COSTA RICA WHITEWATER PACKING LIST

Weather in Costa Rica is normally mild and often rainy.  Average temperatures range between 65° - 75°.  It is best to pack with your needs in mind, but remember, casual is the theme for this vacation!  Keep things uncomplicated and pack as lightly as possible.  When you finish packing you should have three bags: a small carry-on containing your personal items (especially any medication), a paddle bag/ski bag containing your paddle, and a third containing the remainder of your gear.  Each bag should be clearly labeled with a name and phone number.  For added security you may want to bring along a small lock for your bags, but do not use it in flight.

Following is a packing list to use to help you pack for your trip:

• Spray Skirt - that fits the boat you will be paddling
• PFD/Life Jacket - make sure that your knife is packed separately
• Helmet
• Flotation Bags - don't come without them, they are hard to come by in a foreign country!
• Paddle (a ski bag or paddle bag is a good way to pack it)
• Any special outfitting requirements you need for a boat aside from normal padding
• Throw rope and any personal safety gear that you usually carry.
• Small personal dry bag
• Duct tape * Aqua seal
• Water bottle
• Paddle Jacket (normally a short sleeve jacket is sufficient unless you get cold easily)
• 1 – 2 light rash guard/polypro tops
• Shorts for on and off the river
• One pair casual pants/jeans, or a comfortable skirt
• T-shirts, short sleeve shirt, one long-sleeve shirt
• Light Jacket/sweater
• Raincoat or shell
• Sunglasses
• Sun Block and Insect Repellent
• Towel to be used for changing
• Book or Magazine to read
• Ear plugs if you are a light sleeper
• Mesh Gear Bag PLEASE DO NOT FORGET THIS. Paddling gear is stored separate from suitcases in the vans and when gear is wet, it goes on the top of the van.

Personal Items include your dopp kit (with toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, razor, deodorant, shampoo, etc) a Spanish dictionary, camera (if digital don’t forget the charger), film and batteries, and a personal first aid kit that includes ibuprofen, Imodium, Neosporin, Swimmers ear solution and Band-Aids. Personal snacks that you cannot live without: if you depend on organic/non-anything/special ingredient snacks, bring them along as you will not find them in-country. There is wi-fi service at some of the hotels we use. 

ADDITIONAL PACKING NEEDS: If you are planning on enjoying more time in the country, pack so that you can store a bag at the hotel for the week.

Travel Documents
A passport is necessary for travel to Costa Rica.  Please confirm that the expiration date of your passport is 6 months after your return home. Make two copies of your passport-one to be stored at home and the other in your luggage.  No shots are required; however, always check with your physician for your personal needs. 

Reading List
Van rides/early nights provide an opportunity to read that you might not have at home. Wow--vacation and you have the chance to read for fun!  Even better is reading about the history, politics and culature of Latin America.  Selections off our guide reading list can help you get started on what to bring/load on your ibook and/or Kindle.

Traveling with your paddle
Anyone who travels knows that checking even a suitcase has become a big deal with the airlines. Expect paying check-in fees for your luggage.  Do not call the airline in advance and ask about your paddle. It is not worth the phone call. Pack it in a ski bag or paddle bag. Some airlines will charge you for oversized sporting goods, others will charge you for your second bag, some airlines will not charge if they do not charge for skis….there is no set policy.  If there are other boaters on your trip that live near you, we recommend working it out to put all the paddles in one bag and split the cost.  Our international guides struggle with the same challenge each year.