I went rafting for the first time when I was 15, and the experience planted a seed that eventually grew into a career. I wish someone had taken me sooner. As a guide, I get a kick out of seeing families enjoy themselves, which is almost always the case.

Most outfitters impose an age limit of around 9 or 12, depending on the river, but they usually leave the ultimate decision to the parent. However, not all children are into such things and forcing a kid to do something that terrifies them is a bad idea. I once had a 6-year-old and her parents in the boat on the Rio Grande. Every time we hit a riffle the little girl would shriek and scream causing the ears of everyone on board to bleed. It didn't seem like a good call on the part of the parents, until about a third of the way into the trip when the girl's attitude turned around. By the time we hit the take-out, she wanted to be a river guide when she grew up.

The bottom line: rafting is a risk-taking sport and occasionally people do fall into the river and have to swim. Only you can answer whether your child will find tht experience fun or traumatizing.

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Article © Paul Cleveland