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The Top Safety Tips for Your Whitewater Rafting Trip, Part One

If you’re planning a family trip to Durango this summer and you’re looking for a new way to cool off on the weekend, a whitewater rafting trip may be the perfect retreat for you. This fun and invigorating outdoor activity can be enjoyed by the whole family, regardless of everyone’s experience level. Before you hit the rapids on the Animas River, make sure you know the top safety tips for whitewater rafting. In this article, we’ll discuss some safety tips to ensure your whitewater rafting trip in Durango is safe and enjoyable.

At Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours, we’re proud to offer some of the most safe and popular rafting trips to Durango visitors and residents alike. If you’re interested in learning more about our adventure tours, contact us today!

Whitewater Rafting Tip #1: Choose A Licensed and Professional Rafting Outfitter

Unless you plan on floating down a rapid-free river, it’s probably best to hire a tour guide for your first whitewater rafting trip. Before you sign up for this fun summer activity, make sure you do your research on the licensed and professional rafting outfitters in Durango. Experienced guides will be able to answer any questions you may have, and they’ll have the knowledge and expertise to ensure your rafting trip is a safe one. Most whitewater rafting companies will also help outfit their clients with the best gear for their trip, which may include wetsuits and dry bags to store your personal belongings.

With more than 34 years of experience as one of Durango’s first rafting companies and an untarnished safety record, you can count on our rafting guides for a fun and safe adventure. Did we mention that kids raft free? Sign up for one of our rafting trips today!

Whitewater Rafting Tip #2: Always Wear A Life Jacket

Once you have chosen a reputable whitewater rafting company to schedule your trip with, it’s time to start thinking about safety measures. One of the first things you’ll want to make sure you have access to before your trip is a life jacket, even if you’re an excellent swimmer. You and your loved ones should always wear a life jacket when you are on board a boat or any other watercraft, since you never know when something unexpected might happen.

  • Your boat or watercraft could capsize or turn over if there are strong waves or currents.
  • You may be thrown from the boat or raft.
  • You may lose your balance and fall out of the watercraft.

When you sign up for one of the whitewater rafting trips at Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours, our tour guides will take the time to properly fit you and your children with life jackets before hitting the river.

Whitewater Rafting Tip #3: Unplug and Enjoy the Colorado Nature

If you’re planning your very first whitewater rafting trip, you may feel inclined to bring your cell phone, camera or camcorder with you to capture the adventure. Our tour guides recommend you leave these valuables in your car or personal locker before you start paddling. There’s a very good chance that you could accidentally drop your new iPhone 7 or camera in the river, which could put a huge damper on your trip. Instead, leave these things on dry land and enjoy all of the beauty that Durango has to offer. Listen to the wind, touch the water, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Whitewater rafting trips are a great way to reboot your brain with fresh air.

As you can see, there are several things you can do to ensure your whitewater rafting trip is successful and safe. In part two of this series, we’ll discuss four more safety tips for your rafting trip, including planning your wardrobe and proper swimming techniques.

Safe & Exciting Whitewater Rafting Trips in Durango

If you’re ready to schedule a whitewater rafting trip in Durango with your family or friends, contact the adventure tour guides at Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours today. In addition to our rafting trips, we offer 4X4 tours, jeep rentals, zip line packages, and more! We also offer a fun and educational tour of the Mesa Verde National Park where you can explore the ruins of the ancient Puebloan People on a personalized tour.

From $119

Join us on a raft trip down the San Miguel River in Telluride, CO. In the spring and early summer this snowmelt-fed river plunges from the high peaks of the San Juan Mountains. NOTE: This river flows typically during the end of May and stops at the end of June. The dates we have loaded are the dates we are running this river. If you are looking for rafting in July and August check out our Durango River Rafting page.