Adventure  White Water Rafting

Remember to breathe. Wear a life jacket. Keep your head above water if you go overboard. Paddle like crazy. Send a post card if you make it down. These may be some candid tips from your friends for your next white water rafting adventure. However, if you are seriously considering going rafting, or maybe interested to take on more challenging rapids, here are 3 more tips you may find useful when white water rafting.

1. Do your research. Find out more about the activity and from here you will gauge what level of white water rafting is suitable for you. If you are a beginner, you may be looking into waters that have diminutive waves and routes that have less obstructions. Such rapids are classified as I & II. There are 5 classifications of rapids; class III has bigger waves and minimal obstacles that may need a more technical type of paddling. For IV & V classifications, more advanced rafting skills are needed. It is important that you find out what level you are capable of. This will determine the success and enjoyment of your experience. Then you can set date for your adventure and eventually book a trip.

2. There are two types of white water rafting boats and each has its own unique quality to make the activity an adventure. An oar frame rafting trip has the guide controlling the boat completely. This type of rafting trip is ideal for children and individuals who are incapable of doing their own paddling. There is also a paddle guide rafting trip where the majority of the passengers help paddle the boat. The guide instructs the boaters while positioned at the boat's rear where he is equipped with a guide stick. This kind of white water rafting is mostly used on rapids that have higher classification levels, where a minimum of four strong paddlers are required.

3. Contact the company you decide to book with and be informed of what you are required to bring on your trip. Most companies provide the basic essentials such as life jackets, dry bags and spray coats, tents and camping bags for longer rapid trips. Overnight white water rafting adventures may entail more packing for you such as toiletries, clothes and regular medication sufficient for the duration of the trip. It is also good to know what inclusions there are in the package. Are amenities such as locker rooms, and meals included? Does the your company of choice include shuttling of participants to and from the rapids? How about photo souvenirs? If you are white water rafting as a group, ask the outfitter about the passenger capacity of their boats, and of course group discounts.

White water rafting is an outdoor activity that will surely fill you with the thrills and exhilaration of a robust water adventure. Knowing some of the most important tips and things to remember is part of the preparation that will lead to the convenience and success of one thrilling and interesting river ride.


CREDIT TO

 Wally Tyler