Are you a thrill seeker and enjoy participating in activities that cause an adrenaline rush? Are you constantly looking for adventures on vacation and want to experience something other than just sightseeing?

If you are vacationing in a popular Whitewater Rafting destination like Tennessee, you might as well try this exciting sport. The Pigeon River and Ocoee River in Tennessee are some of the best whitewater rafting destinations in the country.

On a rudimentary level, whitewater rafting is a type of activity that involves riding fast yet shallow water. And if you’re new to this sport, you must be well prepared. When it comes to water sports, you can’t take any chances. Whitewater rafting is all about expertly navigating through troubled water. 

Therefore, if you’re eager to try whitewater rafting and complete your first journey, here’s what you need to know.

1. Make Sure You Dress Appropriately

Your clothing can make a lot of difference when you go whitewater rafting. Bear in mind that this sport involves moving through fast-flowing water. Therefore, you will be splashed heavily, so you can’t choose an outfit that doesn’t work well with water. 

It is highly recommended that your attire is waterproof and doesn’t chaff. Material like cotton is not a good idea since this type of clothing takes a long time to dry, and if you’re heavily drenched, you may start feeling cold. 

So carefully do your research on what to wear for whitewater rafting and dress appropriately. The lack of proper attire only adds an extra layer of challenge that you don’t need on your first whitewater rafting trip.

Similarly, you also need to pick out the right shoes. Your feet need to be enclosed. It will help if you wear sneakers or Dunlop since these get laced and will keep your feet safe. If you choose sandals or flip-flops, they may come off from the intensity of the water. 

2. Keep Your Helmet On

Rapids are often found in rivers that flow through mountainous or hilly terrain. The Little Pigeon River, a popular rafting destination in Pigeon Forge, flows through some tight regions often littered with rocks, boulders, and branches.

These obstacles can be difficult to see from a raft, especially if the water is moving quickly. There is also not enough time to react because the rapids will swiftly pull your raft down the stream, which can cause you to collide with these objects. Having a helmet on can save you from getting injured. 

In some cases, the impact can be strong enough to land you in a hospital if you’re not careful, so you shouldn’t disregard the importance of having a helmet.

Before climbing your raft, check if your helmet fits you correctly. It should be comfortably resting on your head, and the straps should be tightened enough to prevent the helmet from moving.

3. Make Sure Your Life Jacket is Secure

The life jackets provided on the site differ from what you would use on a fishing trip. Whitewater rafting requires heavy-duty jackets that need to be secured in place. Therefore, don’t be surprised if they feel too tight; these jackets need to fit you snugly.

These industrial-grade jackets aim to ensure that if you do fall over, you can easily get pulled back up with your jacket. The thick padding also prevents you from getting injured in the water.

4. Leave Your Valuables Behind

While you can wear a go pro, loose items like your cell phone, jewelry, and watch need to be left behind. Anything that can suddenly come undone and fall should not be with you on your whitewater rafting trip. If you lose a valuable in the water, don’t expect to get it back.

5. Physically Prepare Yourself

Whitewater rafting requires some muscle. You must paddle through rough currents to safely navigate your raft. This means you must work on your arm strength and build stamina to keep up with the momentum.

Although you don’t need to be an athlete, it would help if you were in good shape and had enough muscle power to dig your paddles better. You may feel incredibly sore later if you’re not in shape and suddenly subject your muscles to this rough treatment. 

6. Learn How to Swim

Most individuals who try whitewater rafting for the first time find themselves in the water more often than not. This is because when you’re still learning to control your raft, you can accidentally crash into a bed of rocks or pivot your raft in the wrong direction, which may cause it to topple.

Once this happens, you will inevitably end up in the water, so you should know how to swim. This ensures that you can pull yourself out of the water or swim to safety before getting rescued. 

If you don’t know how to swim, try not splashing around too much; flapping your arms unsynchronized can increase the probability of inhaling water. 

7. Get Familiar with The T Grip

The T-grip is the best way to hold your paddle. It prevents your paddle from slipping out of your hands or hitting you on your face. The T grip refers to the end of the paddle that looks like a “T” and is made entirely of hard plastic. If you’re unfamiliar with the T grip, don’t worry; your guide will demonstrate how to hold your paddle.

Mimic the way they do it, and practice holding the paddle a few times before you commence. Make sure one hand is on the base of your shaft and the other is on the T-grip. You will notice that the T grip stance also helps move your raft effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, embarking on a whitewater rafting adventure as a beginner can be both thrilling and intimidating. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can confidently navigate the rapids and create unforgettable memories. Remember to prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear, listening to your guide, and understanding the basics of paddling.

By following these tips and embracing the adventure, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned whitewater rafter. 

Also read: Best Things to do in the Canary Islands

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