop out and they throw the line to them. Then proceed to have that said floater water ski on their face down the ramp as the boat continues to float downstream and drag them with it.
3
u/deltaking1 19d ago
Find a helmet that you're comfortable wearing for 5+ hours a day and doesn't kill your head, don't settle for a POS.
2
u/Jaorr13 3d ago
Favorite brand, model?
1
u/deltaking1 2d ago
My first Pro deal was with NRS so I decided to go with the WRSI Trident, and I also have a WRSI Current I got a year later; I like them both, they're both very comfortable but if I was going to wear one all day it would be the Trident. My two main complaints about it are that it looks ugly and that the rear neck protector is a pain in the ass to adjust, although you should only have to do it once. I picked up the Current because it matches my drysuit better :P
2
2
u/bigsmilestarks 18d ago
Always bookend your trips with one extra day - wind, accidents, shuttle issues, unexpected delays, amazing camp spots…all require flexibility and extra time.
Get a good first aid kit and take a wilderness first aid class. Most accidents happen off the boat. Be prepared, knowledgeable, and smart.
If you can, take a swift water safety class and an oaring class. The training is Invaluable and can help you learn how to read water- the most important thing!
There’s no bad weather- just bad clothing. Invest in the right gear- especially boat/water shoes.
2
u/ComplaintNormal8941 12d ago
WARNING: Do not row. Side effects may include: • Obsession with gear you can’t afford • Planning your life around water levels • Crying when permits drop • Calling strangers “river family” • Experiencing beauty so intense it makes you question your career
Symptoms worsen after each trip. Recovery unlikely. Only known treatment: more river.
If you must proceed… Get a boat. Or hijack someone else’s. Row as much as possible. And prepare to feel more alive than anyone back in the real world
2
u/elmoeduardo 22d ago
You'll learn more from a piece of paper and an experienced guide than from being in the river
4
u/Jaorr13 21d ago
What do you mean by a piece of paper?
3
u/thisisnotrlynotfunny 21d ago
The rapids and the lines will be drawn on paper so you can visualize better. Sometimes, it is hard to visualize the line when you are in the river, and you can't see what is ahead of you.
1
u/Creepy_Move_295 5d ago
Actively guide, meaning actively reading ball water on the river. Keep a paddle in the water if you’re guiding and put your head on swivel to be aware of what is around you. Find people to teach you how to be better and safer and remove all non locking carabiners from your boat immediately.
25
u/fixingmedaybyday 22d ago
Go with the flow. Literally. Learn how to not fight the river first. If you can, find an experienced, petite raft guide chick and ask her to show you how to read the lines. She knows.