Common Whitewater Mistakes
As much as we all want to believe that we’re perfect, the truth is that we all make mistakes. However, we can minimize the frequency by taking a few simple steps to ensure that some of the most common errors committed by rafters are avoided. It may seem like a lot of common sense, but it’s always worth having a little reminder (especially with all the winter cobwebs setting in 😉 )
Keep reading for some of the most common problems encountered by whitewater rafters – and their solutions.
- Wearing the wrong clothes. Not only for comfort, but also for your safety. This means that you should only wear items that can get wet and should definitely leave behind the jeans. If the sun is shining, make sure to bring sunglasses and/or a hat. If you’re unsure, check out our guide for what to wear when whitewater rafting.
- Getting dehydrated. It may seem a little funny to be worried about forgetting about water when you’re surrounded by it, but the truth is that the more time you spend on the raft, the more essential it is that you get enough to drink. Try to get into a habit of drinking a little water every time you’re on a quiet stretch of water (don’t forget to remind your friends too!).
- Misuse of sunscreen. Don’t put it on right before you get on the raft and definitely don’t put it above your eyes. Instead, make sure to apply your sunscreen (we prefer the waterproof aerosol kind, like this, but it’s up to you) somewhere shady at least 15 minutes prior to your trip. As for your face? If you put sunscreen on your forehead, you risk it running into your eyes when you sweat and the water is on your face. A solution? Wear a hat that covers up the space where the sunscreen would have gone.
- Overconfidence. Always listen to your guide. When you’re out on the water it’s easy to get lost in the excitement and want to chase after it without a care. However, it’s important to respect the water, remember that it is bigger than you – and that you should treat it as such.
These are some of the most common mistakes that you’ll find whitewater rafters making, but luckily they are all things that are easily avoidable with a little care. Do you have another common mistake that you’ve encountered on your whitewater rafting trips? Share it with us in the comments!
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