Here on the Killgore Adventures blog, we outline a lot of different ways to make the most of your jet boat tour of Hells Canyon. We’ve reviewed wildlife, fishing strategies, how to use our jet back service and more. But we haven’t spent a lot of time discussing how to care for yourself while you travel down the Snake and Salmon Rivers.
Perhaps the greatest challenge our customers face while traveling with us, whether it’s on a jet boat tour or a whitewater rafting trip, is keeping their skin safe from the sun. That’s why we’re going to outline a few ways you can follow to keep your skin free from burns.
This is the most obvious measure, and the most common. Start by choosing a broad spectrum sunblock that keeps you safe from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Then, choose a sunblock that has an adequate SPF rating. The effectiveness of a block is measured by a comparison of how long it takes your skin to burn without it. So if you get a sunburn after 30 mins of sun exposure, an SPF 15 block means that it will take 15 times longer for you to burn.
So, for our outdoor adventures, a stronger SPF sunscreen, at least 30 or above is best. IF your skin is naturally pale or very sensitive, you may need to use SPF 50 or stronger.
Make sure to apply sunscreen generously. Putting on too thin a layer, or missing spots on your body doesn’t do you any good. Make sure to hit often forgotten spots like ears, face, front and back of the neck, and the bottom of your nose. Given that our tours are in the sun for most of the day and expose you to water, you’ll need to reapply your sunscreen frequently. Plan on reapplying at least every two hours.
Another easy way to avoid getting burned is to dress appropriately for the weather. While many of us start to shed layers when the sun comes out, wearing the right clothes can protect your skin. Rather than choosing shorts and a tank top, look for long-sleeved shirts and pants that are made from lightweight, moisture wicking materials. In many cases, outdoor brands offer a line of clothing that is specifically designed to be worn in the sun and is as effective, if not more so than 50 SPF sunblock.
The advantage of wearing sun-specific clothing is that you don’t have to keep track of when to reapply sunscreen. For as long as you wear it, it’s effective. This is also the case for other accessories like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. These do a great job of protecting the skin on your face and head.
This is sometimes easier said than done but is still quite possible on our tours. Our jet boats have an integrated awning that covers the cabin of the boat. It does a great job of keeping most of the sun off your skin while we’re traveling without interrupting your views of the canyon. Off the boat, however, you can use items like shades and umbrellas to keep the sun at bay.
Once you’ve retreated out of the sun, it’s important to offer your skin the care it needs. If you got burned, you can use aloe vera soothes your skin, keeping you from scratching it and irritating it further. Eat a meal that’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin A. Snacks like nuts, seeds, avocados, and dark fruits are packed full of these essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that are vital to restoring your skin and keeping it healthy and strong.
Grab your sunblock and hat and climb aboard! It’s time to explore the best that Hells Canyon, Idaho has to offer. Join river outfitters at Killgore Adventures, Idaho’s #1 adventure company, for a ride that you won’t believe. Our jet boats will take you up and down the most amazing rapids in the Snake and Salmon Rivers. Book your spot today!