Southwest Raft & Jeep

As the weather begins to warm up here in Durango, you may feel less inclined to wear a wetsuit or drysuit out on the water. However, wetsuits and drysuits protect us from far more than cold water and we still consider them necessary this time of year. Right now, the Animas River water is bustling along at only about 38° to 42° F. Did you know that water temperatures below 70° F can lead to hypothermia? Southwest Raft and Jeep is here to educate you on the importance of wearing wetsuits and drysuits.

What are Wetsuits and Drysuits?

A wetsuit is a snug-fitting garment that is made of neoprene or a similar material and covers the majority of the body, but does not completely exclude water. A drysuit is a snug-fitting garment that is made of waterproof rubber and, unlike a wetsuit, is ideal for wearing warm clothes underneath of. Both suits are worn for warmth and protection when diving and engaging in watersports.

What Can Wetsuits and Drysuits Protect Me From?

Wetsuits and drysuits protect you from elements like harmful UV rays, wind, and frigid water that could lead to hypothermia. Did you know that the human body cools 25 times faster in cold water than it does in air? Without proper insulated protection, your body temperature could drop to dangerously low levels in a short time when you are in the water. The current water temperatures in the Animas River could lead to exhaustion and unconsciousness in under 60 minutes, and sometimes as little as 15, if you aren’t wearing a wetsuit or drysuit. Additionally, wetsuits and drysuits help you stay afloat and minimize your risk of sustaining injuries within the water from rocks, sharp objects, and other debris.

At Southwest Raft and Jeep, we carry Level Six wetsuit and drysuit gear in our Whitewater Retail Shop that will ensure you maintain a safe body temperature and are protected from the elements when you are enjoying life on the water here in Durango, Colorado.

Looking For an All Day Adventure? Contact Southwest Raft and Jeep Today!

In addition to all of the incredible services we offer, Southwest Raft and Jeep has partnered with other outdoor professionals in order to offer you adventure packages to include a raft trip with either a Zipline tour or Jeep rental. If you have any questions about our adventure packages or any of our exciting outdoor services, please contact us today at 970-259-8313 or swing into our main office located at 305 S. Camino Del Rio, Suite V in the Office Depot Complex.

Please take note of our cancellation and refund policy: All reservations are required to be paid in full at the time of booking. Any reservation cancelled with at least 72 hours notice will receive a 90% refund. Any reservation canceled with less than 72 hours notice will not receive a refund. No calls/no shows will not be issued refunds.

Check back with our blog next week and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter and check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!

Need a Raft for Your Next Adventure? Contact Southwest Raft and Jeep Today!

Whether you need a raft, frame, raft/frame combo, coolers, dry boxes, fire pans, inflatable kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP), or Paco pads – we’ve got you covered! We offer six types of raft rentals that range in price from $60/day to $125/day depending on the type of raft and duration of your trip. We ensure high quality, durability, and excellent performance from all of our up-to-date raft rentals. A 50% deposit will be required at the time of booking your raft rental and the balance will be due upon picking up your gear. Please note our cancellation policy and understand that failure to bring the gear back clean will result in a cleaning fee of $100.

To reserve your raft rental or find out more information about our adventure packages and other exciting outdoor services, please contact us today at 970-259-8313 or swing into our main office located at 305 S. Camino Del Rio, Suite V in the Office Depot Complex.

Ready to buy your own raft? Visit our Whitewater Retail Shop!

Check back with our blog next week and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter and check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!