What to Wear Whitewater Rafting in West Virginia

White water rafting in West Virginia clothing and gear recommendations for New River and Gauley River rafting. Get what you need on your West Virginia rafting vacation at our New River Gorge adventure resort.

Whitewater Rafting Layering Guide

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Summer

It is pretty simple in the summer. The temperatures are warm and so is the water so your main concern will be to protect yourself from the sun. River sandals or old sneakers make ideal footwear. A bathing suit and a pair of nylon shorts is a good base layer. A long-sleeve synthetic shirt or light windbreaker is good to have in case of a sudden shower or temperature change. A hat, sun block, sunglasses with retaining strap, disposable camera and you’re good to go. Your guide will have a bit of extra room in his or her dry bag to hold your extra layer.

Spring & Fall

Things gets more complicated in the spring and the fall, when the water and air temperatures are colder. Let us walk you through our recommended system of dressing.

Cotton is an absolute no-no. It will make you cold. We guarantee it. So leave that sweatshirt at home or save it for snuggling into after your trip.

Base Layer: Polypropylene, Capilene, Under Armor and Nike Dri-FIT are some of different types of synthetic long underwear that is available. Anyone who does anything outdoors should invest in a set. It is indispensable for hiking, biking, skiing, water sports, gardening or just staying comfortable in a chilly house. These fabrics are designed to wick moisture away from your body. They are hydrophobic, meaning they do not absorb water; rather they transfer it to your outer layers where it can evaporate keeping your core more comfortable. Silk long underwear is available and feels great but it is not as effective as synthetics.

Mid Layer: Next you’ll want to add a layer of fleece or pile. These are thicker and fluffier than your base layer and supply insulation and warmth. Made from synthetic fibers, they will not absorb nearly as much water as natural fibers. Wool provides some insulation when it gets wet but not as much.

Outer Layer: The purpose of this layer is to block the water. It can take several forms. Paddle jackets are ideal because they have neck and wrist closures that prevent water from reaching your sensitive core. Waterproof-breathable (such as Gore-tex) or coated nylon rain shells work well too. Ponchos are not recommended. We will be happy to rent you a paddle jacket.

Wet Suit: We recommend wet suits for spring and fall trips unless the day is unseasonably warm. If you are lucky enough to own one bring it along in case. If not we will be happy to rent you a 3 mm farmer john (sleeveless style) that will do the trick. Wear your mid layer under it and your outer layer over it and you’ll be comfortable. Think of it as an insurance policy. No sense paying your money then shivering the day away wishing the waves weren’t so big.

Socks, Gloves and Hats: If your feet are warm, your whole body will be warm. In the spring and fall we recommend neoprene socks or booties. The next best thing is wearing wool or fleece socks with your sneakers. Neoprene, fleece or wool gloves will keep your hands happy. There will be room under your helmet for a hat.

What to Wear Whitewater Rafting -  Checklist

Do not wear cotton items on the river, such as socks, sweatshirts or blue jeans. Cotton holds water and wicks warmth away from your body.
  • Shorts or swim trunks
  • Sandals or old running shoes or wetsuit booties for the spring/fall
  • Sock – Cotton socks to keep the sand out in the summer or wool, pile, or wetsuit socks in the spring/fall
  • Ball cap (for the summer)
  • Sunglasses
  • Glasses strap
  • Sunscreen – waterproof ( a river trip is like a day at the beach)
  • Shirt – preferably a quick drying shirt which blocks the sun
  • Windbreaker or rain jacket
  • Waterproof disposable camera
  • Long underwear – Polypropylene or Capilene or Thermax (Under Armor or Nike Dri-FIT)
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Fleece Pants
  • Rain Suit or come ready to rent
  • Wetsuit – We have plenty of rental farmer johns
  • Wetsuit gloves or golf gloves
  • Pile hat  
  • Dry bag – each guide carries a dry bag (big enough for a few jackets or personal items)
  • Personal hygiene items

Post Trip Suggestions

  • Change of Clothes
  • Towel
  • Toilet kit