Whitewater rafting is one of the most exhilarating things you can do outside. Nature provides us with a great many opportunities for exciting outdoor activities, but whitewater rafting is definitely one of the wettest and wildest of them all!

People of all ages (5+) and skill levels can take a tour down a river with a certified rafting guide or outfitter to experience the unique thrill of the sport. Many outfitters include snacks and a great meal during or after the adventure. With some, you can even choose to include an overnight camping trip as part of a custom package, and go camping on the river at night after you explore it the daytime in a raft.

No prior experience is necessary to go rafting; but before you try the serious rapids you should definitely get some experience first.

Swirling Whitewater and Splashing Rapids

The power and fury of nature are felt directly when one goes tumbling headlong down a river in one of these rafts. Rivers are ranked depending on how angry and violent their waters are: There are 6 “Classes” – or grades of intensity – Class I is for the beginners; while Class V is only for those with advanced skills and proficiency in maneuvering a raft. (Grade Six is only for experts and not recommended, because serious injury is likely to result!)

Check out our complete Rapids Rating Guide.

“If you’re planning a whitewater rafting trip, it’s important to match your need for thrills and your actual skill level with the level of difficulty of a particular river trip,” said Russell Walters, President, Northern Outdoors. “Fortunately, experienced outfitters like Northern Outfitters can help. We have professional guides, setting the standard for safety training and excellence, as well as a wide variety of options, from Float Trips and Family Rafting to full-on Class V adventure rafting.” (Northern Outdoors is a sponsor of GettingOutside.com)

What Makes Whitewater Rafting Special?

If heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping, and hair-raising (or hair-soaking!) action isn’t enough for you, we love the sport of whitewater rafting for a lot of other reasons too.

• Rafting doesn’t require a lot of experience or training to get started. You just need a reputable outfitter/guide.
• Overall costs are relatively low, because you don’t have to buy the raft. See our Rafting FAQ for price guidelines.
• Whitewater is meant to be shared with buddies! Experience the rapids with a group of friends, battling the elements all day. Not only do you have a blast, you feel like you and your friends really accomplished something.
• You almost always meet cool people on the water - from the guides to the other random people in your raft. So, if you don’t have a ready-made group, don’t worry, you’ll meet someone cool out there.
• Rafting creates lifelong memories. I don’t know anyone who went rafting who doesn’t talk about it 5, 10, 20 years later. It’s that good.

Beyond that, you can combine rafting with camping, fishing and other outdoor activities. Be creative and expand that rafting trip into a worldclass outdoor adventure! If you want to know about what the experience will be like in a different kind of raft, click here.

Face Danger Head On... and When You Make It Through, You’ll Feel Alive...

The spraying of mist up in the air and water splashing up in your face will make you feel alive; and, when it’s all over, you’ll be left feeling vital, young, and energized as the adrenaline continues to run through your body and you feel your pulse continue to race!

Or you're welcome to go back to GettingOutside.com's Activities Section to learn about even more Outdoor Activities!