Bigger water and more challenging rivers are found elsewhere. A number of companies run rivers in France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Nepal, Zimbabwe and all over the USA and elsewhere. The beauty of rafting is that it is possible to carry all your equipment and food for long journeys and be entirely self supporting. Rafters can experience exotic and remote locations around the world that would be inaccessible by any other means. Synthetic easy drying fleece clothing and a waterproof top are sufficient personal items for short trips.
Training shoes are adequate though river sandals or wet suit boots are better.
In cold climates or early in the season, a wet suit or dry suit may be necessary. Paddle jackets and quick drying rafting shorts are useful pieces of personal equipment. On extended river journeys, camping equipment, food and other provisions are usually provided by the trip organisers. Rafting is generally a non-competitive sport, however, in the last few years the annual Camel competition has attracted teams of the best rafters in the world who compete in various events including rafting slalom. The main emphasis of this competition is on camaraderie on the water and getting together with like minded people.