Equipment & Safety

Our Rafting Equipment

At Rafting Costa Rica, we stand out as the premier choice for whitewater rafting adventures, drawing on over 40 years of expertise navigating the thrilling whitewater on Californian rivers. We bring the same high-quality equipment we use in California to our operations in Costa Rica. All our rafting, medical, and safety equipment is imported from the US.

Our rafts are manufactured by SOTAR in Oregon and AIRE in Idaho. SOTAR hand builds every raft with meticulous care and detail using the best urethane fabric in the world. Our 13 and 14-foot SOTAR rafts are custom-built for use on the river of Costa Rica. Our 13-foot AIRE Super Pumas are used on the steep and technical Class 4 rivers, and our lower volume runs. Having a fleet of two different-sized rafts allows us more flexibility as the water levels change on the river.

Safety on the River

Safety is our top priority, evident in every company policy, every piece of our river equipment, and the extensive experience and training our guides and staff receive. Our client’s safety starts with our highly experienced and qualified professional guides, representing the pinnacle of raft guides in Costa Rica.

The trinity of personal safety equipment – Personal Flotation Device (PFD), helmet, and paddle – ensures your well-being on the water. Our US Coast Guard Certified Type 5 Commercial NRS PFDs guarantee a safe fit and ample buoyancy, transforming an unintentional swim into an enjoyable out-of-boat experience. Helmets are mandatory on all whitewater trips; our MIPS fully adjustable helmets provide protection and style, and their reflective white surface deflects the sun’s rays on hot summer days. For paddling prowess, we equip you with commercial-grade Carlisle & Hyside paddles. Post-use daily, each piece of equipment undergoes thorough cleaning and disinfection.

In an emergency, communication is critical, and we carry Inmarsat satellite phones, local cell phones, and GMRS 2-way radios on all trips. Our trips on the river always have a way to communicate with emergency service providers, our operations office in La Fortuna, as well as our shuttle drivers on each trip at all times.

Emergency Medical Equipment

Each of our trips carries extensive medical equipment, and our guide is certified and trained in their use. Each raft had a small “scratch kit” for any minor issues. Each trip carries an extensive trauma kit in the event of an unfortunate medical injury. Each of our trips also has a HeartSine AED, and we are the only rafting company in Costa Rica that carries one on each of our trips.

Our Vehicles

Our journey to and from the river can present challenges, especially on the roads of Costa Rica, and our commitment to safety extends to our vehicles. Our shuttle vans are brand new or only a few years old and are driven by licensed commercial drivers. All our shuttle vehicles undergo daily inspections, adhering to the US Federal Motor Safety Commission regulations. Our client’s safety during the shuttle is as paramount as during their adventure on the river.

Setting Industry Standards

Embarking on a river adventure with us goes beyond the thrill of navigating rapids – it’s an immersive experience where the excitement of rapids blends with an interpretive experience in a natural corridor teeming with bio-diversity found in only a few places in the world. In the world of whitewater rafting, especially on rivers in Costa Rica, the significance of the equipment cannot be overstated. From our rafts to the paddles in hand, every element of our equipment and policies ensures you have the safest and most comfortable river experience while enjoying your Costa Rican vacation.