If you’ve never gone whitewater rafting before, you might be intimidated by all the gear: the helmet, the life vest, the paddle and the raft. But you’re probably also concerned about what to wear rafting underneath all of that gear.
Here’s a quick ‘what to wear’ guide for your first whitewater rafting trip.
Most important, wear something you won’t mind getting soaked.
The rapids on the Pigeon River are the real deal, and you’re definitely gonna get wet. We recommend bathing suits or shorts — anything made of loose, woven materials (micro fleece, wool, polyester, etc.) that’ll dry quickly.
In general, whatever clothes you work out in will do the job just fine.
For shoes, wear either sandals (the kind that strap around the ankle) or an old pair of tennis shoes.
That old pair you cut grass in should do the trick. Crocs now offer a Swiftwater collection that is more suited for whitewater rafting than their original styles, if you are looking for something stylish.
It also might seem tempting to go barefoot, but for safety reasons it’s best to wear something. (Read more about whitewater rafting safety here.)
Be sure to check the weather before your trip. It’s now mid-May, so we don’t anticipate any particularly cold days, but if it’s raining or unusually windy, you’ll want to dress appropriately.
You might also want to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and towels / a change of clothes for the car.
We have a changing rooms so you can get suited up once you arrive! And if you leave something behind, we’ve got you covered at our gift shop.
Sound simple enough? Pick out your outfit and come see us in Hartford, TN, just on the edge of the Smoky Mountains National Park. Make your reservation here, or call 866-333-RAFT. We hope to see you soon!
