Weekend rafting trips on a nearby river

Friends, families, stag and hen groups, work teams and holidaymakers looking for an adventure day.

A set price per person for a half-day or full-day trip. Private group bookings and corporate days bring in more per trip. Income is seasonal and depends on river conditions.

• Whitewater paddling and river safety
• Leading and briefing groups
• Reading river levels and weather
• Customer service

• Check whether you need an Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) licence, especially if you will take under-18s
• Specialist activity insurance, including public liability, and employer's liability if you hire guides
• River access can depend on landowners, release schedules or local agreements, so check what applies to your chosen stretch
• Check guide qualifications and safety standards, such as rescue training and safety cover, which are expected by insurers
• Weather and water levels can cancel trips at short notice, so plan a refund or rebooking policy
• Check the rules for towing a trailer and carrying passengers if you transport customers

Startup costs are typically around £12,000 to £35,000, depending on the rafts and safety kit you buy, your trailer or transport, and insurance. These are estimates, so get quotes for equipment and cover before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on how many trip days you run, group sizes and your prices. That is revenue rather than profit, and weather or water levels can cancel trips at short notice.

Check whether you need an Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) licence, especially if you will take under-18s. Also check specialist activity insurance, river access for your chosen stretch, and guide qualifications and safety standards expected by insurers.