River Rafting Near Me?

Here at OTL, we know about shows, events, and other things to do. But, outdoor activities? Not so much. So, we consulted an adventure-seeking expert to put together this guide to “river rafting near me.” You go all-in with friends or keep it tame and float along with your family.

However you decide to pursue it, you’ll be making some memories – and that’s what life’s about, isn’t it?

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

You know that old nursery rhyme “row, row, row your boat?” They were onto something when they said it made life like a dream. There’s nothing quite like floating down a river in a raft to make all of your troubles seem to melt away. The current gently pushing you along; the wind whispering across the banks; the sound of birds chirping. River rafting truly does make life a dream!

Getting into river rafting can be a bit intimidating, especially if you’ve never gone and are unsure of where to go. Places like Eagle, Colorado, Missoula, Montana, and Oak Hill, West Virginia, are some of the best for finding excellent rivers (as well as river outfitters) to help you begin your journey of getting started with river rafting!

But just getting to these places may not answer all of your questions about getting on the river. That’s why we put together this quick guide to help you get started with river rafting this summer. Let’s get started!

Get Me Started With River Rafting Near Me

The best thing you can do to get started is to find a local outfitter to chat up. These companies should offer guided trips down the river you plan to tackle. They’ll be able to tell you what to expect when getting on the river, what sections to avoid, and even tell you what sort of gear to bring.

Consider booking a trip with the outfitter before you attempt to float the river yourself to get a sense of where to paddle based on how an experienced guide navigates the river you’d like to float.

How Do I Find the Best River Rafting Spots in My Area?

The best thing that you can do to find the best river rafting spots in your area (aside from finding a local outfitter, of course) is to Google the phrase “river rafting near_______” and put the city that you’ll be visiting.

As mentioned in the intro, some of the best places to go rafting are in western states like Colorado and Montana and eastern states like West Virginia. Generally speaking, areas with access to mountains are some of the bes.

What Do I Need?

Some of the primary things that you need to go river rafting include:

• A comfortable swimsuit
• Sandals with backstraps (like Chacos) or water shoes
• A personal flotation device (PFD/life jacket)
• Helmet
• Wetsuit

Most outfitters will set you up with a PFD, helmet, and wetsuit when you book a trip with them. But if you’d like to avoid wearing something that someone else has already worn, you’re usually welcome to bring your own.

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River Rafting Resources – US

We’ve put together some handy river rafting resources including tours and supplies to get the ball rolling for you. If you’re looking for London information, keep scrolling as we have those below.

Did we leave your river rafting service off the list? Send us the info and we’ll be sure to add it.

London Resources

There aren’t any rolling rapids running next to your favorite pub. But there are some kayaking and rafting services nonetheless.

Did we leave your river rafting service off the list? Send us the info and we’ll be sure to add it.

Final Thoughts

Floating down the river in a raft is one of the best ways to pass the time. Being outside while being pushed along by the current renews and invigorates in ways hardly found off the river.

Now that you have a good idea of getting started river rafting near you, it’s time to get your gear, book a trip, and go floating merrily down the stream yourself!

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