| A whitewater rafting adventure, have you ever | | | | guaranteed to get soaked either way. |
| thought about jumping in with both feet? The | | | | Tip 5. What to take? Take a set of dry clothes |
| beginner can have just as much fun and | | | | and flip-flops to change into after your white |
| excitement as the seasoned expert. The following | | | | water rafting run. Be sure to take a towel for |
| 7 tips will help get you safely prepared to take | | | | each person. A waterproof disposable camera |
| the ride of your life. | | | | that can clip onto your shorts is a nice extra. |
| Tip 1. Make Reservations. There are | | | | Most rafting companies will have a photographer |
| whitewater-rafting sites that will take walk-ins but | | | | take pictures at some point on your run. These |
| it is best to make a reservation, especially during | | | | photos will be for sale when you return (Hey, |
| peak season. Decide what river you would like to | | | | they gotta make money somehow). The pictures |
| experience then go online and search the available | | | | come out pretty nice. Ask ahead of time if you |
| Whitewater Rafting companies. I know firsthand | | | | don't want to fool around with your own |
| that the rafting outfits near Blue Ridge, TN do a | | | | waterproof camera. |
| great job meandering down the Ocoee River. I | | | | Tip 6. What not to take? Do not take valuable |
| highly recommend Ocoee Rafting, LLC which is | | | | items. Do not take sunglasses and if you really |
| located about 2 ½ hours north of Atlanta. | | | | don't need your eyeglasses to make the run, |
| Tip 2. Allow some extra time. If you are not | | | | leave them in your car or bring a head strap or |
| familiar with the area you may want to allow | | | | buy a set of goggles that go over your glasses. If |
| some extra time before your appointed trip time. | | | | you sit at the front of the raft your glasses will |
| Make sure to get good directions before you | | | | get so wet that it is hard to see out of them. Do |
| leave home. We ended up at the wrong rafting | | | | not wear your best sneakers. Lastly, leave your |
| company but had plenty of time to correct the | | | | car keys at the whitewater rafting office. |
| error and arrive at the right location with time to | | | | Tip 7. Who should go? Anyone seeking something |
| spare. FYI: Be sure to take your reservation | | | | to do that is just a little out of the ordinary should |
| number and info with you. | | | | definitely check it out. Children have to be at least |
| Tip 3. Eat a light meal. With all of the waiting, | | | | 12 years old with most whitewater rafting |
| preparation, mini-safety lessons and actual run | | | | companies. Those under 18 need their parents |
| down the river expect to be gone anywhere | | | | signed permission. Everyone in the raft needs to |
| from 4 to 6 hours for a half day trip. Eat a small | | | | sign a liability waiver. If you are in reasonably good |
| meal right before you go, normally food and drink | | | | health then I say go, go, go. You will have the ride |
| are not allowed on the raft. | | | | of your life and good memories to share with |
| Tip 4. What to wear? Everyone in the raft will get | | | | your family. |
| wet! With that said make sure you wear clothing | | | | If you enjoy the ride with your guide, be sure to |
| that dries quickly. For example: a bathing suit | | | | thank them and leave a good tip when you return |
| under surfing shorts for ladies, swim trunks and a | | | | to the white water rafting center. |
| t-shirt for men. For your feet water shoes work | | | | Remember to laugh, listen to your guide, have fun |
| the best, no flip-flops in the raft. The rafting | | | | with it, enjoy your whitewater rafting trip and |
| company will provide life jackets, helmets and an | | | | above all take in the magnificent view. |
| oar. River trips run rain or shine and you are | | | | |
