Yes! You can go whitewater rafting without strong swimming abilities.
While some swimming skills are a plus for any water activity, the Colorado Adventure Center offers a variety of rafting trips and aerial activities for non-swimmers. The beginner rafting section on Clear Creek is a perfect stretch of scenic water for first timers and those that aren’t strong swimmers.
Guests with limited swimming abilities should understand that the Colorado Adventure Center takes every precaution to mitigate the risks of whitewater rafting. Each guest will be fitted with a Type-V Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (life jacket) to be worn while on the river at all times. The personal flotation device is designed to float the guest on his/her back with his/her head out of the water. All guests are instructed on the proper use of this personal flotation device in the safety orientation talk before departure. All rafting trips are led by our team of experienced and well-trained river guides.
Decent swimming abilities are much more important on our intermediate and advanced Clear Creek rafting trips. It is crucial that guests be able to self-rescue if the situation arose. This could mean swimming to shore, swimming back to the boat, or cooperating with the guide to catch a throw bag. These rescue strategies are covered in detail during our safety orientation talk. Intermediate and Advanced whitewater rafting trips on Clear Creek are not recommended for poor swimmers.
Want to stay high and dry? We got your covered. If paddling through the whitewater rapids on Clear Creek isn’t your cup of tea; try soaring over them at 40 mph! The Idaho Springs Base Camp is home to the Clear Creek High Tower Zip Line and the Colorado Sky Trek. Our aerial activities are the perfect adventure for guests that aren’t keen on getting wet.
The Colorado Adventure Center emphasizes a challenge by choice philosophy. We encourage everyone planning a trip to understand their group’s experience and limitations. Need more information about our whitewater rafting trips? Call 877-ZIP-RAFT today and one of our Adventure Specialists will help you pick the best activity for your group.