White water rafting is an exciting adventure, but the outdoor adventure apparel you wear can significantly impact the experience. New & Gauley Adventures in West Virginia wants to help you have the time of your life, and that starts with the right rafting attire for your journey down the rivers.
Importance of Proper Attire for Safety and Comfort
Choosing proper rafting clothing can help you have a successful, pleasurable trip. Your attire, accessories, and footwear also impact your safety. We want our clients to return home from their river rafting journey safe and happily exhausted after their time on the river.
Essential Clothing Items for Warm Months
Your first layer of rafting clothing should be a bathing suit for white water rafting during the warm months. Pants or shorts and tank tops or T-shirts are great summer rafting attire, but avoid wearing cotton. It may feel heavy, soggy, and uncomfortable when it gets wet. Instead, opt for quick-drying base layers.
Water shoes with excellent traction and secure straps are one of the best pairs of warm-weather footwear you can sport. Don’t wear flip-flops.
Essential Clothing Items for Cold Months
Once again, skip cotton and opt for quick-drying clothes. Layer on waterproof clothing, including pants and a jacket. Rather than sporting a bathing suit that provides a minimal base layer, think about wearing a dry suit that offers full coverage and warmth. Swap your summer sandals for sneakers with superior traction.
Packing Tips
You should bring several accessories for white water rafting. Whether it’s cold or warm outside, bring sunscreen to continuously reapply, a hat, and sunglasses. If you wear socks and sneakers, bring an extra pair of each to change into after rafting.
Additional Gear Recommendations
- Rafting PFDs (personal flotation devices): Ensure your safety with a properly fitted PFD which are provided by outfitter.
- Rafting helmets: Protect your head with a comfortable, secure helmet also provided by outfitter.
- Wetsuits: Depending on the season, these can be rented which provide warmth when needed on cool water conditions.
- What to wear on a rafting trip: Consult our guides for tailored rafting outfit recommendations depending on the river conditions and season.
- River-ready clothing: Choose attire that is durable and suitable for the river environment.
- Water adventure wear: Opt for clothing that enhances your comfort and safety on the water.
For more information about rafting outfit recommendations, contact New & Gauley River Adventures in West Virginia. Check out our available trips on our website and book your experience today.
