White Water Rafting

~Moi~ · Jun 26th, 2008, 10:02 PM

So I'm going white-water rafting on the Ottawa river in early August. Has anyone been before? I'm looking for packing tips, and suggestions for still looking "fresh" in the wilderness (it's organized through my workplace -- can't look too shabby in front of co-workers). Any suggestions in terms of insect repellants?

TIA!

IcansPotaFake32 · Jun 27th, 2008, 12:09 AM

Just some general tips as I have been before but not to where you're going:

No sunglasses...unless you wear a retainer of some sort. They fall off too easily and your chances of ever seeing them again are slim to none
If you DO buy insect repellent be careful not to put it too close to your eyes. Chances are you'll get wet and it can go into your eyes.

Are their rapids or will you be paddling? If you're paddling then there may be a bigger chance of bugs but with rapids it usually goes by pretty fast and so there aren't many bugs. I brought the wipe on insect repellent last time.

Waterproof camera! Bring one! (you can buy disposable and wear it on your wrist)

Watershoes...I know they're not that cute (although you can find better looking pairs) but bring them. Eeew I hate being barefoot in an unknown boat.

If you need anything else you can either bring a waterproof container or a ziplock for little things...depends how long the trip will take.

Good luck! I hope you have a blast!

emyrow99 · Jun 28th, 2008, 01:13 PM

I've been white water rafting twice in Northern CA and once in Costa Rica. I have a few tips to add to. You'll have a blast!

1. Wear water shoes. Our rafting guides did not recommend "water socks" because you need something more sturdier to anchor yourself onto the raft, however, people did still wear them. I bought a pair of Salomons. http://www.amazon.com/Salomon-Techam...4672691&sr=1-4 and they were awesome. You can also walk on the rocky terrain of the river w/ them.

2. I agree about insect repellent. You may need it at the campsite, but not during the rafting. Put sunblock on your body, but try not to put a lot on your face. The waters will be wild and your eyes may sting from the sunblock in your eyes.

3. I found that wearing rashguards over your swimsuit worked well because they keep you warm and cool at the same time. It's better than wearing a dripping t-shirt (IMO). For shorts or pants, I usually wore long or short board shorts. Since you are going with your co-workers, maybe outdoor khakis will suffice. I suggest you wear a belt or have tight waistbands becuase the water will weigh them down for sure.

HAVE FUN AND GOOD LUCK!!

guccimamma · Jun 28th, 2008, 01:38 PM

water shoes, i took a pretty good spill out of a raft because my shoes were not anchored well. i was horrified by the experience. i am a strong swimmer, but this really frightened me. i thought i was prepared to go into the rapids, but was completely paralyzed by fear when it happend.

i got out fine, but my running shoes were a slippery mess in the raft. wear something that grips in water.

VPT · Jun 28th, 2008, 09:05 PM

Oh I've gone rafting in the past different countries so many times I kinda miss them!!
Get equipped:
- portable waterproof cases holds credit cards, cash, and small essentials around your neck
- wear all safety gear provided even if you can swim like a fish!
- wear aqua shoes.

I've worn Teva sandals but I didn't quite like it when hitting coral and jagged rocks beneath the water surface when raft capsized. I found that shoes protected toes better. Aqua shoes are easy to dry and help channel water out of the shoe plus they have non-slip soles. Nike has some pretty good looking ones.

When you hit a whirlpool, do not row. Just stop. Let the raft follow in circles to the center, slow down, and once raft stops, you can push your way out with oars, otherwise if you panic, your raft is most likely to capsize.

silvercloud · Jun 29th, 2008, 02:34 AM

Don't forget sunblock and spf lipbalm. I burnt my lips while out white water rafting at Cairns, Australia.

Aqua shoes helped big time too.

Enjoy and have an awesome time. I miss white water rafting.

~Moi~ · Jul 2nd, 2008, 10:26 PM

Thanks everyone! I'm super-excited...I've been once before but was way over-packed, yet under-prepared...just wanted to be sure this time! This might be a silly question, but what are rashguards?

emyrow99 · Jul 7th, 2008, 01:45 AM

^ rash guards are tops that surfers usually wear. it protects them from both the heat and the cold water.

http://www.altrec.com/rash-guards

kimalee · Jul 8th, 2008, 02:13 AM

I went white water rafting in Alaska a few years ago - it was so much fun! It was kind of a spontaneous thing, so I don't really have any tips lol. Have fun!

Jun 26th, 2008, 10:02 PM	#1
~Moi~ Member Location: Toronto	White Water Rafting So I'm going white-water rafting on the Ottawa river in early August. Has anyone been before? I'm looking for packing tips, and suggestions for still looking "fresh" in the wilderness (it's organized through my workplace -- can't look too shabby in front of co-workers). Any suggestions in terms of insect repellants? TIA! __________________ "A woman can be over-dressed, never over-elegant.” -Coco Chanel

Jun 28th, 2008, 01:13 PM	#3
emyrow99 pura vida! Location: Bay Area, CA	I've been white water rafting twice in Northern CA and once in Costa Rica. I have a few tips to add to. You'll have a blast! 1. Wear water shoes. Our rafting guides did not recommend "water socks" because you need something more sturdier to anchor yourself onto the raft, however, people did still wear them. I bought a pair of Salomons. http://www.amazon.com/Salomon-Techam...4672691&sr=1-4 and they were awesome. You can also walk on the rocky terrain of the river w/ them. 2. I agree about insect repellent. You may need it at the campsite, but not during the rafting. Put sunblock on your body, but try not to put a lot on your face. The waters will be wild and your eyes may sting from the sunblock in your eyes. 3. I found that wearing rashguards over your swimsuit worked well because they keep you warm and cool at the same time. It's better than wearing a dripping t-shirt (IMO). For shorts or pants, I usually wore long or short board shorts. Since you are going with your co-workers, maybe outdoor khakis will suffice. I suggest you wear a belt or have tight waistbands becuase the water will weigh them down for sure. HAVE FUN AND GOOD LUCK!! __________________ what does not kill you, makes you stronger

Jun 28th, 2008, 09:05 PM	#5
VPT i ♥ blood oranges Location: Singapore / Vancouver	Oh I've gone rafting in the past different countries so many times I kinda miss them!! Get equipped: - portable waterproof cases holds credit cards, cash, and small essentials around your neck - wear all safety gear provided even if you can swim like a fish! - wear aqua shoes. I've worn Teva sandals but I didn't quite like it when hitting coral and jagged rocks beneath the water surface when raft capsized. I found that shoes protected toes better. Aqua shoes are easy to dry and help channel water out of the shoe plus they have non-slip soles. Nike has some pretty good looking ones. When you hit a whirlpool, do not row. Just stop. Let the raft follow in circles to the center, slow down, and once raft stops, you can push your way out with oars, otherwise if you panic, your raft is most likely to capsize. __________________

Jul 2nd, 2008, 10:26 PM	#7
~Moi~ Member Location: Toronto	Thanks everyone! I'm super-excited...I've been once before but was way over-packed, yet under-prepared...just wanted to be sure this time! This might be a silly question, but what are rashguards? __________________ "A woman can be over-dressed, never over-elegant.” -Coco Chanel

Jul 7th, 2008, 01:45 AM	#8
emyrow99 pura vida! Location: Bay Area, CA	^ rash guards are tops that surfers usually wear. it protects them from both the heat and the cold water. http://www.altrec.com/rash-guards __________________ what does not kill you, makes you stronger

Jun 27th, 2008, 12:09 AM	#2
IcansPotaFake32 Member	Just some general tips as I have been before but not to where you're going: No sunglasses...unless you wear a retainer of some sort. They fall off too easily and your chances of ever seeing them again are slim to none If you DO buy insect repellent be careful not to put it too close to your eyes. Chances are you'll get wet and it can go into your eyes. Are their rapids or will you be paddling? If you're paddling then there may be a bigger chance of bugs but with rapids it usually goes by pretty fast and so there aren't many bugs. I brought the wipe on insect repellent last time. Waterproof camera! Bring one! (you can buy disposable and wear it on your wrist) Watershoes...I know they're not that cute (although you can find better looking pairs) but bring them. Eeew I hate being barefoot in an unknown boat. If you need anything else you can either bring a waterproof container or a ziplock for little things...depends how long the trip will take. Good luck! I hope you have a blast!

Jun 28th, 2008, 01:38 PM	#4
guccimamma guccimamma	water shoes, i took a pretty good spill out of a raft because my shoes were not anchored well. i was horrified by the experience. i am a strong swimmer, but this really frightened me. i thought i was prepared to go into the rapids, but was completely paralyzed by fear when it happend. i got out fine, but my running shoes were a slippery mess in the raft. wear something that grips in water.

Jun 29th, 2008, 02:34 AM	#6
silvercloud Member	Don't forget sunblock and spf lipbalm. I burnt my lips while out white water rafting at Cairns, Australia. Aqua shoes helped big time too. Enjoy and have an awesome time. I miss white water rafting.

Jul 8th, 2008, 02:13 AM	#9
kimalee California Girl Location: SoCal/Central MA	I went white water rafting in Alaska a few years ago - it was so much fun! It was kind of a spontaneous thing, so I don't really have any tips lol. Have fun! __________________ Pre-ordered: Mint Nikki My babies: Saddle MAB, Sea Green MAM, Dark Brown MAM, Royal BW MAB *~kimalee is banned like WHOA! until 01/09~*