Gear Up for the Rapids: What to Wear Whitewater Rafting with Northern Outdoors
So, you’re planning an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure with Northern Outdoors in The Forks, Maine? Get ready for incredible thrills and unforgettable memories! One of the first things on your mind is probably, “What should I wear?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Dressing appropriately is key to staying comfortable, warm, and ready on the river, no matter the season.
Footwear: Secure Your Soles!
Your feet will get wet, and you’ll be navigating uneven terrain, so footwear that stays securely on your feet is absolutely essential.
Go for: Old sneakers, river sandals with heel straps (like Chacos or Tevas), or dedicated water shoes are perfect choices. These will offer good grip and won’t float away if you take an unexpected dip.
Avoid at all costs: Flip-flops, Crocs (even in “sport mode”), or any open-backed footwear. They’ll be gone with the first splash! Northern Outdoors also offers booties for rent if you forget proper footwear.
Clothing: The “No Cotton” Rule is Golden
This is one of the crucial pieces of advice for whitewater rafting in Maine: avoid cotton at all costs! When wet, cotton loses its insulating properties and will actively pull heat away from your body, leaving you cold and miserable. Jeans are also a definite no-go – they’ll get heavy, stay wet, and chafe. Instead, focus on quick-drying, synthetic materials or wool. Think layers, as conditions can change on the river.
For Warm Summer Days (July & August, typically 70s°F and above):
Maine summers can be wonderfully warm, with river temperatures in July and August often reaching the 70s°F.
Base Layer: A bathing suit is a great foundation.
Outer Layers: Over your bathing suit, opt for quick-drying sports shorts and a tank top or a synthetic/athletic t-shirt made of polyester, nylon, or similar materials. A rash guard is also an excellent choice for sun protection.
For Cooler or Colder Days (May, June, September, October, and overcast days):
Maine’s rafting season extends from May through October, and the weather can be quite variable. Spring (May, with average highs in the low 60s°F and water in the 50s°F) and Fall (September and October, with highs from the low 70s to low 50s°F and water dropping to the 50s°F) can bring cooler air and water temperatures. But- it also brings great Dead River releases, beautiful foliage, and a fun spring-day activity!
Light Coverage: For a light cover on a cooler day, opt for a polyester long sleeve. This gives you an extra layer of warmth, without too much bulk. This is a great option for sun coverage on a nice day, too, as it won’t retain too much heat!
Warm Fabrics: Materials like wool, polar fleece, or fiber pile are your best friends for cooler days. These fabrics retain warmth even when wet.
Wetsuits: For all whitewater adventures in May and after October 1st, wetsuits are mandatory for your safety and comfort. Northern Outdoors offers wetsuits for rent. Even on cold or overcast days outside of these mandatory periods, wetsuits are strongly recommended – especially if you run cold!
Under your wetsuit: Avoid cotton! Wear a bathing suit or a synthetic base layer (like polypropylene or modern synthetic thermal materials) that sheds water and stays warm.
Additional Layers for Very Cold Days: On particularly chilly days, consider these additions over or with your wetsuit:
- Wool or fiberpile sweater
- Windbreaker or splash top (rentals available)
- Wool or fleece hat
- Wool or neoprene gloves
Remember: Your Northern Outdoors Whitewater Rafting Trip Leader will make the final wetsuit recommendations for the day based on the weather conditions. “Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!” is a good motto for layers.
Essential Extras
Beyond your clothing, here are a few other items you will want to bring along for the adventure:
Eyewear Retainers: If you wear glasses or sunglasses, invest in “Chums” or similar retainers to keep them from becoming river souvenirs. We have these for sale in our gift shop if you need to snag a pair upon arrival!
Personal Medications: If you have any essential medications (like an asthma inhaler or EpiPen, diabetes meds, etc), bring them with you and inform your trip leader. Advanced medical care can be hours away on the river. This is super important!
What Other Items Should I Bring Whitewater Rafting?
People often ask about the following items- so here’s the inside scoop on a few of the “extras” –
Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the sun’s reflection off the water can lead to sunburn. Apply waterproof sunscreen generously before you get on the river, and reapply at our lunchsite about halfway through the day. If you burn easily, you can bring your own and ask the guide about putting it in their drybag.
Water Bottle: we provide water at our lunch-site pit stop, but if you have a water bottle with a carabiner you’re welcome to bring and attach in the raft! Free-floating water bottles won’t work though- they can easily get popped out of the raft and become river trash.
Action Camera: Want to capture the fun? You’re welcome to bring/wear your GoPro! If you don’t have a durable, waterproof adventure camera (that attaches to you)- don’t sweat it. Northern Outdoors has a videographer and photographer on the river as well, with photos available for purchase after your trip. We don’t recommend bringing anything that’s not waterproof, and it’s best to leave your phone behind for this one!
A Quick Note on What NOT To Bring:
Enough of what to wear/bring… what are our tips for the no-nos?!
Jewelry: we recommend removing all jewelry. Not only is there a chance it could get snagged and cause an injury, it could also fall off- and you would not be the first person to lose a wedding band on the river. Don’t let it be you!
Phones: It’ll get wet, be a distraction, and there’s no service anyway! We highly recommend you leave it behind- don’t worry- we’ll get the action shots!
Towel and Change of Clothes: the bus ride back to Northern Outdoors at the end of the day is only 5 minutes, and there’s no time to change before loading the bus. Just keep your clothes/towels in your car or cabin rental, and you can change after you get back.. or after a quick dip in the hot tub, first!
Anything You’d be Devastated to Lose: This is the ultimate litmus test. If the thought of it ending up at the bottom of the river makes you cringe, don’t bring it. Don’t bring your grandmother’s ring, your phone, your $1,000 camera. Just bring your friends and family to share the memories with, and let’s go rafting!
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for an incredible whitewater rafting experience with Northern Outdoors on the magnificent rivers of Maine! Now- get ready to make a splash: book online, or call (207) 663-4466 to book your whitewater rafting adventure in Maine!
