Special clothing items such as a wetsuit and splash jacket may be required on some rafting trips, especially in the spring, early summer, late fall, and at higher flows. This requirement is put in place for your comfort and safety, and wearing proper attire will ensure maximum enjoyment of your trip! As an added service to our guests, All-Outdoors provides wetsuits and splash jackets free of charge. Learn more about the Benefits of wearing a wetsuit for rafting and see below for additional layering tips if your trip takes place during a time period when wetsuits are required.
If your rafting trip requires wetsuits, you may choose to use a wetsuit and splash jacket provided by All-Outdoors at no extra charge, bring your own, borrow from a friend, or rent one. During registration prior to your trip we will ask you to let us know if you are planning to use our wetsuit and splash jacket. You will provide us with your sizing information at that time.
Wetsuit and Splash Jacket Details
Our wetsuit inventory will accommodate sizes ranging from 3'11" and 55lbs to 6'5" and 270lbs. If you fall outside these size ranges, you will need to rent from another source. Contact us for more information. Our wetsuits are comfortable and warm, designed specifically for whitewater sports. The one piece "farmer johns" are made out of 1/8" (3mm) thick neoprene, fully covering the legs and upper body except for the arms. The coated nylon splash jacket will help protect your arms from the cold water.
Additional Layering Tips
Appropriate river attire can make a big difference in your whitewater rafting experience, especially if your river trip takes place during a cooler and/or rainy day. Read on below and contact us if you have any questions about what to wear on your rafting trip.
Do wear...
- Laced-on or cinch-on athletic type shoes or hard-soled wetsuit booties for foot protection.
- Thin wool, fleece, or neoprene socks for warmth. Neoprene socks may be purchased for $15 at the meet place. Contact us to ensure availability.
- A form-fitting base layer under the wetsuit, such as swimsuit, short or long tights, and a rash guard or another top made out of athletic materials.
- Boardshorts or other quick-dry shorts over your wetsuit. This reduces slippage while sitting on the raft.
- A thin wool, capilene, polypropylene, or fleece sweater. This adds a layer of insulation under the splash jacket.
- A thin wool or fleece skull cap or a beanie hat (to fit under the helmet).
- Optionally you may want to wear a pair of well fitting wool or neoprene gloves for added warmth on breezy, cloudy, or rainy days.
Do NOT wear...
- "Aqua-sock" type footwear, slip-ons, or loose fitting shoes. These slip off easily in the water.
- Flip-flops or open-toed sandals. This is not appropriate for rafting because open-toed shoes do not provide enough protection for your feet while in the raft or during a swim.
- Thick cotton clothing. When wet, cotton acts like a sponge and can keep you cool even on a fairly warm day.
- Too many layers or thick clothing items. This may cut off healthy blood circulation which plays a key role in keeping you warm. Additionally, too many layers can make it hard for you to move your limbs which could spell trouble if you go for a swim.
General What to Wear Information
For more specific information about getting ready for your California rafting trip during the different seasons of the year, see What to Wear for White Water Rafting.