One of the most popular summer activities in Colorado is whitewater rafting. Over 500,000 people each year seek to enjoy the thrill and scenic beauty of the river. The vast majority of these thrill seekers rely on professional rafting outfitters to provide a guided raft and necessary equipment. As in any industry, whitewater rafting outfitters offer a wide range of quality and amenities. Let’s talk about how to choose the best quality rafting outfitter in Colorado.
- Safety is the top priority and outfitters generally prioritize such features. The number one factor related to rafting safety is your Raft Guide. Controlling a raft amongst churning whitewater is not easy. Your guide’s skill level will dictate their ability to control your raft. Seeking outfitters who employ seasoned, experienced guides is beneficial. While nearly all rafting companies hire first-year raft guides and offer thorough training, an experienced guide is preferred.
- The right equipment also promotes safety, along with comfort. Outfitters provide rafts, paddles, personal flotation devices, helmets, wetsuit gear, and first aid equipment, as well as other safety gear. Regularly cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining a large stock of such equipment is critical to its ability to keep you safe and comfortable.
- Each outfitter operates from differing types of facilities. Some have additional amenities like food, beverage, lodging, and a store to buy items like sunscreen, rafting photos, and souvenirs. Others have one main facility and meet guests at more convenient satellite locations. Some may not have any additional amenities and you should do your homework to ensure that everything you may need and want is convenient. Location also plays a role and some will be very easy to get to, while others require additional driving.
- Rafting outfitters must hold permits to run commercial raft trips. This limits the amount of companies that can operate on each river. Since some rivers offer better rafting than others, you should seek the best trip and most appropriate difficulty level for your group. The quality and quantity of rapids will vary greatly, as well as the difficulty, scenery, and feeling of remoteness on each trip.
- Many raft trips include food. The quality and options of the meals served for lunch on full and ¾ day trips varies, as well as the food provided on multi-day raft trips. Make sure your group can enjoy the meals based on how well the outfitter accommodates restricted diets, allergies, and preferences.
- While these are some of the most important amenities that outfitters provide, others include the quality of their vehicles used for transporting guests to and from the river, their commitment to guest service, how long they have been in business, their overall skill level, and their value based on what is included in their price. One of the best ways to evaluate each outfitter’s level of quality is to carefully read guest reviews.
For a more thorough comparison of rafting outfitter amenities, click here.
