Whitewater rafting is great activity for people who love extreme sports, and one that's sure to get the adrenaline pumping. That said, going into your first whitewater rafting adventure completely blind isn't the smartest way to go about it. There are a number of things you should keep in mind before getting in the raft that will keep your experience from being totally ruined. Take a look at three of them below.

Wear Quick-Drying Clothes

It's pretty much a given that you're going to get wet while on a whitewater rafting trip. Most people will tell you that you should wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. But that's just the half of it. You should wear clothing that also dries quickly, as the average cotton shirt will stay wet far longer than is comfortable. Look at clothes made of a polyester or nylon blend to start. While these garments might be a bit pricier than cotton alternatives, it's worth it to not have a heavy, wet shirt sticking to your back hours after you've left the river. Many of these synthetic blends also offer sun protection, which is something you may want to consider when comparing prices.

Stick To Low-Level Rapids 

Even if you've never been whitewater rafting, you can have some idea of what to expect by having a look at the International Scale of River Difficulty. All rapids are given a class rating from one (I) to six (VI). The former are the easiest rapids with very small waves and hardly any risk of injury; the latter may intimidate even the most seasoned professional rafters. On your first trip, it's not recommended to venture beyond Class III rapids, which are usually considered intermediate. And regardless of how easy or difficult you think a rapid might be, never underestimate the power of water.

Don't Panic if You Fall In

Falling out of a boat on a whitewater rafting adventure isn't the greatest experience, but it certainly doesn't have to result in serious injury either. On intermediate rapids especially, you may occasionally lose your balance and find yourself overboard before you know what's going on. Don't panic, though -- your life vest will keep you afloat. Before anything else, you should focus on orienting yourself downriver and floating on your back. Be sure to keep your feet up so that they don't get stuck in underwater rocks or debris. 

For advice on the best raft to use on your first trip, contact a company like Andy and Bax.