I recently had the opportunity to raft the Grand Canyon for two whole weeks, and it was one of the coolest trips I’ve ever been on.

I had done some rafting before, but that rafting consisted of mostly float trips. After years of wanting to run some real whitewater, however, I finally got the chance to raft some of the biggest and best whitewater in the country.

When my river guide cousin texted me and asked if I wanted to be her assistant on a trip down the Grand Canyon over the summer, I knew I had to do it. And in addition to the whitewater, which I knew I would love, I enjoyed every part of the experience.

From learning about the history and geology of the canyon, to the meals, camping, and people I met along the way, my journey down the Grand Canyon was even more incredible than I expected it to be (and expectations were already high).

Here are some things I wish I knew before setting out on the river:

1. Be prepared to wake up early

“Good morning Grand Canyon! Coffee’s ready!” is the call I woke up to around 4:30 a.m. each morning of the two-week trip. River guides like to get on the water early to avoid the afternoon wind, secure a good campsite, and ensure we cover the plotted mileage for the day. So, the group (about 20 people) would go to sleep and wake up with the sun. Although I’m typically a night owl, considering the peaceful sounds of the river rippling downstream, the stars shining bright overhead, and the exhaustion of a day spent hiking, swimming, and paddling in the sun, I had no problems falling asleep and waking up early.

2. Bring good rain and sun protection

Even though you’re in the desert being blasted by 90-100 degree heat, you might get cold at some point. Amid shaded sections of the river and while getting splashed by 10-20 foot waves, there is a big chance you might get chilly at some point, especially if you run cold. I wasn’t expecting to get as cold as I did at some points on the trip. I overheat easily and thought I would be baking in the blistering heat the whole time, but I used my sleeping bag most nights.

Also, I found that wearing “sun hoodies” and long pants most of the time was easier than slathering myself with sunscreen every day (and with the river right there to cool off, it’s easy to go for a refreshing swim).

3. Drink lots and lots of water (with electrolytes)

Since you’re getting splashed and frolicking in the river, it can be easy to feel cool and forget to drink enough water. However, in a place like the Grand Canyon, it’s imperative to stay properly hydrated, a lesson I quickly learned on the morning of the second day of my trip. I woke up with a screaming headache and nausea, fearful the symptoms would last throughout the day. But once I chugged a liter of water and enjoyed the breakfast of pancakes with bananas and walnuts, I felt as good as new and ready to take on the whitewater.

And don’t forget the electrolytes, too. Plain water can actually be dehydrating at times if essential nutrients aren’t being replaced, too.

4. You’re going to want campsite clothing for after you get off the river

Don’t forget to bring comfy, loose clothing to change into once you pull off the river for the day. It felt amazing to change into clean(ish) dry clothes after setting up camp.

5. You will be fed well

I was blown away by the meals we cooked on the river. With essentially a commercial kitchen set up and repacked onto the rafts at each campsite, it seemed that there wasn’t much we couldn’t cook. Each day began with the early morning coffee call, followed by a warm breakfast of eggs cooked every way imaginable, pancakes, French toast, bacon, sausage, and more. Lunches consisted of a variety of sandwiches, salads, cookies, and fruit. And each day ended with seemingly lavish meals, complete with an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Some of my personal favorites included fajitas, burgers and brats, and salmon. The dessert menu included cakes, cookies, and brownies cooked in a Dutch oven.

6. It’s actually possible to stay relatively clean

A dip, or what feels like a cold plunge in the frigid river, washing your hands, and bringing body wipes can go a long way in helping one feel cleaner and refreshed on a long river trip. You can even bring shampoo, conditioner, and soap, and bathe in the river, which I think is a special experience, as you don’t get to shower in a river very often.

7. You’ll be entertained and amazed throughout the whole trip

Thanks to books, Bocce ball, frisbees, water guns, guitar-playing guides, stories, and poems read aloud, and simply trying to take in the splendor of my surroundings, there was never a dull moment in the Grand Canyon.

8. You will go through obscene amounts of lotion

Between the sun, getting splashed often, and the dry climate, it’s essential to bring enough lotion and lip balm to keep your skin silky smooth and hydrated. Keep it handy throughout the day so you can reapply as needed. My hands got the most dry and began to crack, which is no fun while trying to enjoy a day paddling in the sun. Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen, too – even if you’re planning to use layers that offer protection.

9. Swimming through whitewater is scary

Okay, so this one isn’t unexpected, but I was given two opportunities to practice swimming whitewater on the trip, and descriptions of the experience didn’t do it justice for me. The first rapid I swam was on the smaller side and went smoothly. I was able to hold my defensive swimming position and managed to time it by breathing correctly (always breathe at the bottom of the wave).

However, when it came time to swim the Fishtail Rapid, I thought I would easily be able to float through again. I was not. As the current pulled me into the rapid, I realized these waves were much bigger than the first rapid I swam. As the first 10-foot wave smashed into my face I panicked, trying to breathe as the waves crashed into me from what felt like every direction. My feet sank into the river and I ended up flailing around trying to keep myself from choking on the water. Luckily, it only took about 20 seconds to swim through the rapid and I was quickly pulled into the boat. So, I ended up having two drastically different experiences swimming whitewater over the trip.

Remember – it’s always possible to end up getting tossed off of the raft. Experiencing a swim through rapids is important for training. Always make sure you’ve got your life jacket on at all times.

10. You’ll meet a variety of people and probably make new friends

The guests on this trip ranged in age from 19 to 80 including teachers, retired doctors, musicians, and much more. The river attracts a variety of unique people, and (at least on my trip) they come together and bond in a way only a two-week trip almost completely unplugged in nature can connect people. I left the Grand Canyon with what feels like several new friends and memories of the adventure of a lifetime.

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