1. Leave the Electronics Behind

The fresh air and excitement of a river adventure will reboot your mind and give you a new lease on life. To take full advantage of that opportunity, you really should unplug yourself from the digital world. At least temporarily. 

The sounds of nature are better than anything you’ve got in your iTunes library anyway.

2. Pack Wisely

Most people over pack on their first whitewater rafting trip. Even the most seasoned rafters bring more than they really need — unopened sodas, unworn clothes, unused flashlights — but first timers are in a league of their own when it comes to packing.

The average beginner probably only needs about a quarter of what they bring along. Check out some helpful packing tips from wataugakayak.com Leave the unnecessary stuff at home or in your car.

3. Stay Casual

Many first-time rafters bring a $100 shirt filled with sweat-repelling technology and a bunch of other features that don’t really mean anything. You know what most guides wear? Thrift store cotton shirts with ratty old collars and long sleeves that are just enough to block the summer sun. You don’t need fancy duds to enjoy a river trip. Stay casual and you’ll save some money and probably end up more comfortable.

4. One Electronic Exception

This may sound contradictory after suggesting you leave the electronics behind, but you should  use the  camera Watauga Kayak provides.  All the better if your camera is just a camera and not just a feature on your phone. That will limit the potential for distraction.  Take lots of photos, they are FREE

 With incredible images from your trip. There’s so much to see and experience, and we don’t want you to lose those memories to be with you for a lifetime.

5. Trust Your Guide

Your  Watauga Kayak river rafting guide is going to be giving you great advice throughout the entire trip. Before you even get started, they’ll tell you to wear sunscreen and to plenty of water. Make sure you do both.

On the water, your guide needs your attention and trust. They know every twist and turn of the river, so following their advice is the best way to ensure your trip is thrilling, memorable, and safe.

6. Relax

You’re going to take in some unforgettable sights and run some fun rapids. It should be thrilling and relaxing at the same time. Watauga Kayak has the best equipment and the best guides to ensure that you can focus on having a good time. If you choose the trip that’s best for you and follow our guide’s advice throughout your journey, you’ll have an incredible experience. There’s no need for nerves or anxiety.

To ensure you pick a trip that meets your family’s needs, here’s a general guide on whitewater rapid classification. Class 1, 2 great for small children and families this is the least risk in whitewater rafting, Class 3, large rapids that normally have an age restriction of 7 and up, risk a little higher, Class 4 larger rapids, more intense, Normally age is 12 and up, high risk rafting, Class 5 very larger unpredictable rapids, Dangerous, should be experts only, High risk of death.  Rapids are fun, but these rivers are not Disney Land, these are wild rivers and the higher the class the more danger is involved if you fall out of the raft.  (Yes in most cases your raft can flip and do flip in these higher classes of whitewater)
Watauga River is a Class I & II whitewater river, low risk, great for all the family.

Contact Watauga Kayak today to plan an adventure!

Thanks to Seattle River Rafting for tips on rafting trips