It’s been an epic summer of rafting on the Pigeon River, with fun memories, new friends, and plenty of time in nature. Now that it’s cold and snowy, how can you keep your love of rafting and the great outdoors alive? Even though you can’t paddle down the river, there are plenty of options for staying active and engaged outside during even the coldest months. Want to keep fit and raft-ready in the off-season? Read on for our best winter rafting tips.
Get Outside
It can be tempting to grab another blanket and snuggle deeper into the couch when it’s below freezing outside. However, cold weather doesn’t have to cancel all your outdoor activities. As long as you bundle up correctly and don’t spend too much time in genuinely frigid temperatures, going outside in the winter can be a huge mood booster that keeps you moving and engaged in nature.
Many state parks host winter hikes and other cold-weather events, so head out and experience the beauty of winter close-up. Hiking, walking, and staying active throughout the coldest season will build your stamina, keeping you ready for a summer spent rafting!
Hit the Gym
While you can enjoy rafting at almost any age and fitness level, staying fit can help you appreciate the journey more and try adventurous routes and techniques. Even though winter can be a challenging time to get fit and stay active, you can fight off winter blues by hitting the gym. Whether a leisurely treadmill walk or a full-on three-hour workout is more your speed, it’s not the intensity that matters–it’s your commitment to keeping your body fit and ready. It’s a good idea to focus on exercises to help you navigate the water more efficiently.
Try the rowing machine to get your upper body and core ready for hours of padding or target arm strength with pushups, lifts, and planks. Strengthen your muscles with tricep dips, bicep curls, and exercises that work your deltoids and pectorals to stay ready for paddling. Come summer, you’ll be recharged and ready to paddle harder, travel farther, and see even more sights on your rafting trip.
Visit Nearby Attractions
While, in our (unbiased) opinion, Gatlinburg is a lot more fun in the warmer months, it’s still a great destination during the winter! Keep your love of the area and its beauty alive by checking out local attractions and events open year-round. Celebrate Christmas with one of the many lights shows around the town, explore indoor arcades, museums, and aquariums, or go for a winter hike in the Smoky Mountains! As you climb the wintery slopes, you’ll be reminded of the local beauty and the joys of a summer rafting trip through the gorgeous terrain!
Read up on rafting tips and techniques
While frozen rivers might keep you from actively practicing your rafting skills, they don’t have to keep you from learning. The internet offers plenty of opportunities to learn about rafting safety and technique. Grab a book from your local bookstore, or choose from a wide variety of videos on YouTube. You’ll be amazed at the amount of literature produced by knowledgeable professionals dedicated to helping you learn more about rafting. Some areas to look into include:
- Supplies to bring on the river
- How to improve paddling form and technique
- Tips for navigating rougher rapids
- Clothing choices and brands for a day on the water
- How to practice better rafting safety
If you’re interested in online resources, the videos and websites listed below are great places to start when you’re caught with the winter blues or want to learn more rafting tips!
- This video demonstrates common rafting commands, so you can feel more prepared to follow your guide’s instructions on the water.
- This valuable article on safety covers proper techniques if you fall off the raft or get your foot trapped.
- Check out this article for an informational page on different types of whitewater rafts and their advantages.
- For the truly adventurous who find rivers to paddle in during the winter, this article shares rafting tips for keeping warm and staying safe.
- Check out the National Rafting Service’s “Skills and Tips” page for a library of articles and information about rafting. The treasure trove of information will help you become a more confident and capable rafter!
So next time you’re feeling a case of winter boredom, don’t despair–use it as an opportunity to brush up on your rafting knowledge and maybe pick up a few new rafting tips and tricks!
Plan Your Next Trip Early
You’ve read your rafting resources carefully, kept in shape, and gotten outdoors whenever possible, and you’re ready for the rafting season to begin! Keep your love of rafting alive by booking your rafting trip early. You’ll get more affordable rates, guarantee a spot at the time you want, and look forward to another fun rafting trip when the weather gets warmer! You can book spring and summer trips at Rafting in the Smokies right now, and you’ll have your pick of most dates! If you want to take a trip around one of the busy spring or summer holidays, it’s a good idea to book now so you can guarantee your spot. Reserving your trip early is a great way to stay excited about the rafting season, even while the weather is still cold.
If you love rafting and wish you could enjoy the fun times year-round, we’re with you! However, even though winter may keep us from getting out on the river, it doesn’t have to be a time of stagnation. Our winter rafting tips can help you stay motivated and ready! Get outside (even when it’s cold), stay active at your level, and learn more about the world of rafting from the comfort of your couch. Then, get ready to put your skills into action by booking your spring trip with Rafting in the Smokies! As winter melts into spring and you dip your paddle back into the water, you’ll be glad you did.
