The temperature outdoors soars and makes everyone cranky, lethargic and uncomfortable. Meanwhile amid a lush green forested area a river with sparkling, refreshing white water stretching for miles, awaits the heat oppressed. It’s time to set off for a cooling white water rafting excursion this summer.

How Does White Water River Rafting Beat the Heat?

White water river rafting, in addition to be fun for everyone, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in cool comfort and the challenge of river rafting. There’s no worry about safety. White water river rafting is safe for beginners and children from age four and up.

Most white water river rafting outfitters have specially designed packages that meet everyone’s needs. It’s a great way for scouting group and white water river rafting teams to expand rafting skills, while cooling off. Couples especially love the gentle breezes while white water river rafting in the moonlight.

How to Choose the Right White Water River Rafting Adventure

White water river rafting is always an exciting, fun filled adventure for adults and children. To choose the right white water river rafting adventure, begin with the location. From Maine to California, there is a white water river raft adventure waiting to beat the heat this summer.

Whether river rafting skills are at beginner, intermediate or advanced level, look for diverse choices. Some outfitters offer lessons and also provide a full compliment of accommodations.

How White Water River Rafting Beats The Heat This Summer

Additional Features to Enjoy

If one day’s white water river rafting is not enough, choose an outfitter that offers rooms and dining. Families may want to consider an outfitter that also offers additional activities like paintball games, camping, hiking and biking.

What You Need for a White Water River Rafting Adventure

The first thing to do is be prepared for your white water river rafting adventure. When you set out, the sunshine may be perfect. However, you should also prepare for a sudden rain storm or drops in temperature at certain points in the summer. The items to bring on a white water river rafting adventure include:

  • Fast drying fabrics for shorts or bathing suits
  • Study shoes or summer sandals with straps
  • Sunglasses with straps to protect the eyes
  • An additional shirt of synthetic fabric
  • A thin hat for sunny weather and a snug hat for rainy, cool weather

Avoid cotton fabrics for pants, shirts and socks. Cotton is uncomfortable when wet. Some outfitters offer wet suit rentals. Be sure to bring a change of dry clothing for after when the adventure is finished. Snacks are permissible to bring into the raft. Check with the outfitter as to whether they offer snacks.

This is optional. Bring a bottle of water for longer rafting adventures. It may be helpful to choose bottled water with attached carabiner. Don’t forget to bring a plastic or waterproof bag to store wet clothing and sun screen.

Some rafters prefer wide brimmed hats for full sun to protect their eyes and skin. Choose a wide brimmed hat with an attached chin cord. Also, check whether the synthetic fabrics for clothing meet SPF 50 plus or UPF 50 plus. This type of fabric blocks up to 98% of the sun’s UV rays.

There’s no doubt a day of white water river rafting beats summer heat with the cool rush of river water and gentle spray as you row down the river.

This article, Colorado’s top vacation destinations this summer, was written by Ryan Thomas for Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting. Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting has guided thousands of whitewater rafting trips on Clear Creek and throughout Colorado.