Personal Floatation Device/Life-Jacket
Don't want to be up a creek without one...
So seagulls don't poke you in the coconut!
We recommend river sandles or old tennis shoes
Unfortunately claws and rafts don't mix
If you don't want to lose it, don't take it down the river
We urge you to leave your valuables at home. If you wish to bring a camera, please provide a case (preferably waterproof). However, it will not be possible to photograph during rapids.
On our Truckee, Trinity, South Fork American, and Middle Fork American River trip – Professional photographers are positioned along the banks taking photos of us running the rapids. These photos are available for sale at the end of the trip and the companies are in no way associated with Raft California. We do have links directly to their websites.
Extra money may be needed for meals en route to and from you trip, for souvenir T-shirts and photographs or a guide tip.
River attire is very casual and you should expect to get wet and dress accordingly. Quick-dry clothing is recommended. Anything cotton gets wet stays wet and does not keep you warm. Following this list will assure you a comfortable and well-prepared trip.
Please remember to tip your guide at the end of your rafting trip! If you forgot to bring cash, just contact our office to use a credit card. Some locations can provide credit card tip processing on a tablet.
These notes pertain to only our Wilderness Rafting Trips – those include the 2 Day Middle Fork American River Trip, 3 Day Lower Klamath River Trip & 2 Day East Fork Carson River Trip.
We include:
We recommend cool weather clothing (as a precaution) for the months of April, May, and October and for days anytime during the season where rain or cool weather is a possibility. Please avoid wearing cotton since once wet this will just make you cold and wear quick drying materials such as poly-pro. We recommend that you bring the following attire for cold weather white water rafting:
Dress for the Water: Prioritize clothing based on the water temperature, not just the air temperature. Many of our whitewater rafting trips are in the mountains or are on rivers that flow from snowmelt. If water temperatures are below 70°F, opt for a wetsuit along with booties. We provide wetsuit rentals for an extra fee and recommend them in the spring and fall. Don’t worry about feeling too warm; the river water is close by to cool you down.
Layer Up: Even on warm days, it’s wise to have an extra mid or base layer for staying warm when wet. Each boat is equipped with a dry bag or gear bag for you to keep your extra layers.
No Cotton: Choose clothing made from quick-drying synthetic or wool materials like polyester, nylon, or merino wool to help maintain a comfortable body temperature, even when wet.
Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun’s rays with a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun can be intense on the water.
Bottom Layers: Wear a bathing suit, board shorts, or quick-drying bottoms that won’t bunch up or chafe under a wetsuit. On warmer days, quick-drying water shorts are a good choice, preventing your bathing suit from sticking to the rubber of the raft.
Upper Body: Even on cloudy days, consider shielding your upper body from the sun with a long sleeve. Do not wear cotton. Wear a quick-drying athletic shirt for stretchiness and breathability. On colder days, layer up with warm, moisture-wicking layers, again avoiding cotton.
Footwear: Opt for water shoes, water sandals with heel straps, or old sneakers that can get wet. We recommend closed toed shoes over sandals. No flip-flops are allowed. You can wear wool socks underneath for added warmth.
Headwear: Bring a paddling hat or a baseball cap with a secure cinch to prevent it from being washed away in big waves. A cap visor offers extra sun protection.
Eyewear: Polarized sunglasses are ideal for reducing glare from the water. Don’t forget a retention strap to secure them. If you go for a swim your glasses will too.
Change of Clothes: After your river adventure, bring a set of dry clothes to change into. Wearing cotton is fine once you’re warm and dry.
Always Wear a PFD: Keep your life jacket on at all times while on the water, even in slow-moving areas. The shallows can be unexpectedly dangerous.
Helmets: On select trips, helmets are required and provided for all of our guests.
Valuables: We maintain that anything you bring with you on the river has the potential to get wet or lost. All non-essential valuables are encouraged to be locked in your vehicle. Your trip leader will then collect car keys and lock them up safely in our camp store.
Zippered Pockets: If you choose to bring your phone or other valuables with you, zippered pockets are highly recommended. It’s nearly impossible to retrieve items from the river. Your phone will most likely get wet from splashing rapids, even if you don’t go in the river. Waterproof cases are a great move!
Food & Snacks: Depending on your rafting trip lunch may be provided. Be sure to read through your trip information prior to getting on the river. We advise that every guest bring a 20oz bottle of water with them on their river trip. If your trip does not provide lunch, it is OK to bring snacks on the boat, but make sure they can be safely zipped into a pocket.
GoPros: We love media while rafting! It’s a great way to capture memories. Most sections of river will have a professional photographer with photos for purchase afterwards, but if you have a GoPro you’d like to bring it’s highly recommended and offers a fantastic perspective! Many of our helmets have a GoPro mount, ask for one when you arrive! Be sure to send us the footage after your trip 🙂
Our provided PFDs and helmets are specific for whitewater rafting and we require all guests to use our safety gear during trips. You are welcome to wear your own wetsuit.
We launch trips on many different rivers in California, Oregon and Idaho. For questions give our main office a call – we would love to talk with you about our trips and rivers.
Our vision is to create a sustainable and equitable reality where our rivers are enjoyed and protected, a place where families and friends can be inspired and challenged.
Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running rivers since we were first founded in 1978. Since we opened 40+ years ago we have expanded to include Adventure Connection, Mariah Wilderness Expeditions, High Desert River Outfitters, Canyon Outfitters and are the parent company of Raft California and Raft Oregon. While some things have changed over the years, Tributary remains a family-run small business with the same passion for the river and the mission of leading others to experience it.
© 2022, Tributary Whitewater LLC, All Rights Reserved
