While whitewater rafting is always fun, doing it with your friends is a great way to have a fun and memorable time. You’ll be able to bond, laugh, and connect while admiring the natural beauty of the Pigeon River–and don’t forget the unpredictable fun of the rapids!
If you plan to organize a group rafting trip with your friends, we’re here to help! Logistics can get more complicated when you’re pulling together multiple people, but with our tips, you’ll be prepared to hit the water for an exhilarating time.
Plan a trip that fits everyone’s skill level
First thing’s first: make sure you know your group. Do some friends have little kids that need to come along? Does anyone have mobility issues? If you’re planning an exciting group rafting trip on the rapids for those eight and up, but your friend has a five-year-old she can’t leave behind, you’ll need to recalibrate. Similarly, if you have friends who get freaked out by big waves, choosing a more tranquil Scenic Family Float might be more enjoyable.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if your friends love thrills and excitement, don’t stick them on a more relaxing raft and expect them to have fun.
The bottom line? Be considerate, and choose a trip that best fits everyone in your friend group. If you just can’t find an option that works for everyone, be sure to communicate the difficulties and explain why you made your choice, to avoid hurt feelings. You can also reach out to Rafting in the Smokies–our friendly and helpful staff can walk you through your options to help choose the best rafting adventure!
Book ahead to save money
You’ve chosen a group rafting trip and gathered your friends–what’s next? Instead of getting your rafting tickets the morning of, consider booking ahead of time! You’ll beat the line, make sure tickets are available for your whole group, and save money. If you have ten or more friends coming along, you can get a significant discount by contacting Rafting in the Smokies ahead of time.
Designate meeting places
Especially during the busiest months of the year, finding and gathering all your friends in time to launch can be challenging. If you’re not all driving together, make sure you have a designated meeting spot to gather and get oriented in plenty of time to launch. Here are a few good ways to do that:
- Pick a recognizable landmark
- Have the first person to arrive drop a pin
- Have your leader arrive early and send a picture of the meeting spot to the group
No matter what option you choose, just make sure everyone knows where to meet–you don’t want to delay your trip or even leave someone behind because they couldn’t find you!
While you’re gathering, make sure all your friends have followed rafting safety rules and worn proper clothing–remember that we don’t allow crocs, flip-flops, or bare feet, and we don’t recommend jewelry (it slips off easily), so do a quick check around the group. Finally, no booze or drinks on the river, so make sure your party-minded friend left the alcohol at home!
A great way to avoid last-minute safety issues is to send out a message to the group ahead of time, reminding them of the most important rules they’ll need to follow.
If you’re looking for an adventurous opportunity to reconnect with old friends or forge a bond with new ones, group rafting is a perfect choice. You’ll be able to relax, work together to conquer the rapids, and enjoy nature while catching up and bonding.
To keep everything running smoothly, follow our simple tips for a stress-free experience! Plan your trip around your group’s needs and skill levels, book ahead to avoid lines and save money, and meet in a designated spot where you can check everything before heading down the river. With some extra forethought, you can ensure that your group rafting trip with friends on the Pigeon River is a resounding success!
