How to Swim Whitewater Rapids

(And Maybe Make It the Best Story of Your Trip)

Staying in the boat is always the goal, but sometimes the river has other plans.

If it happens, don’t worry! Every rapid on the Salmon and Snake Rivers has been successfully swum down hundreds, some maybe even thousands of times. For many guests, a quick swim becomes the highlight of the trip (and a great story later).

In fact, there are some deep rapids where - if conditions are perfect - our guides may allow you to hop in and swim intentionally. Controlled swims are one of the best ways to build confidence and experience the river up close.

Rafting can be a blast in or out of the boat!

The Golden Rule: Smile!

If you fall in, your first job is simple: Smile! This will help you relax and appreciate this is an exciting new experience.

No need to fight the river. You're already on your way! Take a breath, look around, and let your PFD do its job. Most rapids on the Salmon and Snake are pool-drop, which means short bursts of excitement followed by calm, deep water.

Panic burns oxygen and energy. Once you’ve got your bearings, you’ll realize it’s really not that bad - and maybe even pretty fun.

Dress & Fit for Success

PFD low and tight. Bottom buckle is the key to keeping it low. Let your guide adjust it before launch.
Helmet when required.
Secure your gear. Strap sunglasses, leave valuables behind, and expect to get wet.

Your PFD is your best friend. Keep it buckled, snug, and properly fitted. It should not ride up around your ears when tugged.

The Defensive Swim (a.k.a. The Idaho Lounge Chair)

We like to call it that because it’s your chill, kick-back position:

Lay back, feet up with your knees and toes at the surface.
Face downstream, look where you’re going. That's always a good idea!
Let your PFD do the work. Use your hands like rudders to steer.
Take breaths in the troughs (between waves), hold through the peaks of the waves.
Ideally, hold onto your paddle with one hand.

Stay relaxed, keep your feet pointed downstream, and enjoy the ride. Don't forget to smile! This is your Idaho recliner view of the canyon.

Inflatable kayaks add thrilling challenge and entertainment for everyone else!

Don’t Stand Up in Current

Even shallow water hides cracks and crevices that can trap a foot - one of the most dangerous river situations.

Never try to stand until the water is slow and below knee depth.
If you feel the bottom, stay horizontal and float high.
When near shore or in shallow water, resist the instinct to stand immediately.

It’s like when you were little - crawl before you walk.
Only stand when one hand is firmly holding the bank or you’re clearly in slack water.

Self-Rescue Beats All Rescue

In most swims, you’ll pop up within arm’s reach of the raft.

That’s your cue:

Look first - spot the raft or nearby boats.
Grab the perimeter line or handle if you’re close.
Help pull each other into the boat while the guide gives further instruction.

When You’re Farther Away

If you’re separated from the raft, don’t panic - just keep your defensive position and relax. You’ll likely drift into calmer water within seconds.

If directed, or you see a better place to go, switch to an "aggressive” swim position:

Roll onto your stomach, head up, and swim perpendicular to the current toward your target (raft, eddy, or safe side).
Consistent, steady strokes work better than frantic splashing.
It's better to relax and engage in short sprints to eddies or nearby boats, rather than fighting the current.
Keep your eyes on the goal and your ears open for guide instructions.

During summer flows, even the wildest rapids quickly end in calm pools.

If You Drift Ahead of All the Boats

It’s rare, but if you find yourself downstream or ahead of the rafts, stay calm and swim gently toward shore- ideally the side your guide signaled.

As you near slower water on the edge, you can float there until a boat reaches you.

Rare Exceptions: Hazards & Throw Ropes

Rivers are wild and occasional hazards exist - such as strainers (fallen trees), submerged logs, or old debris. These are rare, but the rule is simple:

If you see a hazard, swim away from it.

Your guides are trained to recognize and avoid these, and they’ll give clear directions. Just keep your eyes open and trust their cues. They always point in the safe direction to go, not at the hazard.

In certain situations, your guides may throw a rescue rope. It's nothing to worry about. In some situations, it's easier than rowing to you.

If you see a rope coming your way:

You may have to swim to grab it. Grab it firmly with both hands.
Roll onto your back, face downstream (away from the person holding the rope).
Let the current swing you into shore.

You might get dunked briefly as you’re pulled in - that’s normal and short-lived - then you’ll pop up and mission accomplished!

Getting People Back in the Boat

Helping others back in? Do it smart:

Stay stable, don’t lean too far out.
Grab their PFD shoulder straps.
Put a foot or knee on the raft tube and use your legs to slide them in like a seal.

No need to deadlift - just a smooth pull.

If the Raft Flips

Same rules apply. Relax. Breathe. Keep your feet up.

Here’s the fun part: rafts float just as well upside down - and you can even climb on top of them and paddle them.

Our guides will organize the recovery. They may ask you to swim a few strokes away while flipping the raft back over to avoid being under it when it comes down.

Once it’s right side up, we’ll pull everyone back aboard and regroup.

Some groups come rafting during peak high water for the wildest ride possible!

High Water Event #1 - 2025

Any Raft is a Good Raft

Don’t worry about finding “your” raft. Every guide will be glad to pick you up.

Listen for commands, make eye contact, and swim where directed.

Our guides are trained to spot swimmers fast and coordinate rescue across all boats.

Why We Practice (a Lot)

Every Adventure Idaho guide intentionally swims rapids during training. They learn to stay calm, breathe smart, and understand the patterns of whitewater firsthand.

We even practice flips for fun (and to stay sharp). Repetition builds confidence, and confidence is a foundation of safety.

Explaining the swim course during guide swim training.

Quick Hit List (Memorize These)

Smile! Breathe in troughs, hold through the peaks.
Feet up, knees and toes at the surface.
Don’t stand in current. Crawl before you walk.
Self-rescue first.
Grab the raft’s perimeter line.
Help like a pro: shoulder straps, leg power, slide ‘em in.
Upside down rafts float too.

Typical Summer Flows

In July through September, most sections of the Salmon and Snake are warm, pool-drop rivers—ideal for families and first-timers.

Swims are rare and usually short, thanks to gentle recovery pools.

In high water season (May–June), rapids are bigger, faster, and colder—some guests join these trips precisely for the thrill and a chance to “earn” a wild swim story.