Rafting Safety & Gear: Everything You Need to Know
At Bend Backcountry Tours, we believe that the more prepared you feel, the more fun you’ll have. If you’re planning your trip using our comprehensive Bend Rafting Guide, it’s natural to have questions about the technical side of the river. If you’ve never been whitewater rafting before, it’s natural to have questions. Below, we break down how we keep you safe, what happens in the water, and why you don't need to go shopping before your trip.
"Is Whitewater Rafting Safe?"
While any outdoor adventure carries an element of risk, professional rafting is a highly regulated and systematic activity. Our trips are designed to be 'challenge-level appropriate' based on the specific river. You can see how we rate the difficulty of each run on our guide to Central Oregon Rivers. Whether you are looking for the family-friendly splashes of Big Eddy or the more technical runs outlined in our Bend Rafting Guide, we manage every rapid with a 'safety-first' mindset.
Our guides are trained to read the river's hydraulics, navigate specific "lines" through rapids, and maintain constant communication with the rest of the fleet.
Common Concerns: "What If I Fall Out?"
This is the #1 question we hear! Here is the reality:
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The "Swim": If you fall in, it’s called a "swim." Most swims are brief and end with you being pulled back into the boat by a guide or a teammate within seconds.
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The Gear: You will be wearing a Type V High-Float Life Jacket (PFD). These are specifically designed for whitewater to keep your head well above water, even in turbulent sections.
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The Training: Before we ever touch the water, your guide will give a Safety Talk. You’ll learn the 'Whitewater Floating Position' which protects you until you are picked up. For more answers to common logistics like age limits and what happens if it rains, visit our Rafting FAQ page.
The Gear: We’ve Got You Covered
One of the best parts of booking one of our Upper McKenzie or Deschutes River tours? You don't need to own any specialized gear. We provide professional-grade equipment for every guest.
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PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices): Professional-grade, high-buoyancy vests that are adjusted for a snug, safe fit by your guide.
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Helmets: Lightweight, drainage-ready head protection for our more technical runs.
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Wetsuits & Splash Jackets: For early-season trips or chilly mornings, we provide high-quality neoprene to keep you warm and comfortable.
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The Boats: We use state-of-the-art, multi-chambered inflatable rafts that are virtually unsinkable.
Our Safety Systems & Guide Training
Our guides aren't just great storytellers; they are trained safety professionals. Every Bend Backcountry Tours guide undergoes rigorous training that includes:
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Swiftwater Rescue Training: Our leads are trained in "SRT" protocols—knowing exactly how to use throw ropes, pulleys, and boat-tethering systems to manage any situation.
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First Aid & CPR: Every trip departs with a lead guide certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR).
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The "Safety Header": On the river, our boats travel in a specific order so that there is always a "downstream safety" boat ready to assist if someone from a lead boat takes a swim.
Pro Tip: Your most important piece of safety gear is your Guide. Listen to their paddle commands—they are the "brakes" and "steering" of the boat!
What Should YOU Bring?
Since we provide the technical gear, you only need the basics:
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Shoes that stay on: Sandals with straps (like Chacos/Tevas) or old sneakers. No flip-flops!
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Sun Protection: Sunscreen and a hat (preferably one with a chin strap).
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Synthetic Clothing: Think gym clothes (polyester/nylon). Avoid denim or heavy cotton, which gets cold and heavy when wet.
Ready to get on the water now that you know the ropes? Head back to our Ultimate Bend Rafting Guide to pick your river and book your adventure.