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. WWRE 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.

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.

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.

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. 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.