Whitewater rafting trips are always a great time, but it’s important to know how to avoid injury when possible. Along with every adventure sport, there are injuries that can come along with it. However, you can easily avoid them with the proper precautionary measures.
At Teton Whitewater, we have an excellent group of river guides that are committed to safety and getting you everything you need to remain uninjured. Plus our safety record ensures you’re in good hands. As long as you have a trained, committed guide, and you come prepared, you’ll be able to avoid injuries on your rafting trip.
In this blog, we discuss the top injuries that could occur during a rafting trip and how you can avoid them. Because even though whitewater rafting has many benefits, it would be terrible to encounter some of the drawbacks that could occur. Plus you don’t want to ruin your entire trip due to small injuries.
Avoid Injury While Rafting
Foot Injuries
The most common injury that occurs during a whitewater rafting trip are foot injuries. However, these can be easily prevented just by wearing proper water shoes. The right shoes will protect you against stubbed toes and sunburns, which tend to occur easily while out on the water. It’s best to break in your footwear before the trip to ensure they’re comfortable and properly fit. This will also help to avoid the discomfort of rubbing.
Sunburns
Sunburns happen to all of us — they’re also one of the largest annoyances when out on the river. That’s why it’s best to lather up with water-resistant sunscreen before heading out. You can also pack some to take with you on the raft if you’re planning on an all day trip. To further avoid sunburns, it’s smart to wear a long sleeved shirt and hat.
Blisters
A blister is a small burden that can easily put a damper on your trip. Blisters are prone to building up on your thumbs and the pads of your skin where you rub against the paddle. The best way to avoid blisters is by wearing proper-fitting gloves or even athletic tape. This will help to keep your hands warm and dry. Another way to prevent blisters is actually through nourishment. By eating fruits and vegetables that contain Vitamin A, B5, and C (found in apples, carrots, and cauliflower) you can speed up the healing process of your skin and reduce infection.
Rock Collisions
Many injuries on rafting trips are due to smashing or banging into rocks. Running into rocks can happen when the raft hits up against boulders or people run into them while in the raft. The best way to avoid this is to follow instructions given by your guide and be conscious of your surroundings. You’ll also want to watch for swinging paddles. You wouldn’t want to end up with a bloody nose due to a paddle on the loose.
Other Injuries
In order to avoid other injuries, just look to your guide for guidance — seems silly right? But it’s true. Don’t be afraid to look to your guide for help with anything during your rafting adventure. A properly trained guide is ready to assist you along the way and ensure your trip is a remarkable and memorable one. The last thing they want is for you to have a miserable time due to injuries.
Contact Teton Whitewater today and get started on your next Jackson Hole whitewater rafting adventure! We’ll make sure you avoid injury while venturing down the river.
