Whitewater rafting is a fun and exciting way to have an outdoor adventure of a lifetime. No matter what your skill or fitness level, there are whitewater rafting adventures to suit your needs. If you are planning a rafting trip, this article should help you get started and provide you with good questions to ask the outfitter.

First, you should evaluate the skill and fitness level of everyone in your group. Whitewater rafting can be strenuous and large rapids can be daunting. You should not put any of the members of your group in a situation that is uncomfortable to them. Don’t sign up for a Class V adventure unless everyone in your group is in agreement. Remember there are six classes of whitewater that range from “family class” to “adventure class” with Class I being clear wide channels and no obstructions and Class VI being only for the truly crazy.

Once you have decided on a whitewater outfitter, you need to consider what to take along on the trip. Most outfitters will provide waterproof bags for personal items, but you should not take along anything that is fragile or can’t take moisture. Leave the digital camera at home and buy a cheap waterproof disposable one. Also, dress comfortably in clothes that will dry quickly and allow good movement.

Depending on the length of the trip and the services provided by the whitewater outfitter, the cost of your adventure will vary. Some outfitters provide discounts for large groups that book together. You can book just a rafting trip for around $100 that included pickup and return transportation back to your vehicle. If you are looking for a package that includes food and lodging you should expect to pay around $250. These packages will normally include transportation to and from the whitewater outfitters meeting point.