A thorough explanation of what to wear and bring for rafting is a must for both beginners and experienced rafters!
Rafting is an exhilarating outdoor sport that involves riding a rubber boat through a series of rapids! With the recent outdoor boom, rafting is becoming more and more popular.
However, when it comes time to experience rafting, you may be wondering, "What should I bring with me?
But even if you are ready to try rafting, you may wonder, "What should I bring? What should I wear? I don't have a wetsuit!
I don't have a wetsuit! What to bring and what to wear for rafting changes depending on the season.
Here is a list of what to bring and what to wear for each season! We will thoroughly explain what to bring and what to wear for rafting.
We also introduce some items that are useful to have!
This page is a comprehensive guide to what to bring and what to wear for rafting.
We also introduce some items that are useful to have!
This page is a comprehensive guide to what to bring and what to wear for rafting.
What kind of rafting attire is required?
What kind of clothes do you wear when rafting? Beginners will surely wonder.
Rafting is an activity where you are supposed to cover your head with water and get soaked all over. In order to enjoy rafting
Let's learn what to wear!
- helmet
- swimming wear
- wetsuits
- life jacket
- booties
Rafting Clothing
Wear a wetsuit over your swimsuit. The wetsuit is waterproof, so your swimsuit will always get wet!
A life jacket is worn over the wetsuit. Shorts are available for those who wish to wear them.
On your head you will wear a helmet, and on your feet you will wear water shoes, or sneaker-type shoes that can be fixed in place.
You will be soaked all over from the head up, not to mention your feet!
What is wetsuits
You will wear a wetsuit over your swimsuit. As the name suggests, a wetsuit is a "wet suit.
The swimsuit will always get wet because of the water that comes inside.
The thin film of water between the wetsuit and your skin is heated by your body temperature, keeping you warm.
Wetsuits are always worn except in summer.
Must be worn all year round! Helmets & Life Jackets
The river is full of rocks and driftwood. A helmet is always necessary to protect your head from obstacles in case of a fall!
Each person must also wear a life jacket for safety. The buoyancy of the water allows those who cannot swim to float. Even if you are afraid of the water, this is a great opportunity to practice your swimming skills.
Each person must also wear a life jacket for safety. The buoyancy of the water allows those who cannot swim to float. Even if you are afraid of the water, this is a great opportunity to practice your swimming skills.
The key to your feet! Shoes that can get wet
You are required to wear shoes that will not injure or wash away as you will be walking on riverbanks and rocks and swimming in the river.
Sneakers or water shoes are recommended.
Free rental available!
Wetsuits, shorts, helmets, and life jackets can be rented for free! Water shoes can be rented for a fee.
If you want to participate with minimal luggage, you only need to bring a swimsuit and towel.
Do you dress differently for different seasons?
In spring and fall, when the weather is a little chilly, a "nylon jacket" or "wet jacket" can be worn over a wetsuit.
Wet jackets can be worn over a wetsuit in the spring and fall. Rental is of course free of charge. If you are concerned about the temperature, please do not hesitate to let our staff know!
In summer, you can wear short sleeves and shorts on some rivers. (Life jackets and helmets must be worn for safety.) (Life jackets and helmets must be worn for safety.) Cold river water is very pleasant in the hot summer! Please refer to this page for more information on seasonal clothing.
In summer, you can wear short sleeves and shorts on some rivers. (Life jackets and helmets must be worn for safety.) (Life jackets and helmets must be worn for safety.) Cold river water is very pleasant in the hot summer! Please refer to this page for more information on seasonal clothing.
Must-have rafting belongings
swimsuit
Since you will be wearing it under your wetsuit, we recommend a simple design! If it has a lot of frills, it may be too stiff and uncomfortable for some people.
If you don't have a swimsuit, you can wear underwear that can get wet. If you do not have a swimsuit, you may wear underwear that can get wet.
If you wear a wetsuit, you will not be able to see the underwear you are wearing underneath.
However, underwear becomes heavy when wet and is inconvenient to carry home, so we recommend that you wear a swimsuit.
We do not rent or sell wetsuits, so please be sure to bring your own.
(hand) towel
You will need it to wipe your body in the changing room after rafting. Please note that we do not take them to the river.
shoes that can get wet
The shoes you wear to the river will always get wet! Shoes that can be used in the water, such as marine shoes, are good.
Even used sneakers are acceptable as long as they are not removable. Something that can protect your feet and toes when walking in the river or on rocky terrain is good.
On the other hand, flip-flops, crocs, and other types that cannot be fixed in place, and other shoes that stick out the heels or toes are not acceptable, as they may come off or be dangerous due to the risk of injury!
What kind of shoes do you want?
Please wear sneakers, water shoes, or marine shoes with no exposed heels or toes.
We recommend worn-out sneakers or sandals with Velcro heels that can be fastened securely.
Flip-flops, women's shoes with the tops of the feet sticking out, and other shoes that can easily come off are not suitable for rafting and cannot be used.
Because you will be walking on rocks and slippery surfaces, you may injure yourself if you take off your shoes.
Please wear shoes that can be securely fastened and that cover the heels and toes.
Flip-flops, women's shoes with the tops of the feet sticking out, and other shoes that can easily come off are not suitable for rafting and cannot be used.
Because you will be walking on rocks and slippery surfaces, you may injure yourself if you take off your shoes.
Please wear shoes that can be securely fastened and that cover the heels and toes.
By Season! What to bring and wear for rafting
Rafting is an activity that can be enjoyed not only in summer, but also in spring and fall! What to wear outside of summer? Is it cold?
There are many questions to be asked about rafting in the summer.
Rafting requires different clothing depending on the season and the river you are rafting on.
There are many questions to be asked about rafting in the summer.
Rafting requires different clothing depending on the season and the river you are rafting on.
What to bring and wear in summer
What to bring for summer rafting
- T-shirt
- short pants
- swimsuit
- (hand) towel
- shoes that can get wet
Summer rafting clothing
Summer is hot and rafting can be done in a T-shirt and shorts over a bathing suit! For safety, life jackets, helmets, and shoes that can get wet are always worn.
Bikinis only are not suitable for rafting. If you only wear a bikini, it may come off in the rapids, so be sure to bring a T-shirt and shorts to wear over your swimsuit.
There is no need to bring a swimsuit.
Bikinis only are not suitable for rafting. If you only wear a bikini, it may come off in the rapids, so be sure to bring a T-shirt and shorts to wear over your swimsuit.
There is no need to bring a swimsuit.
In the case of men's swimwear, shorts are not required, as a shorts-sized swimsuit is itself shorts; a shorts swimsuit and a T-shirt will do.
If you do not have a swimsuit, please ask us to provide you with a wetsuit...
. Wetsuits are required at Yoshinogawa in Tokushima and Minakami in Gunma, even in summer. Please note that T-shirts and shorts are not allowed.
If you do not have a swimsuit, please ask us to provide you with a wetsuit...
. Wetsuits are required at Yoshinogawa in Tokushima and Minakami in Gunma, even in summer. Please note that T-shirts and shorts are not allowed.
No sunburn?
Of course, this is an outside activity, so you will get sunburned if you do not take measures to protect yourself! If you are concerned about sunburn, you can wear a long-sleeved rash guard over a T-shirt! You can also wear a hat under your helmet! Of course, sunscreen is essential!
What to bring and wear for spring rafting
What to bring for spring rafting
- swimsuit
- (hand) towel
- shoes that can get wet
Fall Rafting Outfits
In spring, when the water is still a little cold due to the melting snow, the basic attire is a wetsuit over a bathing suit and a wet jacket over a bathing suit!
Depending on the temperature of the day, we will take measures against cold or heat.
Helmets, life jackets, and shoes that can get wet are required for safety.
On hot days, change the wet jacket to a vinyl nylon jacket to protect against the heat. Nylon jackets are also hot! On days when it is too hot to wear a nylon jacket
You can use only a wetsuit!
Wetsuits, wet jackets, and nylon jackets can be rented for free.
What is a nylon jacket?
On windy or rainy days, we wear a nylon jacket over our wetsuits to protect us from the cold. It is also called a "paddling jacket.It is made of vinyl and is windproof. If you are worried about the cold, please feel free to consult our staff.
What to bring and wear for fall rafting
What to bring for fall rafting
- swimsuit
- (hand) towel
- shoes that can get wet
Spring Rafting Outfits
The weather changes frequently in the fall, with lingering summer heat and suddenly cooler temperatures. The basic attire is a wetsuit and wet jacket over a swimsuit.
Depending on the temperature of the day, a nylon jacket may be worn.
For safety, helmets, life jackets, and shoes that can get wet are required.
On hot days, change to a vinyl nylon jacket for heat protection instead of a wet jacket.
If you are worried about the cold, you can also wear two layers of wet jackets! Wetsuits, wet jackets, and nylon jackets can be rented for free.
If you are worried about the cold, you can also wear two layers of wet jackets! Wetsuits, wet jackets, and nylon jackets can be rented for free.
Rafting Pros! One Point Advice
Rafting is an exhilarating activity that involves overcoming a series of rapids, but those who are experiencing it for the first time may still feel uneasy.
Here is some advice from a professional who has been involved in rafting for many years!
Swimsuits should be simple.
Swimsuits are worn under the wetsuit, so anything with frills or ribbons will be rumpled inside. Men's swimsuits should be as simple as possible.
It makes it easier to take off the wetsuit.
Makeup should be water proof!
Rafting where you will be covered with water from the head down!If you wear makeup, water-resistant makeup is recommended... Mascara must be water-proof or you risk getting dark circles!
Eyebrows should also be water-resistant or coated. Sunscreen should also be water-resistant!
If you wear glasses or contacts, take measures!
It is possible to participate in rafting wearing glasses or contacts.
However, there is a possibility that your glasses or contacts may fall off, If you wear glasses, you will need to bring eyeglass bands, and if you wear contacts, you will need to bring underwater goggles.
Things to have with you
rash guard
If you are allergic to latex or have sensitive skin, you may get a rash when wearing a wetsuit,
It is recommended that you wear a synthetic fiber shirt or spats under your wetsuit. We also recommend this for those who are concerned about sunburn.
A long-sleeved cotton wetsuit is recommended for those who are concerned about sunburn. Long sleeves made of cotton are difficult to dry when wet, and when the wind blows, they lose body heat and make the wearer feel cold. Therefore, we recommend that you bring a shirt made of nylon, polyester, or other synthetic fibers.
A long-sleeved cotton wetsuit is recommended for those who are concerned about sunburn. Long sleeves made of cotton are difficult to dry when wet, and when the wind blows, they lose body heat and make the wearer feel cold. Therefore, we recommend that you bring a shirt made of nylon, polyester, or other synthetic fibers.
sunscreen
The sun is strong in all seasons. If you are concerned about sunburn, please bring it with you.
The back of your hands, neck, face, and ankles will be exposed when you wear a wetsuit, so please bring one if you are concerned.
hat
It is good to have it to prevent sunburn on the face. If it is a cap, you may wear it under your helmet. However, please bring a cap that can get wet.
Bag for wet items
Plastic bags from supermarkets, etc. are OK. This is convenient for carrying wet items back home.
dryer
We have a limited number of hair dryers available. If you want to use a hair dryer without fail, please bring your own! If you want to use a hair dryer, please bring your own.
There are electrical outlets in the room, so please feel free to use them.
hair elastic
Helmets are worn during rafting. If you have long hair, it is better to tie it up with an elastic band because you will be entering the river and swimming at the swim points along the way.
make-up set
After rafting, it is always a good idea to have a makeup set! A makeup set to change your makeup will help you on the way back home.
Goggles/Contacts
If you wear contacts, please bring disposable ones that you can lose. Goggles are not required if you don't mind losing them.
Please bring swimming goggles if you do not want to lose them. If you are worried about losing them, please bring swimming goggles. Goggles with large lenses used for swimming and diving are not suitable for rafting. Even if you bring goggles to look underwater, you will be going down rapids during rafting, You will not have time to take your time to look underwater. Therefore, please bring a pair of small swimming goggles.
Goggles are available for rent on the day of the tour (no reservation required, 100 yen).
Please bring swimming goggles if you do not want to lose them. If you are worried about losing them, please bring swimming goggles. Goggles with large lenses used for swimming and diving are not suitable for rafting. Even if you bring goggles to look underwater, you will be going down rapids during rafting, You will not have time to take your time to look underwater. Therefore, please bring a pair of small swimming goggles.
Goggles are available for rent on the day of the tour (no reservation required, 100 yen).
glass band
If you wear glasses, please bring your own eyeglass bands for sports use.
We will have rental spectacle bands available on site on the day of the event (no reservation required, 100 yen).
