I Have a Medical Condition. Can I Still Go Rafting?
We try our best to accommodate all of our guests’ needs on multi-day river trips. If you have a medical condition you are concerned will prevent you from enjoying an overnight trip, we may be able to help in most cases.
We always encourage our guests with specific needs to contact us before booking a trip. This helps to ensure a safe and fun experience. Winding Waaters River Expeditions does not ask for your medical history in order to join us on a multiday trip. However, there are certain conditions that are imperative for us to know before launching. If you have a condition that will prevent you from swimming or could put you at risk by not having immediate medical care access, it is in your best interest to notify us before we leave the boat ramp. The following are common issues we encounter and take pride in providing solutions for.
Key Takeaways
- Most medical conditions don’t prevent rafting. Guests with health concerns can still enjoy whitewater rafting by informing the Winding Waters team in advance for personalized support and safety planning.
- Accessibility and comfort are prioritized. From cots for guests with joint or back issues to mobility-conscious rafting setups, every detail is designed to make rafting accessible for all, including seniors.
- Medication safety is well-handled. Guides provide coolers for temperature-sensitive medications and day bags for easy access to essentials like inhalers or heart meds during the trip.
- Dietary and allergy accommodations are available. The team offers gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-sensitive meal options while maintaining safety measures like epinephrine in every first aid kit.
- Trained guides ensure peace of mind. With certified rafting experts, satellite communication, and first aid readiness, guests can trust that safety is always the top priority on the river.
- Preparation enhances the experience. Understanding gear, rafting safety, and river classifications helps guests with medical conditions feel confident and ready for adventure.
Joint Mobility
Stiff joints can affect us all. Sleeping on the ground can be uncomfortable for those who have had hip or knee replacements, back injuries or other joint problems. We gladly provide cots to any of our guests who request them. The elevated cots make it easier to get up in the morning, quite literally. Rather than having to get yourself off the ground, the cots allow you to roll over and sit up upright.
One of the joys of a fully guided trip is your tent and cot are set up and ready for you by the time you arrive at camp. There is no need to learn how to set up and take down the cots. We’ve got you covered.
As part of our Whitewater Raftings , we also consider physical mobility when planning gear and raft guidelines. We take pride in supporting guests of all abilities, including white water rafting for seniors.
MEDICATIONS
If you require daily medications, pack them along with your personal toiletries and other items in your dry bag. If your medication requires refrigeration such as insulin, our guides will reserve a spot in one of our coolers for such items. Please let them know if you will need access to it while on the river so the guides can plan accordingly.
If you have medications you will need during the day such as heart medication or an asthma inhaler, keep it handy in your day bag. We provide day bags for you the night before at our informational meeting. Keep your medication alongside your sunscreen, chapstick, and camera for easy access. We don’t recommend keeping it in your pocket unless it is in a waterproof container and your pocket has zippers. We do carry a full first aid kit on each boat for emergencies.
Safety is our top priority. Our team is well-versed in
whitewater rafting safety and prepared for situations such as a whitewater rafting accident. If you’re wondering -- is white water rafting dangerous? Rest assured that with us, you’re in safe hands.
FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES
Gluten-free? Keto? Nut-free? Vegan? Our food guru and chef, Hilary , is able to provide options for most food allergies and diets. One thing we love just as much as running rapids is providing delicious, locally sourced meals for our guests. Let us know how we can be sure to align with your dietary needs.
If you have allergies to bees, hornets, yellow jackets or any other stinging insect and carry your own epi-pen, keep it in your personal day bag while on the water. You are much more likely to encounter them while at camp than on the water. It is wise to keep it available and near you at all times. We are prepared with epinephrine in each boat’s first aid kits. However, if you are known to have an anaphylactic response to stings, it is best to carry and provide your own medications.
If you have a medical condition, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t join the trip. In the event of a medical emergency, we have a satellite phone to contact emergency personnel. Rest assured we have your best interests in mind. Our well-trained staff will ensure your safety every step of the way.
If you have any questions pertaining to medical conditions, please contact us directly. For guests who prefer a smaller or more personalized setting, we also offer private charter rafting trips. It is unlikely you are going to surprise us, so no need to feel embarrassed. It is our pleasure to craft a rafting trip that is fit for you. Keeping us informed enables us to do that to the best of our abilities. We understand every guest is unique. For questions like how old do you have to be to go rafting, or what the age requirement for white water rafting is, we provide personalized info.
Wondering about gear? Our guides will explain about gear for whitewater rafting and white water rafting essentials. We’ll advise you on what to wear whitewater rafting. From what shoes to wear white water rafting to whitewater rafting clothes, we’ve got your wardrobe covered.
More Answers to Common Concerns
- If you’re wondering is there a weight limit for white water rafting, the answer is yes—there is a weight limit for white water rafting depending on the gear and river classification.
We’ll walk you through and explain the weight limit white water rafting in a private and respectful way.
- Not sure what the river has in store?
Our guides explain river rafting categories so you’ll know what to expect. Whether you’re curious about are class 2 rapids dangerous or what a class vi
white water rafting trip involves, we match your needs with the right adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions people ask about rafting with medical conditions and how Winding Waters ensures every guest’s safety and comfort.
Can I go rafting if I have a medical condition?
Yes, in most cases you can. Guests with medical conditions are encouraged to contact Winding Waters before booking. The team accommodates a wide range of needs to ensure safety and enjoyment. Transparency about your condition helps guides prepare appropriately for your comfort and care.
What if I have limited mobility or joint pain?
Guests with joint issues, replacements, or back injuries can request elevated cots for easier sleeping and movement. The staff sets up all gear for you, including tents and cots, so you can fully relax and enjoy your river adventure without physical strain.
Can I bring my medications on a rafting trip?
Absolutely. Bring all daily and emergency medications in your personal dry bag or day bag. If your medication needs refrigeration, such as insulin, guides will safely store it in a cooler and provide access as needed throughout the trip.
What should I do if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Winding Waters’ chef can accommodate most diets, including gluten-free, vegan, keto, and nut-free options. Inform the team in advance about your dietary needs so meals can be safely customized for your comfort and enjoyment on the river.
What if I’m allergic to bee stings or have anaphylaxis?
If you carry an epi-pen, keep it in your personal day bag for easy access. Each raft also carries emergency epinephrine and a full first aid kit. Guides are trained to handle allergic reactions quickly and effectively to ensure your safety.
Is white water rafting dangerous?
While rafting carries some inherent risk, Winding Waters prioritizes safety above all else. Certified guides, high-quality equipment, and thorough safety briefings help minimize risks. You’re in experienced hands prepared for any situation on the river.
What happens in case of a medical emergency during a trip?
Each expedition carries a satellite phone to reach emergency personnel if needed. Guides are trained in first aid and rescue protocols to ensure swift and professional response in any medical situation on the water or at camp.
Is there a weight limit for white water rafting?
Yes, weight limits exist for safety reasons and depend on the river classification and gear. Winding Waters explains these limits privately and respectfully to ensure each participant’s safety and comfort on the raft.
How old do you have to be to go rafting?
Age requirements vary depending on the river’s difficulty and conditions. Winding Waters provides personalized guidance on appropriate age ranges for each trip, ensuring safety and enjoyment for all participants.
What should I wear for white water rafting?
Wear quick-drying, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes that stay secure when wet. Avoid cotton, as it holds water. Guides will review gear essentials and outfit recommendations before your trip to keep you warm, safe, and ready for adventure.
What are river rafting categories?
Rivers are classified from Class I (gentle) to Class VI (extreme). Your guides will explain what each class means and help match your skill level and comfort with the right adventure, whether it’s a relaxing float or an adrenaline-pumping challenge.
Make Your Trip Unforgettable with Winding Waters
From great white water rafting destinations to curated wilderness escapes, Winding Waters is your go-to for unforgettable adventure. Our Whitewater Raftings are crafted with your safety, comfort, and thrill in mind.
Whether you’re concerned about deaths from whitewater rafting, dangers of rafting, or asking is rafting safe, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—with certified guides, first-class safety equipment, and a passion for people.
Join us and guide a raft, explore a Class VI rafting thrill, or just soak in the wild beauty. From start to finish, we’ve got everything you need.
You can also explore our special interest rafting trips tailored for photographers, families, and wildlife lovers.
Want a real taste of adventure? Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters is a rafting favorite.
