Western River Expeditions' Ten Top Tips For First-Time Whitewater Rafting

SALT LAKE CITY - May 29, 2025 - PRLog -- Remember the first time you conquered a bike or snowboard? It wasn't about what you were wearing or how fashionable your equipment was. The rush was all about moving outside of one's comfort zone.

The same concept applies to meeting and embracing the adrenaline rush that comes with whitewater rafting for the very first time.

"It's all about the moment, not the accoutrements," says Quinn Hall, a guide for Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) since the early 2000s. "Traveling lightly helps you focus on the here and now."

Following, in Hall's words are, "The Top 10 Tips for the First-Time Whitewater Rafter" from his blog post: https://www.westernriver.com/blogs/stories/10-tips-first-time-whitewater-rafter.

1. Don't overpack. Everyone overpacks. Offload that fourth pair of jeans or extra pair of sneakers. Leave the excess at home.

2. Unplug. There's no room for extraneous electronics. Cell phones won't work. Consider  banning electronics for kids while on the trip. Bring a book, but don't feel guilty if you don't finish it.

3. Bring a camera and use it. Bring spare batteries and memory.  Focus on the scenery and the people in camp. Remember the rapids while holding on and staying inside the raft.

4. Bring a journal. The remote wilderness of a rafting trip is a superb place to reconnect with reflections and feelings that go unnoticed in everyday life.

5. Ditch the fancy duds. Know what guides wear? Thrift store dress shirts with long sleeves and a collar to fight off summer sun; they're cotton, so they stay wet and cool. They also cost about $4.

6. Skip the tent. You sleep better in the open. The night sky in the Canyon is bigger and better than what you've ever experienced before. Don't block it out by setting up a tent for no reason.

7. Be prepared to lose anything you bring. Losing a camera is expensive, but heirloom jewelry or sentimental items are irreplaceable. Leave them at home.

8. Listen to your guide, seriously. We tell you to drink water and wear sunscreen. Do both. If we tell you not to jump off something, don't.

9. You still overpacked. Those last few things you can't decide on? The third headlamp? The items in your bag you probably won't need, but maybe you will? You don't.

10. Relax. Really, seriously, honestly… relax. We're going to hike a little, run some fun rapids, and take in unforgettable scenery. Take a nap in the sand if you like.

For a  2025 catalog, questions, availability, and reservations, call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

Media Contact:
Dave Wiggins | 720-301-3822 | dave@travelnewssource.com