Hello all,
This is only my second post and I'm totally new here and to rafting. I do have a question that I'd like to bounce off you guys for maybe some encouragement that I'm not being a complete bozo if I choose to proceed.
Q: Prior to setting out on our first trip down the Green River through the Gates of Lodore would it be wise to take our new raft out to the lake near my house and just kind of do a "wet run" of the inflation/assembly, the full gear loadout and to get a feel of the oars with the raft fully loaded with everyone on board before doing so on moving water? I think its a great idea that would be a lot of fun, and I think it would be great for the family to just work through everything one good time before we have the other 5 rafts in our group waiting on us. We will otherwise be in good hands with 20+ experienced folks in our group to help us along. So in other words we're not just jumping in willy nilly, but still, I'd like a run through once!
Our family of 5 just purchased our first raft and we are all brimming with excitement! Although I have no rafting experience my wife grew up doing it and my eldest son did a trip a few years back. But its all new to me. I have only done a two day trip in my Old Town Loon 120 down the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania which had class I rapids, but I loved it! I frequently take it out on the water fishing and exploring. Anyway...
My experience is minimal and I just wanted to hear if any of you have done this, or seen others do it, or might consider it a good practice. I'll happily take any tips or suggestions on the matter as well.
Thanks!
