4 Tips To Whitewater Rafting On Rivers

So you have decided to go on a whitewater rafting trip. You’re not alone. In fact, whitewater rafting is one of the items on the bucket list of millions of people all over the world. It is not only for the extreme outdoorsman but also for those with very little outdoor experience who wish to ride along the world’s greatest rivers on a whitewater rafting trip. If you are in the United States, you’re lucky as there are plenty or options  from West to East.

Before You Pick Up That Phone And Call A Whitewater Rafting Outfitter, Read The Following Tips First To Make Your Whitewater Adventure Truly Memorable:

Learn the Different Classes of Whitewater Rivers

The very first thing you have to do is to acquaint yourself with the different classes of whitewater river systems. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be concerned about your experience level if rafting on a commercial Grand Canyon trip as the expert guides are navigating the rapids. Additionally the Colorado River in Grand Canyon is a 1-10 rating scale as opposed to 1 – IV on all other rivers. Calm water with very negligible to zero obstacles is often rated as Class I. As you go up the scale, the water obstacles grow significantly greater which can include sheer vertical drops, several meter-high whitewater waves, boulders the size of a house, and whirlpools, among others. Class IV and V are only for the experienced professionals and extreme athletes. Class VI rapids and whitewater river systems are off-limits even to the world’s best extreme athletes. If you’re just beginning, make sure to try whitewater rafting in Class II or III rapids first.

Always Wear the Correct Apparel and Gear

Make sure to wear the appropriate apparel and gear. As much as possible don’t wear cotton fabric apparel when you go in the river, keep this material for evaporative cooling when on a hot hike. While on river and although a swimsuit might be good for the beach, it usually is a good idea to have good rain gear protecting you from the cold river water temperature. Additionally, make sure you wear non-slip shoes and that your life jacket is on tight!

Always Listen to Your River Guide

Whitewater outfitters always put the safety of whitewater rafters above all else. As such, you always want to listen to your river guide because they have a wealth of knowledge they can share. They know the terrain including wildlife around the whitewater river system. They know the dangerous and highly hazardous areas and as such will advise you on what and what not to do. And if you do choose the Grand Canyon for your whitewater rafting adventures, you can count on Advantage Grand Canyon to hook you up with the commercial outfitter best suited for your needs.

Always Observe Basic Safety Rules

Whitewater rafting river guides will explain the rules of the river both on and off the raft and it is your responsibility to practice good reasoning while on a Colorado river trip. Make sure that your life vest is synched tightly around you at all times when on the raft and that you listed to their guidance at all times. Make sure to also disclose any medical conditions or dietary restrictions prior to starting your whitewater raft adventure. Call us today to book your trip now.

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Adding A Whitewater Rafting Adventure To Your Las Vegas Vacation

Las Vegas can be a perfect starting point for a one-day whitewater rafting adventure in the Grand Canyon segment of the mighty Colorado River. Here, you have a choice of exploring the Canyon’s southern or northern rim as well as the eastern portion of the Grand Canyon.

From your hotel in Las Vegas, you will be taken to the Grand Canyon by a van from one of the many travel and tour providers that serve the Grand Canyon area. Your first stopover will be at Kingman in Arizona where you will have a hearty breakfast. On your way to Kingman, you will be passing by the marvelous and truly breathtaking engineering wonder Hoover Dam. From Kingman, you take Route 66 towards Peach Springs, right in the heart of the Hualapai Indian settlement. From Peach Springs, you will then take your descent via Diamond Creek Road to reach the bottom of the Canyon.

This Is Where A Whitewater Rafting Adventure Starts

Upon reaching the bank of the Colorado River, you will be met by your whitewater river guide. He will provide a few quick tips on maintaining safety in the entire whitewater river rafting trip. Listen to all the instructions so you will know what to do. Your life literally depends on it.

You will then board a motorized whitewater river raft to cover greater lengths of the Colorado River. This portion of the Colorado is home to Class II and Class III whitewater. This means that there will be some portions of rough cruising. There will be considerable drops of a few feet which should be perfect for introducing you to the world of whitewater river rafting. If you have a child with you, do take note that he needs to be at least 8 years old in order to be allowed to board the craft.
After enjoying the thrill and excitement of shooting some of the moderately categorized rapids, you will be taking a break. Depending on where you stopped, you can take in more of the breathtaking scenery of the Grand Canyon. You can try venturing into some of its travertine waterfalls or even hidden caves and refreshing springs. After the break, you will resume your river journey.

Upon reaching Quartermaster Canyon, your river journey ends. You will be airlifted via helicopter towards Grand Canyon West. The helicopter ride gives you one fantastic bird’s eye view of the majestic nature of the Grand Canyon. From there, you will then be transported back to your hotel in Las Vegas using the tour facility’s vehicle.

So, if you are planning to go to Las Vegas for whitewater rafting adventure several days of absolute fun and entertainment, make sure to visit the Grand Canyon. If you are looking for a smooth water float trip and will be in Page, AZ, Advantage Grand Canyon can help you with this as well! You only live once so book your trip now.

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Differentiating Paddle And Motorized Rafting Trips

When you go whitewater rafting you will be given two choices for transportation along the river: You can take rafting trips that are powered either by an outboard motor or by paddles/oars on a non-motor raft which includes Oar, Dory, Paddle rafts. There is a perfect trip for everyone and while some prefer motorized rafting trips, other’s ideal trip would be a non-motor trip.

Motorized rafting trips can travel faster. Many whitewater river vacationers take a motorized rafting trips when they want to see as much of the river as possible, in a shorter amount of time, 3-8 days. For example, to navigate the entire 280-mile length of the Grand Canyon portion of the great Colorado River, all you need is 6-8 days in a motor raft trip. 

 

Some Things You Need To Know About Motorized Rafting Trips

The safest of all raft types these large vessels carry 12-14 passengers comfortably, 2 of whom will be your whitewater river guides. If you are the type of individual who prefers a sense of security while on river, then motorized rafting trips are the way to go. Many comfortable seating options  offer the perfect opportunity to meet new people and socialize during calmer waters between rapids. The motorized whitewater rafting trips are actually the most popular trip option chosen by more rafters annually over any other raft type.

Motorized rafting trips are perfect for larger groups who would like to take in as much of the scenery of the Grand Canyon as they possibly can. Since it is motorized, their focus will be on the scenery and the many frequent stops along the way rather then navigating rapids or paddling the raft. Perfect for families who want an exciting adventure, less then 8 days in length. Keep in mind that if you have a child, there is a minimum age requirement of 8 years for these trips.

Paddle-powered rafting trips are for those who would like to really experience navigating through some of the river’s roughest waters. Paddle-powered rafts are much smaller than motorized rafts and as such can hold only up to six to eight individuals at a time, including the river guide. This makes for a perfect test of your physical strength and mental alertness as you have to work with the rest of the team to safely navigate your craft through rough waters. Your guide directs you, so no previous rafting in necessary however outfitters recommend only those physically capable of paddling for multiple days in a row, to opt for a paddle raft trip.  Other non-motor options include Oar or Dory trips as well as Hybrid raft trips which is a combination of Oar rafts (rowed by the guide) and a Paddle raft to be used on rotation among passengers. This way you can take a break in a Oar raft and not be committed to paddling every day of your trip. 

The fact that non-motor powered rafting trips cruise at the speed of the river (3-4 mph) is why they take twice as long as a motor raft trip (8-9 mph). The minimum age for non-motor trips is 12 for some options and up to 16 for others.

 

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How To Have the Best Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure Ever

When it comes to whitewater rafting adventures, nothing can come close to the fame and world-renowned reputation of the Grand Canyon. Sure, there are other whitewater river systems in the world, some offering vertical drops higher and obstacles much more dangerous than those in the Grand Canyon, but with its beautiful landscape crafted by Mother Nature herself, shooting the rapids of the Grand Canyon while immersing yourself in the beauty of the environment, eating deliciously prepare meals is simply the best adventure rafting you will ever have.

Here’s How You Can Ensure A Great Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure

Plan Well Ahead of Time

Know that there are limits to the number river permits granted to the outfitters as well as how many launches per day are allowed on the river so a great source to learn about trip availability is us here at Advantage Grand Canyon. We know all of the Grand Canyon whitewater rafting outfitters’ schedules and itineraries and can provide you with real time availability at no cost to you. Suffice it to say, you need to plan at least a month before you head out to the Grand Canyon but we often fit clients in on last minute trips.

Consider Your Time and Financial Resources

Although this is a bucket list type of trip and ideally one should never bound their dreams based on a price tag, the reality is that these trips are not inexpensive and planning in advance, setting up a budget is recommended. You can choose shorter trips like a 3 to 4-day raft adventures on either the Upper Canyon for the most inexpensive options but do note that these trips require a strenuous 9.5 mile hike ascending the bright angel trail at trip’s end.  This should also address your concern for time especially if you can only squeeze a week or two off your busy schedule to have the best adventure in your life. Of course, on the longer end there are 12-18 day trips available as well.

Choose Your Rafting Trip

You can choose the much shorter yet equally exciting adventure rafting trips for 3 to 5 days and more commonly booked trip of 6 to 9 days exploring the Upper Canyon or the Lower Canyon sections. For the ultimate adventure rafting in the Grand Canyon you have the option to choose a 12 to 18-day trip that covers between 188 to 280-miles. 

Ensuring the best Grand Canyon rafting adventure starts with planning your trip in relation to your resources. Simply ask us here at Advantage Grand Canyon to plan for you the best adventure rafting trip of your lifetime!

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The Grand Canyon National Park App

Here’s A Great App For The Grand Canyon National Park

Advantage Grand Canyon has all the answers when it comes to your visit to the Grand Canyon. How long should I stay? Which raft should I go for? Which route should I take? An expert can answer all of these questions for you. While our site is rich with information about the Grand Canyon, it wouldn’t hurt to have extra a little more info about what you can expect within and the surrounding area.

If you’re a smartphone user, there’s a Grand Canyon National Park app that gives you a good idea of what the Grand Canyon for tourists is all about. First of all, the app works without data or a Wi-Fi connection so you can easily use it wherever you are. There are over 300 unique points of interest in this app, all of which having expertly-written details of each place. Perhaps the best thing about it is that it has a professionally recorded voice audio to guide people around the tour for an advanced view of the Grand Canyon before your visit. The app has over 150 images of the park, 35 hiking trails with descriptions, information on museums, picnic sites, park transportation, and cycle routes. It also has a GPS function that you can rely on when you find yourself at a loss.

Right now, there are hundreds of apps in the mobile market for outdoor pursuits. According to an infographic presented by business2community, 28% of smartphone users around the world rely on their smartgadgets when traveling, which explains the sheer number of apps that companies make for specific tourist spots, like the Grand Canyon.

For the mainstream tourist places like Las Vegas, there are even more apps for that people can use without the need of accessing the Internet due to advances in mobile tech. Gaming Realms, a software developer of recreational gaming titles, predicted in 2013 that smartphones would exceed the number of PCs owned by the consumer, and they were right. Thus, don’t be surprised to discover specialized apps for just about all of your favorite outdoor pursuits and chosen destinations. With more and more companies now willing to focus on the development of mobile apps not only for gaming but traveling as well, the industry has become a proverbial fountain of knowledge for travelers.

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The World’s Top 3 Whitewater Rafting Destinations

Whitewater rafting can offer the thrill of a lifetime for most uninitiated. For those who have already mastered the elements and can safely and confidently navigate through the different obstacles, hidden or otherwise, in the world’s best whitewater river rapid systems, the challenge is answering the question, “Where to next?”

Before you can even begin to fathom the enormity of the challenge, you should know that Class 6 rapids are generally the most dangerous and where no serious adventurer is ever allowed to shoot its waters. As such, the maximum legally allowed class of rapids that these daredevils can take on is a Class 5+.

And there are quite plenty of them. But, to start the ball rolling, here’s the world’s top 3 whitewater rafting destinations.

Sizzling Whitewater Rafting Destinations

1. The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon has more than a few hundreds of whitewater river systems that are perfect for all levels of skills. For the daredevils, nothing beats the sheer difficulty afforded by Barrel Springs. With two large and equally dangerous rapids, the Barrel Springs run is a 3-kilometer stretch of Class IV+ and Class V+ rapids that even the toughest of professional whitewater kayakers and rafters will have second thoughts conquering. With rapids named like Upper Death and Life After Death, who would not tremble in fear even before getting into gear? The Upper Death rapids have been aptly called the Kayakers’ Nightmare.

       2. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Smacked right in the international border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and sourced from the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls produces some of the world’s most thrilling Class V rapids anywhere along the length of its many gorges. Many thrill seekers have attempted to conquer Commercial Suicide, Stairway to Heaven, and Devil’s Toilet Bowl but have had mixed successes. Starting off at the foot of the 108-meter high Victoria Falls, you will be treated to some of the most spectacular views in a whitewater river rapid ecosystem.

         3. Futaleufu River, Chile

Extreme adventure sportsmen and women can only comprehend the sheer danger that awaits them once they set foot on our next whitewater rafting destination, Chile’s Futaleufu River. This 14-mile stretch of whitewater river rapids is dotted with Class V rapids that only the bravest of the brave dare conquer. With names of rapids as vivid as Gates of Inferno, Wall Shot, and Perfect Storm, anyone can get the impression that one mistake might as well be your last. The level of difficulty of Futaleufu River’s rapids are legendary they are absolute experts and daredevils-only systems.

These rapids are never for beginners. Even professionals think twice before even venturing in these waters.

For those adventurous at heart, but aren’t up for a challenge quite this intense and risky, Grand Canyon rafting trips can offer you the same adrenaline filled adventure, in a safer overall experience as you are in the hands of experienced guides with years invested reading and navigating these class 5 to 10 rapids. Why Class 10? Colorado River in Grand Canyon has a 1 – 10 rating scale so consider a class 5 in Grand Canyon, a class 3 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Commercial Grand Canyon raft trips are a great option for children as young as 7 years old and we’ve even had passengers in their 80’s! Contact Advantage Grand Canyon to help sort out the details.

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Top Colorado River Whitewater Rafting Trips In 2016

If you are planning to go whitewater rafting in 2016, there is no better place to do it than on the mighty Colorado River that cuts through the magnificent Grand Canyon. With more than a thousand whitewater rapids that are spread throughout the 280 miles of the Colorado, it is simply a must to get one of the select few licensed by the National Park Service to give you 2016’s top whitewater rafting trips.

Why Colorado River Trips?

The 3 to 5 day shorter trips will continue to top the ranking for many Colorado River enthusiasts. This is just perfect for that quick getaway to America’s southwest. It combines rafting and hiking through some of Grand Canyon’s great sections such as the Upper Canyon, the Western Canyon, and the Lower Canyon. Keep in mind that upper and lower canyon trips require a strenuous 9.5 mile hike either ascending or descending the bright angel trail at start or end. Not for everyone, but a fantastic experience for those in good shape and ready for a challenge!

The Lengthy Trips

In order for you to really enjoy the scenic beauty of the Grand Canyon, opting for the full canyon trip which can be seen in 6-8 days in a motor raft or 12- or 18- day paddle raft, oar raft, dory boat, or hybrid whitewater rafting trip. Starting your journey on Lees Ferry on Lake Powell just north of Marble Canyon, you will coast through the heart of the canyon seeing both upper and lower portions including the mid-way point or Phantom ranch and Bright Angel Beach 88 miles down river. As you continue on, you’ll have  a choice (per the specific outfitter’s itinerary and logistics) to exit either via helicopter at Whitmore wash (river mile 188), Hualapai Indian land’s Diamond Creek exit and roadway (river mile 225) or Pearce Ferry on Lake Mead. 

Many whitewater river outfitters provide both non-motorized and motorized rafts for these trips and are generally considered one of the top-selling trips in the entire Grand Canyon National Park.

The Week-long Trip

Many tourists and first-time whitewater river rafters will find week-long trips particularly excellent. Any of the 6- to 9- day trips can take the entire length of the Grand Canyon section of the Colorado or just a portion of it. Either way, rafters are guaranteed to have the time of their lives. Options for this trip length include 6-7 day upper canyon or 7-9 day non-motor raft trips which also require a 9.5 mile hike via the bright angel trail, or as previously mentioned the most popular raft trip compared to all others: The Full Grand Canyon Motor Raft Trip.

There are 16 licensed outfitters serving the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. All of them have slightly different offerings, including where the trip meets, launches, takes out and returns you. Additionally, they offer different raft types and variations of rafts when compared from one outfitter to the next. Advantage Grand Canyon will not only present you with an unbiased availability report of the different itineraries, but also coordinate your booking at no cost to you.  You can contact us to present you with options, or search yourself on our trip finder which lists all trips for your review. 

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