River rafting involves moving water, impacts, weather exposure and the possibility of falling into the river. No route or item of equipment makes it risk-free. Preparation starts with choosing an appropriate trip and giving the operating team accurate information about every participant.
This page helps you prepare questions. It does not replace a qualified guide's briefing, current regulations or individual medical advice.
Our eligibility requirements
Our participant age bracket is 14–60 years. Participants must be healthy; people with heart or lung problems are not eligible under our booking requirements. Tell us about any other relevant health, mobility or swimming concern privately before paying. Age eligibility alone does not guarantee participation: the guide must also assess suitability, equipment fit and conditions.
Participants under 14 or over 60 are outside our offered age bracket. For ages 14–17, ask about required participant/guardian paperwork before paying. This is our booking policy, not a claim about a universal legal age limit.
Tell the operator before you book
Share each participant's age, swimming ability, previous rafting experience and any health or mobility concern that could affect participation or rescue. Use a private channel for sensitive information. Do not wait until the launch to mention a concern that could change the route recommendation.
Ask which age, weight, fitness or other restrictions apply under current rules and the operator's procedures. Equipment fit matters as well as eligibility on paper. If you have a condition that raises questions about strenuous activity or water exposure, discuss participation with an appropriate clinician and the operator before committing.
Check the operating business
Ask who is actually running the river trip, what authorisation is required and how its current validity can be checked. A booking website, reseller and operating crew may be different businesses. Confirm responsibilities before paying.
Ask about the guide's relevant training, equipment checks, support arrangements and emergency plan. A slogan such as “100% safe” is not a useful answer. Read operator selection.
Our guides, forms and supplied equipment
We operate trips with licensed, qualified guides. Your registered, certified guide gives the pre-trip briefing and safety instructions. Life jackets, helmets and paddles are supplied and checked for safety before rafting starts. Participants complete the required no-claim/consent form before departure.
The form does not replace the briefing, checks or assessment. No claim that it removes every legal right is made here.
Equipment and briefing
Ask the crew to check the fit of the required buoyancy aid and helmet. Do not loosen or remove equipment for a photo or because the river appears calm. Tell the crew if something is uncomfortable or does not fit correctly.
Pay attention to the entire briefing. You should understand seating, paddle grip, commands, how the crew manages the raft and what they require if someone enters the water. Ask for clarification if you cannot hear or understand. Practical rescue instructions should come from your guide for the actual trip.
Swimming ability and participation
Being a swimmer is useful information for the operator, but it is not permission to select any route or swim freely. Non-swimmers should disclose their ability before booking and ask whether the proposed trip accepts them following screening. Do not rely on a general claim that all non-swimmers can raft.
The same applies to children and older participants. Each person needs an appropriate assessment; group approval should not be inferred from one traveller's approval.
On the day
Arrive able to follow instructions and participate as required. Do not raft under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Let the crew know if you feel unwell, anxious or unable to continue. The guide may change or cancel the plan if conditions or participant readiness are unsuitable.
Do not jump, swim, stand up or leave the raft unless the crew specifically permits and supervises the action under its procedures. Cliff jumping and body surfing are separate decisions and should never be treated as guaranteed inclusions.
Plan for changes
Keep some flexibility in your schedule. A route change or cancellation can be the right decision. Check the cancellation policy and ask how changes will be communicated.
Does the shortest route mean the safest trip?
No. Distance does not describe every rapid, hazard or condition. Ask for a recommendation for your actual group.
Can a waiver replace safety checks?
No. Read any consent paperwork, but also ask about screening, the crew and equipment. Paperwork is one part of the process.
Who decides whether we launch?
The operating team must make the trip decision within applicable instructions and its procedures. An advance booking does not guarantee a launch.