Im going whitewater rafting for the first time this weekend, and I honestly have no prior knowledge about it. Anyone care to share your experiences?? Let me know what I should be prepared for?
The place we are going to is providing wet suits, and its a college trip so Im sure the river cant be too rough, im guessing Im not the only one going on the trip that has never been either..

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i went 2 years ago, it was fantastic, you are very low in the water so you get very wet, take a change of clothes. We were bounced about all over the place, a bit like controled chaos. At some point the instructor will try to put the boat in a position where everyone get thrown out which was fun, its also good fun going down the rapids without the boat. Dont worry you get a wet suit and flotation device, just make sure you hang on to your paddle. At the end of it a photographer will try to sell you photos of the event, its not too expensive if you have it put on disc, thats what i did and im glad i did, i got some great pics.

Just go and enjoy it.....

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One of my best friends went one time and he loved it so much that it turned him into an avid kayaker. He loves it so much that he goes about every other weekend and he ususally has to drive at least 150 to 200 miles to find a place to do it. He's ate up with it and been doing it for about 12 years now.

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I have gone three times in West Virginia and each trip was great fun. I was a little worried the first time we went. It looked like it could be very dangerous. Let me assure you, if you go with one of the regular groups that do this all the time, you have no worries. The guides are very good at feeling out what experisnce level you have and the 'confort' level needed. They really are in complete control of the raft at all times, even when it feels like everything is just going crazy. You will not be disappointed.

One thing I could mention is that these places do make money renting wet suits to everyone that goes rafting. I only did this the first time we went. I was much more confortable without the wet suit. We went during the fall drawdown when the water was a little warmer. During the spring the water is a bit cooler, so the wet suit should be based upon uyour tolreance to cold water, if you fall in that is

The trips we took were all day. They stopped on a great set of Rock Ledges at the side of the river for a packed lunch that they provided at midday.

Have a great time and don't worry. Reputable companies will take care of you.

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Ive rafted on the Zambezi river in zambia the rafting company will normally give you a little training on small rapids before you set off down river. I must admit I was a bit doubtful before we set off but really enjoyed the day dispite overturning three nimes ...ENJOY

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