Spending just a few minutes a day in the great outdoors can boost your immune system, improve the health of your bones and blood cells, and relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
More time spent outside only increases the benefits. And action-packed hobby like Whitewater rafting is one of the best ways to do so.
If you’re planning for your first whitewater rafting adventure, then Goma Adventures is here to help you get off on the right foot!
Listed below is a whitewater rafting packing guide to help you once you’re in the boat.
Keep reading to learn more!
Gears Provided by Goma Adventures
- Personal Floatation Device (PFD) or Life Jacket
- Large Waterproof Camp Bag (Mostly Common)
- Small Waterproof Day Bag (Mostly Common)
- Full Course Meals
- Welcome Drinks
Day bag (10” diameter × 22” high) is for items you’ll need during the day. Camp bag (16” diameter × 28” high) is for sleeping gear & clothing. When properly sealed, bags are usually waterproof. If you have concerns, test your bags.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
- Swimming Suits
- Shirt(s): short-sleeved, cotton, i.e. T-shirts
- Shirt(s): long-sleeved, quick dry for sun protection
- Shorts: quick drying
- Long Pants: quick-dry for sun protection, warm/comfy for night time
- Shoes: one pair to keep dry form camp/hiking (i.e., durable sneakers or light-weight hiking boots); one pair to get wet while rafting (i.e., closed-toed water shoes or sandals/sneakers that will stay on your feet if you are swimming)
- Hat: for sun protection, with strap
- Sunglasses: with retaining strap
- Socks: cotton and/or synthetic or wool
- Underwear
- Comb or Hairbrush
- Tampons/Ziploc Bags: 1 bag per day
- Washcloth
- Travel Towel: quick-drying
- Medications: aspirin/ibuprofen/acetaminophen and/or personal prescriptions
- Warm Jacket: fleece-lined or insulated with wind/rain resistant shell
- SUNSCREEN: SPF 15 or higher (Pro tip! If you bring spray sunscreen, please be considerate of your fellow passengers and guides and do not spray it where others can breathe it in.)
- Chapstick: with sunscreen
- Hand Lotion: non-fragrant
- Biodegradable Soap
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Tissues: small travel pack
- STUFF SACK: to organize inside of large dry bag or keep wet/dry clothes separated (i.e., pillow case or plastic bags)
- INSECT REPELLENT: DEET works best (Pro tip! Bring lightweight, long-sleeved pants and shirts and spray the repellent on the clothing instead of your skin. Sarongs are also great for keeping bugs off your head and shoulders.)
- FLASHLIGHT or HEADLAMP WITH RED LIGHT SETTING: small with extra batteries (Pro tip! Our eyes are remarkably adapted to see in the dark, but white LED lights wreck that night vision and make it harder for you and everyone else to see the stars. Red lights preserve night vision and attract fewer bugs.)
Optional Items
- SARONG (Pro tip! Sarongs are good for EVERYTHING! Get them wet and they’ll keep you cool. They make great personal shade devices for hikes and sitting on rafts, and are good for extra bug protection. Wrap them around your waist for a discreet personal changing room. Use them as a towel. Lie on them on the sand. The list goes on!)
- WARM LAYERS: long underwear tops and bottoms (wool or synthetic), especially for early- or late-season trips
- FISHING GEAR: compact and well protected (i.e., rods packed in a case)
- CAMERA (at your own risk): extra memory cards, batteries, and waterproof case
- BINOCULARS (at your own risk)
- GROUND CLOTH for sleeping under the stars
- EXTRA BEVERAGES (no glass please): liquor, boxed wine, canned beer, specialty pop, juice, etc. Labeling individual cans makes it easy for us to find your drinks after we pack them in our coolers.
- HYDRATION PACK, DAY PACK, or FANNY PACK: for hiking
- EXTRA SNACKS: for small children and people with dietary concerns or health issues such as diabetes
- RIVER MAP: to see where you’re going.
Accessories to Bring in the Raft
- Chapstick
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Biodegradable soap
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- A river map
Enjoy Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure
If you want to have a blast while enjoying the great outdoors and getting a nice shot of adrenaline all at the same time, look no further than whitewater rafting. Getting outside is also one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health.
So what are you waiting for? Explore “whitewater rafting trips” and start planning your adventure today!
