Get Ready for Rafting Trips

Photos: Top Ten U.S. Rivers for Rafting

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If this will be your first raft trip, then I'd suggest starting with a half- or full-day trip. A modicum of general fitness is required. The guide service will have a set of directions as to the time and place to meet. Many outfitters provide a snack or a lunch on these kinds of trips, but call ahead to double check. For more details about preparing for a one-day raft trip, read "Raft Ready." Overnight trips combine rafting and camping and can vary from one night to a couple weeks depending on the river. Guide services that run overnight trips will send you a packing list of gear you need to bring. If you don't have some camping gear, don't sweat it; outfitters will likely provide most if not all of the camping gear you need. If you have your own gear, though, you're better off bringing it.

Typically the guides will set up camp, cook a 5-star meal, and do the dishes as well. While those poor galley slaves are doing all of the work, you get to fish, swim, make new friends, or quietly sit on a rock and contemplate the river. You can't beat a raft trip as therapy. A few days whitewater rafting and camping will wash away all of those worldly cares dragging you down. I guarantee it.