What to expect on a rafting trip

Rafting with Dagali Rafting – From Check-In to River Adventure

Thinking about trying rafting but not sure how it all works? Is it safe? What happens along the way? Do you need to be super fit? At Dagali Rafting, we’ve been guiding guests down Numedalslågen since 1989. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned thrill-seeker, we’ll make sure you have a safe, professional, and unforgettable experience. Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect:

Welcome to Dagali – Check-in and introduction

Your adventure begins at our base by Geilo Airport Dagali, just 25 minutes from Geilo. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our friendly and experienced guides – some of the most skilled in Europe. With decades of experience, we know the Numedalslågen like the back of our hand.

Before hitting the river, you’ll:

Be fitted with all necessary gear: wetsuit, wetsuit shoes, helmet, and life jacket
Receive a full safety briefing and paddle instruction
Learn what to do in the river and how to work as a team

Safety is always our top priority. All guides are internationally certified through Rescue 3 International and have updated first aid training.

Klar, ferdig, padle – selve turen

Når alle er klare, blir du og gruppen din fraktet til startpunktet ved Numedalslågen – Nord-Europas mest tekniske og spennende kommersielle raftingelv. Den kalles ikke “Lille Zambezi” uten grunn!

Hva skjer underveis?

Du og laget ditt padler sammen gjennom stryk av ulik vanskelighetsgrad, alt fra morsomme bølger til mer tekniske utfordringer
Guiden sitter bak i flåten og styrer retningen – men du bidrar aktivt som padler!
Underveis får du garantert noen overraskelser, kanskje en liten svømmetur eller en ekstra utfordring (frivillig, selvfølgelig)
Turene varer mellom 2 og 3 timer, avhengig av turtype og vannstand

Vannstanden varierer gjennom sesongen, noe som gjør at elva kan oppleves helt forskjellig på ulike tidspunkter. Tidlig sommer gir høy vannføring og mer fart, mens sensommer gir mer tekniske og presise stryk.

Let’s go – Time for the river

Once everyone is geared up, you’ll be transported to the starting point on the Numedalslågen – Northern Europe’s most technical commercial rafting river. It’s not called the “Little Zambezi” for nothing!

What happens on the river?

You and your crew will paddle through rapids of varying difficulty – from fun waves to more technical sections
Your guide will steer the raft from the back – but you’ll be an active part of the team!
Along the way, expect some surprises – maybe a swim or a bonus challenge (optional, of course!)
Trips last between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the tour type and water levels

The river changes throughout the season. Spring brings high water and fast-paced rapids, while late summer offers more technical and precise lines. No two trips are ever the same!

After the trip – Hot showers and great memories

Back at the base, you can shower, change into dry clothes, and warm up. We offer full changing and restroom facilities.

Photos are taken during the trip, and you’ll have the option to purchase them afterwards – a perfect way to remember your adventure and show off your river skills!

Many guests choose to grab a bite to eat nearby or head back to their cabin, campsite, or hotel in Geilo. For many, rafting becomes the highlight of their mountain holiday.

Here’s what you can expect

Whether you’re coming with friends, family, colleagues, or going solo, you can look forward to:

Professional, down-to-earth guides who make you feel safe
A stunning nature experience
Plenty of laughs and team spirit
An activity that pushes you just the right amount – never beyond your comfort zone
A river with a personality – never the same twice

Who is rafting for?

We’ve taken 8-year-olds and 87-year-olds down the river. As long as you:

Are comfortable in and around water
Can paddle lightly with others
Want an active and social adventure

…then rafting is absolutely for you!

Ready to try it?

Booking is easy, and we’re happy to help you find the right trip for you and your group.

Rafting is a perfect activity for mountain holidays, weekends with friends, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just a break from everyday life.

Let’s paddle – and create memories that last a lifetime.