Rafting in Georgia: The Good and the Bad
In Georgia, for more than a decade — especially before the COVID-19 pandemic — some of the rafting companies were actively working to meet international service and safety standards. Many of them followed the guidelines of the International Rafting Federation (IRF).
Professional IRF instructors visited Georgia, conducted training sessions, delivered lectures, and assisted companies in enhancing their skills.
As a result, there are several well-equipped teams across different regions of the country today. These teams have good gear, trained guides who know how to use the equipment, and understand the safety standards required to lead trips on fast-moving water. They know how to control the boat properly and how to make rafting both fun and safe.
But there's another side to the story.
As rafting grew more popular and there was no official certification system in place, many people saw it as a way to make quick money in the tourism sector. After all, buying a basic raft and some gear for summer trips costs only a few thousand dollars, much less than a car suitable for tourist transfers.
As a result, for every serious team, there are at least 10 others who — to put it politely — have no idea what they’re doing.
Here’s one real example:
It’s spring. The water is cold and fast. A popular place is full of walking tourists. A trained guide from a partner company is preparing the rafts. A man wearing jeans walks up and asks:
“Hey, dude, you’re a guide, right? Can you tell me where the guide is supposed to sit in the boat, and where the tourists should sit?”
The guide briefly explains.
Five minutes later, the man comes back with three other people, walks up to the boat, and says:
“Get in the raft, I’m your guide. Let’s go rafting.”
