The Experience
Your visit starts at the watersports centre where you’ll check in and head to the changing rooms. You’ll be issued your essential kit, which includes a helmet, buoyancy aid and paddle, so you’re ready for the river before heading out.
Next, your instructor conducts a full safety briefing. They’ll explain how the raft works, run through basic paddling commands and go over safety procedures so everyone knows what to do if you take a spill into the water.
Once the briefing is complete, you’ll carry the raft down to the launch area and board with your group. The 700-metre course uses water fed from the River Trent, creating rapid currents and sudden drops along the route. As you enter the first section, the water immediately pushes against the raft, so you'll need to dig your paddle in and react quickly to the guide's calls.
As you move further down, you’ll hit features like the sluice gate wave and the pyramid pool. The raft bounces over waves and churns through narrow gaps, meaning water spills over the sides while the crew works in sync to keep the boat headed downstream. Because the course maintains a continuous flow, there’s little resting time while you navigate through stoppers and fast-moving eddies.
After completing a run, you'll carry the boat back up to the start point to go again. Each pass gives you a chance to adjust your technique as you get used to how the raft handles the drops and surges.
What’s Included:
- White water rafting session in Nottinghamshire
- Full safety briefing and instruction
- Equipment provided (helmet, buoyancy aid, and paddle)
- Qualified river guide in every raft
Grab a paddle and tackle the rapids!
Important Information
Participants must be confident in open water and able to swim.
All participants must be 14 years old and over
If any members of the party are under 18 years of age a parental consent form must be completed and brought with you on the day
All participants must weight less than 114kg / 18 stone (chest size 122cm / 48 inch)
Please note if you book on as an individual there is a possibility that you may be put in a two man ducky, this is subject to rafting numbers and group sizes
The Weather
White Water Rafting can be weather dependant, and in extreme circumstances where rafting is effected we would endeavour to contact all participants prior to arrival on site.
Session length
Your rafting experience will be approximately 1 hr 45mins. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled rafting time.
Numbers
There will be a maximum of eight people in your raft plus your guide
Spectator
The National Water Sports Centre is located in 270 acres of county park, with nature reserves and plenty of things for spectator to see.
What To Wear
The hire of wetsuits and all safety equipment is included in the cost of your experience, however you should not wish to wear them we recommend that you wear a long sleeved top with full length trousers. NO SHORTS, JEANS or T-SHIRTS. Lace up footwear is essential and will get wet, so bring spare footwear. Changing facilities and showers are available.
Availability
Rafting is 7 days a week throughout the summer, starting in March, where available. Any dates not available will be due to Governing Body events or training.
Location
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.
