Rafting with children on Lao: checklist for parents

For the Fun Trip on the Lao River, the River Tribe catalog indicates a minimum age of 6 years with an adult accompaniment. This data applies to that specific proposal and not for any rafting on the Lao. Grand Canyon, combined experiences and shipments have different duration, difficulty and requirements. Before booking a family must check age, confidence with water, ability to follow the controls and availability of equipment of the correct measurement.

The assigned guide confirms the suitability of participants and the section. Age alone does not automatically adapt a descent.

First question: what product are you booking?

Generic names like “rafting family” or “rafting classic” change between operators. With River Tribe the introductory proposal is the Fun Trip, which is easily classified and about an hour in the catalogue. River Walking + Rafting lasts longer and adds a walk in the hole. Grand Canyon is classified as average and the official listing of the Calabria Region on the River Tribe experience indicates 14 years as a minimum threshold.

When comparing online information, it is necessary to control operator, product and date, not only the name of the river.

Second question: is the child ready?

A ready child must not only have completed the years required. He must be able to listen to an explanation, wear helmet, jacket and suit, stay with the group and follow the controls of the guide. Intense fear of water, discomfort with the equipment or difficulty in keeping the attention must be communicated.

Adults should not minimize a fear to get confirmation. The staff can propose a different experience or not confirm the participant: is an operational evaluation, not a judgment on the child.

How risk is handled

Rafting occurs in running water and is not risk-free. Organization, guide and participants manage it.

• The staff chooses a section consistent with product, conditions and group.
• Each participant receives the expected equipment and must wear it correctly.
• The guide explains position, commands and behavior in case of fall.
• Adults must report relevant information and comply with directions.
• The guide can adapt, postpone or not confirm the exit.

Helmet, suit and vest are protective instruments; do not transform activity into a situation without risk and do not replace listening.

What to bring for a minor

The booking instructions are the final source. In general they serve costume, technical t-shirts, sneakers that can wet, towel and complete change. For small sizes you must communicate in advance age and measures required by the staff.

It is useful to prepare two separate bags: one with what wet and one with the dry change. Value objects and unplanned devices should not be carried on the inflatable without authorization.

How long to leave

The synthetic duration of Fun Trip does not necessarily include every stage of the visit. Registration, equipment distribution, dressing, briefing, transfers, descent and change form real time.

A family should arrive early and not plan immediately after a hard date. Children can take more time to wear the moult, ask questions or recover after activity.

What to ask the staff

• Is the minimum age valid for this descent and for this date?
• How much total time should we expect at the base?
• Which shoes and garments are required?
• How do we communicate little confidence with water or specific needs?
• What if conditions change?

These questions are more useful than a generic security promise.

After rafting

The rest of the day can stay light: lunch, visit Laino Borgo or rest at the River Camp. Trekking and bike can be moved to the next day. A family program works better when it leaves room for smaller participants.