What to Wear Whitewater Rafting

Dress for the water, not the parking lot. The outfitter brings the boat, paddle, life jacket, and usually a helmet on real whitewater. You bring clothes that can get wet and stay on your body.

Quick Facts

• Closed-toe shoes that will not slip off
• Quick-dry fabric — not cotton
• They often provide splash jacket or wetsuit when the water is cold
• Leave jewelry and unprotected phones in the car
• Confirm water temperature on their site, not the forecast high

What Shoes Should You Wear?

Shoes are the piece first-timers get wrong most often.

Recommended:

• Old sneakers
• Strap-on water shoes
• Closed-toe sandals with a heel strap

Avoid:

• Flip-flops
• Slides
• Crocs and other foam clogs
• Heels
• Loose boots

If you can walk a wet ramp in them, they are usually the right pair.

Can I Wear Crocs Whitewater Rafting?

Typically no.

Many outfitters discourage or prohibit Crocs because they can come off in moving water. Check the operator’s footwear requirements before arrival. Bring old sneakers or strap-on water shoes.

Warm Weather

• Quick-dry shirt
• Swimsuit or synthetic shorts
• Water shoes
• Sunglasses with a strap
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

Cool Weather

• Synthetic base layers
• Fleece or wool
• Splash jacket
• Wetsuit if they recommend or issue one

Cotton stays cold once it is wet. Skip it.

Can I Wear Jeans?

Technically yes, but most outfitters discourage it. Denim becomes heavy and uncomfortable when wet. Quick-dry shorts or pants are the better call.

What to Bring

Water bottle, towel, dry clothes for the lot, bag for wet gear, meds if you need them (tell the guide).

What Not to Bring

• Keys on a lanyard around your neck
• Phones in pockets
• Loose hats
• Jewelry
• Anything you would hate to watch float away

Beginner Mistakes

• Brand-new white sneakers
• A cotton hoodie “for the morning”
• Phone in a shorts pocket
• Showing up in Crocs

FAQ

Can I wear Crocs rafting? Typically no. Many outfitters discourage or prohibit them because they come off in moving water. Check that site before you arrive.

Can I wear jeans? Technically yes, but most outfitters discourage denim. It gets heavy and stays cold when wet. Wear quick-dry shorts or pants.

Will I get wet? Yes.

Do they provide shoes? Usually no.

What if it rains? Many trips still run. Lightning and high dirty water cancel.

Ready to Find an Outfitter?

Search whitewater rafting near your ZIP. Start at Water.

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