Rafting for families and children
Can families and children go rafting?
Yes
if the children are not afraid of water and have a basic level of swimming ability,
outdoor experiences on the river are unforgettable moments to spend together for a different, fun, and engaging day at the Rafting Republic Center.
Our F.I.Raft certified guides accompany each crew, adapting the pace of the descent to the age of the participants.
Ask for more information if you want to know more about Family Rafting in Valle D'Aosta
Ask for more information if you want to know
more about Family Rafting in Valle D'Aosta
Rafting for families with children: a safe and fun adventure on the Dora Baltea River
Rafting for families and children is one of our most popular experiences. Our Family descent for adults and children aged 6 and over is an adventure lasting about half an hour along the quietest stretch of the river, but with just the right amount of excitement and fun water splashes guaranteed.
How does the river descent work?
The rafting descent covers 3.8 km in the waters of the Dora Baltea. Adults are equipped with paddles and children are positioned at the front of the raft. The route is completely safe.
Safe rafting for children
Safety is the number one rule at our center
Every descent for families and children is managed by certified F.I.Raft guides, trained to assess river conditions and accompany children in a safe and fun way.
Here's how we make family rafting safe:
Initial briefing:
before entering the water, we explain the rules, signals, and behavior to follow on the raft.
Selected river sections
we only choose sections of the Dora Baltea with a level of difficulty suitable for children.
Experienced and up-to-date guides
they lead daily descents and participate in river safety and first aid courses.
Practical test in the center's pond:
already equipped, we spend 10-15 minutes on paddling, commands, and basic maneuvers, so that we can enter the river safely.
CE-certified technical equipment:
helmets, life jackets, and 5 mm neoprene wetsuits, checked and sanitized after each use.
Weather and water level checks
departures are only confirmed in optimal flow conditions.
From what age can children participate?
The minimum recommended age is 6 years or 100 cm in height,
with a reasonable level of confidence in the water.
If your child cannot swim or shows marked fear,
it is best to wait until they can enjoy the experience with the peace of mind it deserves.
The most suitable river sections for rafting with families and children
Not all river stretches are the same. For family rafting, we select the safest and most enjoyable sections of the Dora Baltea. In fact, the technical difficulty level for guides on these stretches is basic and very simple.
Main features of our routes:
Average length: 3.5-4 km of calm navigation, about 30-40 minutes.
Level of difficulty: class II-III according to the Italian Rafting Federation scale (ideal for beginners).
River conditions: steady current, gentle waves, no jumps or complex rapids.
Is there a risk that the descent will be too challenging for children?
No. The sections chosen have a regular flow and good visibility. The guides adapt the pace of navigation to the age of the participants.
Family rafting equipment
Each participant receives professional technical equipment, which is checked and sanitized after each use.
The technical equipment is well maintained and always promptly replaced if worn. The 5 mm thick neoprene wetsuit and our neoprene boots guarantee thermal insulation. A life jacket with the right buoyancy and a suitable helmet complete the equipment needed for the river.
All equipment complies with current EC safety standards.
Complete equipment provided by the center:
- 5 mm neoprene wetsuit for thermal insulation even in the coldest waters.
- Non-slip, durable neoprene boots.
- EC-certified protective helmet with individual adjustment system.
- High buoyancy life jacket, chosen according to weight and age.
Guides at the F.I.Raft certified rafting center
At the heart of our center are our F.I.Raft certified guides. We keep them constantly updated and regularly train them in river navigation and safety procedures to be activated in case of emergency.
Preparing for the rafting descent
Before entering the water, each family participates in a practical and theoretical preparation phase.
During the trip, parents paddle while younger children sit at the front of the raft, protected by helmets and E.C.-certified life jackets.
The steps includes:
- Welcome at the center: registration and equipment assignment.
- Briefing with the guides: explanation of basic paddling techniques and river signals.
- Test in still water: exercises in the center’s pond to familiarize yourself with the paddle, raft, and splashes.
Rafting for children with schools in Valle d’Aosta
Every year, hundreds of children from various schools come to us to strengthen their class group through river activities.
In April, May, and September, more than 900 pupils from schools in the Aosta Valley
and beyond gather at our center for a day of fun group learning.
Price
29,00 €
Tecnhical Sheet
(a cura del team di guide F.I.Raft di Rafting Republic – Dora Baltea, Valle d’Aosta)
Route length
3,8km
Total time
2:30 h
Time on the river
40 min
Available times
All days
Who can participate
Anyone in good health and taller than 1.20 metres can participate.
What to bring
■ Swimsuit
■ Swimming cap
■ Thermal shirt (or light microfleece) if available (otherwise any shirt will do) Microfleece or thermal underwear to wear under the wetsuit
■ Cotton or thermal socks that can get wet
■ Eyeglass cord
■ Shower essentials.
We require punctuality: delays of more than 15 minutes may compromise the departure of the river tour.
