What to pack during river rafting?

So you are planning for river rafting this weekend?

Good for you! Have you bought the right equipment?

Like any other adventure sport, river rafting is also full of risks. If you do not have the proper gear, then chances are high that you will be turned back or you will be uncomfortable during the entire journey or even worse. So before venturing out, you are advised to check out the following equipment:

• Wet suits, synthetic fleece, and polypro clothing: Rafting is a ‘wet' sport. By the time it ends, you will be soaked throughout if you are not wearing these clothes. Some rivers may have prolonged stretches in which case you may dry out in the sunshine, but usually the weather is truant and the rapid are so high, frequent, and intense that you will remain wet throughout. So wear clothes that will keep your skin dry and body temperature stable. Avoid wearing cotton as once wet, it will only turn your skin colder.



• Sunscreen with a high SPF: Cloud or no cloud, it is better that you wear a sunscreen with a high SPF factor as the ultraviolet rays are very intense in mountaineous, open area. So avoid sun burn and wear a thick layer good sunscreen lotion. You can also wear sun glasses and a hat to protect your skin.



• Non-slippery sport shoes: Wear shoes that are not slippery. Tennis shoes or running shoes are the best as their grip is hard.



• A life jacket: A must have in any river rafting. Never take it off as this can make a difference between life or death. Water levels can be very tricky. Sometimes they can toss you out of the raft. People usually panic during the situations. In those times, a life jacket will keep you floating and alive. So drop off the macho act and keep wearing life jacket at all times.



• A helmet: Another must have. The river flows through deadly rocks, which may become dangerous if you are suddenly tossed into the river and hit your head with a rock or something. So avoid head injuries and always wear a helmet.



• Fresh drinking water: Avoid dehydration. Keep a regular supply of fresh drinking water with you.



• Energy bars and other snacks: You may have long stretches of rafting. Keep your energy levels high and spirits up. Keep munching energy bars and other snacks at regular intervals.



• Waterproof camera: What is the fun of enjoying a sport if you cannot take away its memory? Buy a waterproof camera and pose along with your friends.



• Extra clothing: At the end of the rafting, you may need to change your clothes. Keep extra supply such as sweatshirts, socks, and windbreakers. It may get chilly over there in the evening.



• Flashlight and extra batteries: It gets very dark in mountains very quickly indeed. One minute you have sunlight and the next minute, it is difficult to differentiate between one hand and the next. So keep a flashlight with you and extra batteries.



• A waterproof first aid kit: A basic first aid kit is a must. Keep clean bandages, sterilization liquids and pads, gauze, and scissors in the kit to treat common scrapes and cuts.



• A dry bag: A dry bag or a mesh bag to store all the above items.



• Spare paddles and oars: Finally, paddles can get lost very easily during a rough ride. So keep extra paddles at the bottom of the raft for such situations.

Ensure that you have the above items and you are ready for your river rafting trip!