Every fan of thrilling adventure sports has whitewater rafting on their list of exciting sports to try. Experiencing whitewater rafting is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you wouldn’t want to miss. If you are into white water rafting and are looking for the perfect place to go to in Tennessee, google white water rafting in smoky mountains and you’ll see all your options.
To help people pick out the best possible whitewater rafting tour, here are a few places to explore in the smoky mountains of Tennessee for the best rafting experience.
- Nantahala River – located in North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest, is one of the busiest destinations featuring clear, cool water, constant waves, and swift currents.
- Pigeon River – located in Gatlinburg, TN, is an excellent river for novice paddlers or families with younger children to experience a fun taste of tamer rapids and breathtaking sights.
- In Polk County, TN, the Ocoee River features numerous rapids and river formations that offer thrill-seekers exciting currents and epic rafting opportunities.
- Tuckasegee River – located near Cashiers, TN, is an excellent place for beginners to learn to raft or hone their skills over a 5.5-mile run.
People thinking of going for whitewater rafting are pretty clear on ‘why they are willing to try this sport.’ Once a person has chosen the perfect place they want to visit from all the options available in smoky mountains, they also figure out the answer to ‘where to go.’ With two questions off the list, individuals are only left with 3 Ws and 1 H to worry about:
- Who to take with you?
- How to get there?
- When to leave?
- What to pack?
While the first three questions are subjective and vary from person to person, the final question requires much research and planning. Unfortunately, most thrill-seekers make the biggest mistake of their lives by not packing right for the trip. To help you steer clear of doubts and blunders, here is a list of ten things every individual must carry to their whitewater rafting expedition.
1. Clothing Options
Outdoor and athletic moisture-wicking clothing is best for a whitewater rafting trip. It’s a good idea to pack lightweight and soft items that are easy to carry in a backpack. Here are some options to keep you comfortable throughout your whitewater rafting tour:
- Swimsuits and underwear to enjoy carefree water sports and wet splashes.
- Quick-drying bottoms to protect legs getting chafed and nasty insect bites.
- Life jackets and long-sleeved water-resistant jackets to be prepared for uncertainties and add an extra layer of warmth.
- Close-toed water shoes, tennis or hiking boots, and wool socks to fight wet, cold, and dry environments throughout the tour.
2. Outdoor Accessories
To enjoy a trip to the fullest, here are some outdoor accessories you must have in hand at all times:
- Polarized sunglasses protect your eyes against the sun’s intense glare and amplify the color of your surroundings.
- Sunscreen to lather up on your face and body to enjoy the heat without worrying about sunburns and tanning.
- Hats and headbands to shield your head from the sun’s direct harmful rays while keeping your face exposed.
- Bandana and cooling towel to block unpleasant smells and dust particles and wipe water and sweat regularly.
3. Toiletries
Going on a trip without taking some hygiene products is the biggest mistake you’ll ever make. So don’t forget to pack these bath and body products to take care of your hygiene:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss for keeping oral hygiene in check.
- Hairbrush or comb to detangle your hair now and then to keep up appearances.
- Body lotion to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized.
- Shampoo, conditioner, and soap for a refreshing shower in between the exciting adventures.
- Large dry bags to store dirty clothes and other used products instead of littering on the campsite.
- Ointments, sprays, and other medications you’re in the habit of using at home.
4. Comfort Options
Most people like to carry a few items from their homes to feel relaxed and comfortable in a foreign environment. While these options vary from person to person, here are some general items people like to carry on trips to enjoy cozy, homey vibes:
- Earplugs to block the noise outside and enjoy a private moment away from the distractions.
- Sleeping bags to never compromise on their comfort at night and get a good rest.
- Comfortable sheets and linens for a light layer throughout the trip or to safeguard the body from nasty germs found in public places.
5. Entertainment Options
A whitewater rafting trip is all about fun and entertainment. Still, people should always have other options in easy access for when the tour provides a break from adventure sports. Instead of sitting idly, here are some things you can carry to have never-ending fun on the trip:
- A book to enjoy a peaceful read while sitting at a scenic spot surrounded by nature.
- A deck of cards to play some card games with new friends on the trip.
- Small board games to bond with friends and family on tour during free time.
- Binoculars to enjoy watching every bit of beauty nature offers you on the trip.
- Take a waterproof camera to capture and store as many memories as you like when making the most of your whitewater rafting tour.
Conclusion
Whitewater river rafting is undoubtedly one of the most enthralling and exhilarating adventure sports in the world. Thrill-seekers looking to experience an exciting adrenaline rush must experience riding and tumbling down fast-flowing cold water of rivers once in their lifetime.
So, go and convince your gang and book a whitewater rafting tour today to enjoy an adventure at its finest. Just remember to pack your bag for the trip wisely using the checklist mentioned above.
