The Whitewater Blog

What’s in Your Dry Bag?

River runners, guides, and private boaters alike should never go out without their waterproof dry bags. What you put in it is another thing entirely, although extra layers, snacks, and a first aid kit are a good place to start. 

What’s the most random thing in your dry bag? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this with your river rat friends.

Riverside costume parties have a grip on the whitewater rafting community from the Gauley to the Rogue and everywhere in between. Something about combining silly clothes and the great outdoors that appeals to boaters. Whatever the reason, river trip costume parties are a time-honored tradition.

So, make sure you pack at least a couple of costumes. If you don’t know where to begin, you’re in the right place. Here are six all-time classic costume ideas for your next rafting trip.

We all rely on each other to stay safe on the river. Sometimes this means setting safety for other groups. Setting safety involves waiting at the bottom of a rapid for the group behind you to make it through, and it often happens without asking or communicating about it.

When you see another group behind you, pull over, get your throw bag ready, and watch them run the rapid. Once they’ve made it, they’ll likely wait for the group behind them. Of course, if they don’t make it, you might have to jump into action to help get a boat, kayak, or people out of the water. 

“A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the very earth itself. -Laura Gilpin

Those of us working on the river every day feel this magic power better than anyone. Sometimes it doesn't matter how many times you’ve run a rapid; the river has other plans. The mysterious nature of the river has given rise to various superstitions. Here are a few river rat superstitions you would be wise to abide by.