Tip 1. Make Reservations. There are whitewater-rafting sites that will take walk-ins but it is best to make a reservation, especially during peak season. Decide what river you would like to experience then go online and search the available Whitewater Rafting companies. I know firsthand that the rafting outfits near Blue Ridge, TN do a great job meandering down the Ocoee River. I highly recommend Ocoee Rafting, LLC at www.OcoeeRafting.com which is located about 2 ? hours north of Atlanta.



Tip 2. Allow some extra time. If you are not familiar with the area you may want to allow some extra time before your appointed trip time. Make sure to get good directions before you leave home. We ended up at the wrong rafting company but had plenty of time to correct the error and arrive at the right location with time to spare. FYI: Be sure to take your reservation number and info with you.

Tip 3. Eat a light meal. With all of the waiting, preparation, mini-safety lessons and actual run down the river expect to be gone anywhere from 4 to 6 hours for a half day trip. Eat a small meal right before you go, normally food and drink are not allowed on the raft.

Tip 4. What to wear? Everyone in the raft will get wet! With that said make sure you wear clothing that dries quickly. For example: a bathing suit under surfing shorts for ladies, swim trunks and a t-shirt for men. For your feet water shoes work the best, no flip-flops in the raft. The rafting company will provide life jackets, helmets and an oar. River trips run rain or shine and you are guaranteed to get soaked either way.

Tip 5. What to take? Take a set of dry clothes and flip-flops to change into after your white water rafting run. Be sure to take a towel for each person. A waterproof disposable camera that can clip onto your shorts is a nice extra. Most rafting companies will have a photographer take pictures at some point on your run. These photos will be for sale when you return (Hey, they gotta make money somehow). The pictures come out pretty nice. Ask ahead of time if you don't want to fool around with your own waterproof camera.

Tip 6. What not to take? Do not take valuable items. Do not take sunglasses and if you really don't need your eyeglasses to make the run, leave them in your car or bring a head strap or buy a set of goggles that go over your glasses. If you sit at the front of the raft your glasses will get so wet that it is hard to see out of them. Do not wear your best sneakers. Lastly, leave your car keys at the whitewater rafting office.

Tip 7. Who should go? Anyone seeking something to do that is just a little out of the ordinary should definitely check it out. Children have to be at least 12 years old with most whitewater rafting companies. Those under 18 need their parents signed permission. Everyone in the raft needs to sign a liability waiver. If you are in reasonably good health then I say go, go, go. You will have the ride of your life and good memories to share with your family.

If you enjoy the ride with your guide, be sure to thank them and leave a good tip when you return to the white water rafting center.

Remember to laugh, listen to your guide, have fun with it and above all take in the magnificent view.

Copyright (c) 2007 Priscilla Parham