The Forecast
We all love to have temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s for our rafting trips, but sometimes, the weather just does not cooperate and it rains during a rafting trip. The best attitude to have is to make the most of it and have a great time. You are going to get wet anyway from the rapids, so why not just embrace it!
Yes! We will run trips if it rains on the rafting trip! The most common time it rains on rafting trips is in the spring, during which we will issue you the proper gear for the weather.
Most rafting companies will have a rain or shine policy that states that they operate their trips whether it is sunny or raining, and they don’t cancel their trips if it is raining. I have even seen some companies raft during a snow storm. In my experience, however, most companies, especially on the American River, will give you a rain check if the weather is going to be super cold and the chances of anyone getting hypothermia are real.
We all take safety very seriously and want our guests to have a great time on the river.
We will provide a wetsuit, fleece, and splash jacket free of charge if they are needed! The splash jacket will keep the water off you, the fleece will help keep your upper body warm, and the wetsuit will keep you insulated. This combination of gear works well! If you want, you can also bring warm wool socks, gloves, and a beanie. We suggest no cotton during these days, as cotton clothes will keep your body cold.
If there is a forecast of thunder and lightning (very rare even in the spring, and almost never happens in the summer) we will watch very closely. If there are any lightning strikes close to the area, we will pull the raft to shore and wait it out (usually only takes 10-15 minutes). Once the storm has passed, we will continue the trip!
Rafting is not your average adventure
Some of my favorite days on the river have been in the rain on my rafting trip. Going through the Gorge on the South Fork of the American river is a very unique and memorable experience when it is raining, it really adds to the adventure when the clouds get low and you can’t see all the way down the canyon. The rain water will most likely be warmer than the river water, so it will feel good after the splashes of all the rapids!
Rafting in the rain can be a super fun experience as long as you are prepared and dress properly for it. So come book your trip and see what its like!
