When planning a rafting trip it’s important to consider how to best protect yourself from the sun. The combination of all day exposure and reflected sunlight off the water can be intense. Proper protection allows you to get the most out of your trip and avoid sunburn, heat exhaustion, or even skin damage. Another advantage of covering up is when you get wet it helps cool you down and necessity on most rafting trips.

Here are some tips on how to dress to protect yourself from the sun even in a harsh place like rafting in the Grand Canyon.

Wear a hat

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the sun is to wear a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap. A hat will protect your face, neck, and ears from harmful UV rays, and will also keep you cool. Choose a hat made from a breathable material, such as cotton or straw, to ensure that your head stays cool. On windy days wide brim hats can be challenging to keep on your hat, have a back-up wind friendly hat.

Consider regularly dipping your hat in the river to help keep your head cool. It’s amazing how much more fun rafting in the Grand Canyon is when you aren’t overheated.

Choose the right shirt

When selecting a shirt for your rafting trip, look for one providing good coverage, made from a breathable fabric and rated UPF 50. Not all shirts protect the same a UPF 50 shirt provides a higher level of protection. A sun hoodie with long sleeves and a hood will protect your arms, neck, and head from the sun. Plus, a loose-fitting shirt will keep you cool by allowing better airflow. Finally, consider wearing a light-colored shirt, as lighter colors reflect sunlight and reduce the amount of heat you absorb.

Rash Guards

Depending upon the weather consider wearing a rash guard as a quality alternative to a sun shirt. Designed specifically for water activities, rash guards provide excellent sun protection and their quick-drying material wicks away moisture. Rash guards come in long-sleeve options, providing extra protection for your arms and neck. If you find yourself swimming in the river, it is much easier to swim in a tight fitting rash guard.

Pants instead of Shorts

Pants or even better, 3/4 length shorts provide extra protection for your knees and legs, which are often exposed to the sun during a rafting trip. Choose pants made from a lightweight, breathable fabric, such as cotton or quick-drying material and ideally are UPF 50. Light-colored pants will also reflect sunlight and keep you cool.

Capris style or are best as the ankles on pants are continually wet and can cause your toes and feet to get rashes and cracks. The capris also allow for better air flow and to stay cool when hiking.

Swim Tights

An alternative to pants or capris is swim tights. These UPF tights fit well under a pair of boards shorts and are becoming popular with surfers.

Invest in sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Look for polarized sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection and have a wide frame to protect your eyes from all angles. Polarized lenses greatly reduce glare off the water, making it easier to see the river, pretty much every guide wear polarized sunglasses. Be sure they have a retention strap so you don’t lose them.

Light weight gloves

Light weight gloves protect your hands from the sun and additionally help keep them from cracking due to the elements.

Quick dry shoes or Sandles

Shoes will protect your feet better from the sun than sandals. If you get blisters you may want to wear synthetic socks too. Read more about selecting footwear for rafting trips.

Sarong

Sarongs are the perfect companion for rafting trips, offering versatility and practicality in one simple piece of fabric. Not only do they provide a stylish and comfortable cover-up during breaks on the riverbank, but they also serve as an excellent tool for protecting against the scorching sun.

When draped over your head and shoulders or laid over your knees, legs and feet, sarongs shield adventurers from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburns and offering much-needed shade. Additionally, when the heat becomes overwhelming, sarongs can be easily dipped in the cool river water and worn for an instant cooling effect. Their lightweight and quick-drying nature make them the ideal accessory for staying comfortable and protected on exhilarating rafting expeditions.

Buffs/Neck Gaitors

UPF buffs, also known as neck gaiters, are becoming popular on rafting trips. Buffs act as a reliable shield against harmful UV rays, safeguarding the neck, face, and ears from sunburn during long hours under the blazing sun. Moreover, their versatile design allows them to be worn with all types of hats and helmets in various ways, such as a full face covering or a neck protector, providing customizable protection. Pulling a buff over a baseball hat will help keep it on in wind or rapids.

Additionally, UPF buffs excel at wicking away moisture and drying quickly, making them ideal for water-based activities like rafting. Lightweight and comfortable, these buffs ensure that adventurers stay cool, dry, and well-protected.

Sunscreen

After all of this you probably still have a few pieces of skin exposed to the sun. Consider protecting them with a high SPF sunscreen that is water resistant.

Concluding thoughts

In conclusion, protecting yourself from the sun while rafting in the Grand Canyon is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. Wear a hat, choose the right shirt, invest in sunglasses, wear pants, and consider wearing a rash guard. Remember to apply sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and take breaks in the shade to avoid overheating. With these tips, you’ll be well-protected from the sun and ready to raft rapids of any white water

Check out some of our favorite sun protection clothing.

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