Packing the right items makes a rafting or kayaking trip more comfortable from start to finish. You do not need to buy specialist equipment, but you should bring suitable clothing, secure footwear and a complete change of clothes.
This practical guide explains what to wear on the Genil River, what OcioAventura Cerro Gordo provides and which personal belongings are best left safely behind.
What equipment does the company provide?
OcioAventura Cerro Gordo supplies the technical equipment required for the activity: a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet and paddle. The experience also includes a river guide, internal transport connected with the route and the relevant insurance.
A wetsuit is used even during summer because the river water stays cool. Equipment is allocated before the activity and must be worn as instructed by the guide.
What should you wear in the water?
The easiest option is to arrive with swimwear underneath your clothes. The supplied wetsuit is worn over your swimwear. Avoid bulky garments, cotton layers under the wetsuit or anything that restricts movement.
On sunny days, apply sun protection before putting on the equipment. Avoid very greasy cream on your hands because it can make the paddle harder to grip.
Which footwear is suitable?
Footwear must stay securely on your feet, be suitable for getting wet and have a protective sole. Old trainers, rigid-soled neoprene shoes or closed water shoes are suitable choices.
Flip-flops, open sandals, high heels and loose footwear are not recommended. If you do not have suitable shoes, ask about neoprene shoe rental on arrival, subject to availability.
What should you bring for afterwards?
A complete change of clothes makes the end of the activity much more comfortable. Pack underwear, a shirt, trousers or a dress, socks and a dry pair of shoes. Bring a towel and a bag for wet clothing and footwear.
The facilities include toilets and showers. Bring your usual toiletries and, if you have long hair, a simple hair tie.
Personal belongings: what to carry and what to store
Do not take your phone, wallet, loose keys, jewellery, watches or other valuables onto the river. Prescription glasses should have a secure strap; ask the team beforehand if you need to wear them during the activity.
Backpacks can be stored at the facilities while the group is on the river. Vehicles are parked outside the base, so avoid leaving valuables visible inside them.
A quick checklist before leaving
Check your booking, meeting time and exact location. The booked time is the start of the complete activity, including reception, equipment allocation and group preparation.
Eat normally, stay hydrated and avoid an excessively heavy meal immediately before entering the water.
Is the packing list different for rafting and kayaking?
The basic preparation is almost identical. Rafting takes place in a larger boat with a guide and other participants, while a kayak or canoraft is smaller and requires more direct control.
For both activities, expect to get wet, paddle, follow instructions and wear the supplied safety equipment. The choice depends more on the experience your group wants than on what you need to pack.
Quick comparison: what to bring for rafting or kayaking
| Item | Rafting | Kayak / canoraft |
| Clothing in the water | Swimwear and supplied wetsuit | Swimwear and supplied wetsuit |
| Footwear | Closed, secure and suitable for water | Closed, secure and suitable for water |
| Towel and dry clothes | Needed afterwards | Needed afterwards |
| Participation | Teamwork in a larger raft | More control of a smaller craft |
| Valuables | Leave safely stored | Leave safely stored |
Advice for families and groups
When children are taking part, pack a full change of clothes for each child and make sure their footwear fits securely. Avoid wearing brand-new shoes and label bags or clothing for large groups.
For friends, companies or celebration groups, share the checklist in advance so that nobody arrives without swimwear, a towel or suitable footwear.
Final packing checklist
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Secure closed footwear for water
- Full change of clothes and dry shoes
- Sun protection and toiletries
- Bag for wet clothing
- Booking confirmation and location
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy a wetsuit?
No. The company provides the wetsuit and the other technical equipment required.
Can I wear flip-flops?
No. Footwear should be closed, secure and have a suitable sole.
Can I take my phone in a waterproof case?
Leaving it safely stored is the best option because it may be hit, damaged or lost.
What if I wear glasses?
Prescription glasses should have a secure strap. Speak to the team before entering the water.
Are showers and changing facilities available?
The facilities include toilets and showers for changing after the activity.
Is the list the same for family and white-water rafting?
Yes. In both cases, bring swimwear, a towel, secure closed footwear and a full change of clothes.
Book your Genil River activity
Tel. +34 951 700 231 · WhatsApp +34 655 614 837 · info@ocioaventuracerrogordo.com
