What to Wear Whitewater Rafting in West Virginia
If you have a whitewater rafting trip booked, you may be wondering what to wear for your adventure—or more importantly, what not to wear while rafting. We’re here to help. At West Virginia Adventures, we’ve been guiding guests down the New River and Gauley River for years, so we know exactly how to help you stay comfortable, safe, and ready for a great day on the water.
What to Wear Whitewater Rafting: The Essentials
We provide the key gear you need for your rafting trip, including a helmet, paddle, and PFD (personal flotation device). Your guide will make sure your PFD fits properly, but the rest of your clothing choices are up to you—unless you choose to rent additional gear like a wetsuit.
When planning what to wear rafting, a swimsuit is a great place to start. During the warmer summer months, men are most comfortable in swim trunks paired with a synthetic or moisture-wicking shirt. For women, a swimsuit with athletic shorts or board shorts and a synthetic top is ideal. Wearing just a swimsuit can be uncomfortable for some, so having an extra layer like shorts makes a big difference.
In the spring, or if you’re rafting colder sections such as the Gauley River, a wetsuit is strongly recommended. If you don’t have your own, wetsuit rentals are available. Splash jackets are also a great option to help cut wind and keep you warmer on cooler days.
Best Shoes for Whitewater Rafting
Footwear matters more than you might think. Old tennis shoes or sandals with secure straps—such as Tevas or Chacos—are the best options for rafting. If the water is cold, wool socks can help keep your feet warm, and neoprene booties or aqua socks are also excellent choices.
Sun Protection on the River
Rafting often means hours in the sun, so sunglasses are a smart addition. Make sure they’re secured with a strap so they don’t end up at the bottom of the river. You can also wear a hat under your helmet for extra protection, or combine both a hat and sunglasses for maximum coverage.
Sunscreen is a must—even on cloudy days. Knees, necks, arms, and faces are especially prone to sunburn on the river. Apply sunscreen before your trip and bring some along to reapply throughout the day.
What Not to Wear (or Bring) While Rafting the New or Gauley Rivers
First and foremost: avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs water and dries slowly, which can leave you feeling cold and uncomfortable. Synthetic or moisture-wicking fabrics are a much better choice.
Jeans are another item best left behind. Swim shorts, athletic shorts, or a wetsuit are far more comfortable and practical on the river. Footwear that won’t stay on your feet—like flip flops or Crocs—should also stay behind until after your trip.
You’ll also want to leave towels behind. While you’ll definitely get wet, towels tend to stay wet and are awkward to transport after your trip. Save them for after you’re back and ready to change into dry clothes.
One commonly forgotten item: jewelry. Wedding and engagement rings in particular, are easy to lose while rafting. Many rings now rest at the bottom of the New and Gauley Rivers, so it’s best to leave valuables at home.
The 5 Most Important Items for a Rafting Trip
- Synthetic clothing. Avoid cotton and choose quick-dry fabrics to stay comfortable all day.
- Sunglasses and/or a hat. Protect your eyes and face from the sun, and use a strap for sunglasses.
- Secure shoes. Old tennis shoes or strapped sandals like Chacos or Tevas are ideal.
- Sunscreen. Apply before your trip and reapply throughout the day to avoid sunburn.
- A smile. Rafting is all about fun—bring your sense of adventure!
Rafting with West Virginia Adventures
Now that you’re properly outfitted, it’s time to hit the river. West Virginia Adventures offers rafting trips for a wide range of experience levels on some of the best whitewater in the eastern United States.
Families and first-time rafters will love the Upper New River, which features fun, splashy rapids in a scenic, relaxed setting. It’s a great introduction to whitewater rafting and perfect for younger adventurers.
For a step up in excitement, the Lower New River delivers bigger rapids and unforgettable scenery as it flows through the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. This stretch offers iconic views, thrilling whitewater, and a true West Virginia adventure.
Looking for the most exciting run available? Some trips are selected based on water levels and conditions, ensuring guests experience the best rafting option possible that day—whether that’s the New River, Gauley River, or another local favorite.
In the fall, scheduled releases from Summersville Dam create legendary whitewater on the Gauley River. For several weeks each September and October, rafters can experience one of the most famous whitewater rivers in the world. The Upper Gauley is known for intense, world-class rapids and is recommended for experienced rafters, while the Lower Gauley offers a thrilling but more approachable option.
Plan your trip, pack smart, and get ready for an unforgettable whitewater experience. Your West Virginia rafting adventure awaits!