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    •   Oars or Paddles - Oars and paddles come in a variety of lightweight materials or combinations of materials such as wood, fiberglass and carbon, as well as different designs for efficient paddling. Expect to pay $100 and up for a good paddle or oar. You should always carry an extra in case one is lost.

    •   Personal Flotation Device (PFD) - Buy a life jacket designed specifically for whitewater rafting, as it provides greater flexibility and more buoyancy than those designed for other water sports. Your PFD should be Coast Guard approved for whitewater paddling. Some options have headrests to keep the head above water if you're accidentally knocked unconscious. A good life jacket costs $100 or more.

    •   Helmet - A helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment for water safety. A fall into the water could result in a head injury, and even the best swimmer may drown if knocked unconscious. Choose a whitewater helmet for best drainage. Helmets may be found for $50 or more.

    •   Clothing - Clothing choice will depend upon the weather and river conditions. You may wear a bathing suit, or in cold weather or water temperatures, a full wetsuit. The wetsuit adds insulation to your body by trapping a thin layer of water between you and the suit. Your body temperature heats this water layer up, providing extra warmth. Wetsuits come in a variety of materials, including neoprene. Choose one design... Sign-up Above to Read More!

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