The roar of the river, the mist on your face, and that undeniable rush of adrenaline—there’s nothing quite like hitting whitewater for the first time. But while the thrill is what brings people to the Deschutes, safety is what keeps them coming back.
If you’re prepping for your first trip with Imperial River Co., you might be feeling a mix of excitement and “what-if” nerves. That’s completely normal. The best way to trade those nerves for confidence is to walk onto the boat with a solid understanding of basic safety protocols.
Safety on the river isn’t about being afraid; it’s about being prepared. Here are the whitewater rafting safety tips every beginner needs to know before they pick up a paddle.
The PFD: Your Most Important Piece of Gear
It’s often called a life jacket, but on the river, we call it a PFD (Personal Flotation Device). This isn’t the bulky orange vest from your grandfather’s fishing boat. Modern PFDs are designed for high-impact whitewater and maximum mobility.
The #1 rule? Wear it correctly. A PFD only works if it stays on your body.
- The Snug Test: Before you launch, your guide will help you tighten the straps. It should be snug enough that if someone pulled up on the shoulder straps, the vest wouldn’t slide up past your ears.
- Never Unbuckle on the Water: Even in the calm, glassy sections of the river, keep that vest buckled. Rocks and currents can be deceptive.
Consider Your Lid
While your PFD is the primary safety requirement, we strongly encourage guests to consider wearing a helmet for an extra layer of peace of mind. Even on the beginner-friendly Class II and III stretches of the Deschutes, rocks are a natural part of the river environment. While they aren’t a mandatory requirement just yet, wearing a “lid” is a smart move for anyone wanting to maximize their safety on the water. If you’d like to wear one, Imperial River Co. has plenty of helmets available for guest use—just ask your guide during the safety briefing, and they’ll help you find a perfect, snug fit.
Listen to the Professional: Your Guide is the Captain
When you book Deschutes River rafting trips with Imperial River Co., you aren’t just getting a boat; you’re getting a professional with hundreds of river miles under their belt.
Before you even touch the water, your guide will give a safety talk. Pay attention. They will cover everything from how to sit in the raft to what to do if you fall in. Once you’re in the rapids, the guide will shout commands like “Forward Two!”, “Backpaddle!”, or “High Side!” These aren’t suggestions—they are the key to keeping the boat upright and on the right line.
Master the “T-Grip”
One of the most common minor injuries on the river isn’t from the water—it’s from a runaway paddle handle. Always keep one hand on the “T” at the top of your paddle. This is called the T-grip.
If you let go of the T-grip during a bump, the handle can fly up and hit you (or your teammate) in the face. Keeping your hand over the top of the paddle gives you maximum control and keeps everyone’s teeth exactly where they belong.
What to Do If You Go for a Swim
Falling out of the raft is part of the “adventure” for some, but for beginners, it can be startling. If you find yourself in the water, the most important thing to do is don’t panic. Transition your body into the “Defensive Swim Position.” If you’re away from the boat, flip onto your back with your feet pointing downstream. Keep your toes up and your butt high.
- Why? This allows you to see what’s coming and use your feet to push off any rocks you might encounter.
- The Golden Rule: Never try to stand up in moving water. Your feet can get caught in rocks on the bottom (foot entrapment), and the current can push you over. Stay on your back until you reach a calm pool, the shore, or when your guide directs you otherwise.
Know Your Rapids
Safety is also about managing expectations. If you know what a Class III rapid looks like compared to a Class I, you’re less likely to be caught off guard by a big splash. Before your trip, take a look at a river rapid classifications guide to understand the technicality of the water you’ll be navigating.
Knowing that Imperial River Co. focuses on the beginner-friendly but exciting stretches of the Lower Deschutes can help put your mind at ease.
Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected
Whitewater rafting is an athletic activity. Between the sun reflecting off the water and the physical effort of paddling, dehydration can sneak up on you.
- Sunscreen: Apply it early and often, especially on the tops of your thighs (which are exposed while sitting in the raft) and your nose.
- Water: Most rafts have a spot to stash a water bottle. Take sips during the “float” sections.
What to Pack (and What to Leave in the Car)
The golden rule for a day on the water is simple: If you aren’t willing to get it wet or lose it to the current, don’t bring it. There is nothing to buy once you’re out on the river, so lock your wallet safely in your car. We provide secure storage for your vehicle keys at our office while you’re hitting the rapids—and as an added bonus, when you return, you’ll find a free coupon for Chips and Salsa attached to your keys. Our on-site bar and restaurant opens at 2:30 PM daily, making it the perfect spot to swap stories after your trip.
If you’re worried about your tech, we sell aqua-cases at the shop—a great option if you want to bring your phone along for photos without risking a waterlogged device. For those with essential medical items like epi-pens, inhalers, or specific medications, just let us know; your guide will have a dedicated dry bag to keep those items safe and accessible throughout the entire journey.
Dress for the Water, Not the Air
It might be 90°F in Maupin, but the Deschutes River water is significantly colder. If you’re rafting in the early spring or late fall, Imperial River Co. provides splash jackets, if you have a wetsuit, you’re welcome to bring it. For summer trips, stick to quick-dry synthetics. Avoid cotton like the plague—once it gets wet, it stays wet, gets heavy, and saps your body heat.
Confidence Comes with Preparation
By following our whitewater rafting safety tips, you’re doing more than just “following rules”—you’re ensuring that your focus remains on the incredible scenery and the fun of the rapids. The Deschutes is a magnificent, powerful river, and when approached with respect and a professional guide, it provides an experience you’ll never forget.
Ready to put these tips into practice? The team at Imperial River Co. is ready to show you the ropes and get you safely through the best whitewater Oregon has to offer.