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Whitewater Rafting

By Carrie Williams

Whitewater rafting is always an amazing time and right now is the perfect season to go. If you’re looking for a cooling and refreshing activity then this isn’t it. Just kidding, it’s totally a cool and refreshing experience, especially in these scorching hot summer months. You don’t need much, grab your family and/or friends and get out there. Here’s what you need to know.

Location

The original idea was simply kayaking but then my sister-in-laws got the adrenaline bug and suggested and quickly found a bundle deal for whitewater rafting. Of course, I wasn’t going to say no, and so it was settled, over a quick Thursday night three-way facetime we all agreed to head out the upcoming Sunday. 

At last, Sunday. We got up early that morning and drove two hours north to Ducktown, TN from Atlanta. The drive was beautiful and mostly flat. When we arrived at the location, there was a big cabin-style campground and outdoor cover that housed administrative services, rafting gear and cleaning equipment. You could smell the fresh air illuminating around the beautiful view of the Tennessee mountains.

We signed in at the Ocoee Rafting counter and awaited until it was our time slot to embark on our rafting adventure. The Ocoee River was a few miles away from the actual campground. For transportation, the company utilized school busses where they would tote the rafting equipment and tie it to the top.

Safety 

After signing safety waivers, which is a normal and mandated occurrence for any outdoor adventure company, we were given a safety lesson. The instructor went over:

    • Paddling techniques
    • What to do if you fall in the water 
    • What not to do 
    • Listening to our lead rafting instructor 
    • Potential danger 

We were then split into groups by group size and assigned a lead rafting instructor, who would also go over safety guidelines when we arrived at the river and he made us practice before hitting the river. Thanks Humphrey. 

The total distance was about 5 miles and the trip length was a little under 2 hours.

What you will need

Nothing much. The rafting company gave us all of the necessary gear for success. We purchased water shoes from them but you can wear your own shoes, just make sure they’re appropriate for rafting (strap on sandals, tennis shoes, or water shoes– flip flops were not allowed). As a sanitary measure, a shirt must be worn by all participants, tank tops and bathing suit tops were not allowed.

Checklist:

    • Raft 
    • Paddle
    • Water shoes 
    • Shades
    • Sun screen 
    • Life jacket 
    • Helmet 
    • Jesus

Rafting and Class Levels

There are 6 whitewater rafting levels. The higher you go the more complex and unpredictable waves you’ll encounter. We were between levels 3-6 throughout our river exploitation. Here’s a breakdown of each level.

Level 1: Moving water with small waves that tug at the boat – it’s a relaxing way to spend the day. Each of our trips have some stretches of calm class I water, creating a pleasant break between rapids.

Level 2: Easy rapids, waves up to three feet tall that are readily seen, and wide channels that can be discovered without scouting. Some maneuvering is required during this little rock and roll.

Level 3: Waves up to four feet and narrow passages that send the boat shimmying and water gushing over it’s sides. Plenty of excitement.

Level 4: Long, difficult rapids, narrow passages, turbulent water that requires precise maneuvering and sends hearts racing.

Level 5: All of the above and then some – large, complex, gushing rapids, twisting, and spinning to deliver the consummate adrenaline rush.

Level 6: The extreme “un-runnable” rivers or waterfalls. Only the most expert should attempt this – usually seen in extreme kayak videos, etc. Outfitter raft trips don’t go here – there’s too much other water to enjoy without risking it all!

Source: Western River Expeditions. Whitewater Rafting Levels & Classification. https://www.westernriver.com/whitewater-rafting/levels 

Relaxing and exciting 

We had an absolutely amazing time. The atmosphere was cool, the river was perfectly imperfect with gushing waters imploding into the raft at various times. There was one section where we swam in the river just floating along the brim of the sun. Complete bliss.

Welp, there you have it. I can’t wait to hear about your experience. I had an amazing time with my sisters, Amanda and Marshea. For culture inspo, beautiful photography and uplifting vibes follow them on IG @browngirlsandco. 

Here’s to rolling on the river,

 Carrie

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