First Time Rafting? Everything You Need to Know
First Time Rafting? Everything You Need to Know
If you've never been whitewater rafting before, congratulations: you're about to have one of the most thrilling experiences of your life. Here's everything you need to know before you hit the Arkansas River.
Choosing Your First Trip
For first-time rafters, we recommend our Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip (Class II-III, ages 6+, $139/person). It is exciting enough to get your adrenaline pumping but manageable enough that no prior experience is needed. Kids as young as 6 can ride.
When you are comfortable with Class II-III, the Royal Gorge trip (Class III-V, ages 15+, $149/person) takes you 9 miles through the canyon directly beneath the Royal Gorge Bridge. For the ultimate Arkansas River day, the All Day Rafting trip (Class II-V, ages 15+, $249/person) combines both sections with a riverside lunch.
What to Expect on the River
Your adventure starts at our base camp with a comprehensive safety orientation. Your guide will teach you:
- How to paddle as a team (forward, back, and stop commands)
- What to do if you fall out of the raft
- How your life jacket works and why it keeps you safe
- River signals your guide will use on the water
Once on the river, your guide controls the raft's direction while your team provides the power. Expect to get wet: that's half the fun!
What to Bring
- Swimsuit or quick-dry clothing (no cotton, it gets cold when wet)
- Secure footwear (water shoes, sport sandals with heel straps, or old sneakers)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ applied before you arrive)
- Sunglasses with a strap (Croakies or similar)
- Change of dry clothes and a towel for after
We provide all the gear you need: raft, paddle, PFD (life jacket), helmet, and wetsuit/splash jacket when conditions warrant.
Safety First
Royal Gorge Rafting has been running trips since 2004 with an impeccable safety record. All of our guides are certified by the State of Colorado and hold Wilderness First Responder certifications. Your safety is always our top priority.
Book Your First Trip
Ready to take the plunge? Book your first rafting trip today and discover why over 11,000 guests have given us five-star reviews.
Ready to Hit the River?
Book your adventure today or call us for personalized trip recommendations.