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Do you long for adventure with your kids? White water rafting with your children is sure to create lasting memories, encourage curiosity and exploration in their young minds and spend time in the outdoors together. Before you go, here are some handy tips to keep in mind.

1. Check The Age Gap

Rafting companies offer a wide array of guided tours. Each tour will have a minimum age depending on the certain elements of the tour. Call in advance to check the age requirements prior to booking a reservation. If you have very young children, a gentle float should still provide plenty of fun time.

2. Know The Rapid Classifications

The class ratings for rivers can seem complex. The scale is based on several factors including the speed of water flow and the frequency and size of boulders in the water. The ratings may change during the rafting season as snowfall melts or rain storms add to the water levels.

Most white water rafting trips that take young children will be Class I to II. Here are the general guidelines for rapids classification:

• Class I: Light waves, slower water, easy
• Class II: Regular waves, medium speed water flow, and space to pass by obstacles such as boulders
• Class III: Higher waves, moderately difficult with quick flowing water. Space between obstacles is more difficult to pass and narrower
• Class IV: Standing waves, powerful rapids with fast moving water, advanced paddling necessary, scouting rapids highly recommended before going
• Class V: Long, severe rapids that are very difficult to pass due to steep drops
• Class VI: Constant danger, extremely difficult, requires the highest level of paddling skills and experience

3. Check Your Gear 

Prior to leaving your house, be sure to double check all your gear and the pack list. Have all the necessary equipment for you and the kids. This includes waterproof sunscreen, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, quick-drying clothes and closed-toe shoes. Bring along some extra dry clothes and towels because you will get wet.

Other items to consider bringing along include waterproof stuff sacks to carry items you don’t want to get wet and waterproof and disposable cameras.

4. Take A Class

 Before you take a white water rafting trip, take a class in kayaking or standup paddle boarding (SUP). They will learn safety skills, gain confidence and acquire some paddling techniques. Many sporting goods retailers either offer such classes or have a list of local offerings.

5. Safety First

The rafting company should provide everyone with a personal floatation device (PFD) at the start of the trip. The guide will ensure that each person has a PFD that fits properly. The guide will also begin with a thorough safety briefing prior to launching. The briefing should include instructions on what to do if someone falls out, how to follow the guides commands or leads and what to do if you fall out into the river.

These five tips will help ensure that you and your children have an exciting, fun family outing while riding some spectacular rapids. Keep safety in mind. Match the level of the rapids to your children’s ages and enjoy the stunning scenery as you float by.