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Summertime has arrived once again and you want to do something fun and exciting with your entire family, so why not whitewater raft? Although you may think whitewater adventures are only for daredevils, there are actually varying levels of difficulty, allowing those that prefer calmer waters a chance to still get in on the fun. This guide will give you all the tips and information you need to begin whitewater rafting.
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Introduction
- Are you an adventurous person that thrives in the great outdoors, someone that is always looking for a thrilling new activity to try, especially if it is a challenging one? If so, you might want to consider whitewater rafting. Not only is it a daring adventure for those needing an adrenaline rush, but it is something the entire family can enjoy, with rafting trips available for every type of skill level and experience. This guide will provide you with information on how to whitewater raft.
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Step 1: Do Preliminary Research
- Before deciding where to whitewater raft, you need to first learn everything you can about it. Rafting on whitewater can be dangerous, so the more you know the better equipped you will be once you are on the water. You should:
- Read books about rafting
- Talk with people you know that have experience whitewater rafting
- Research online. Find a rafting company's website and get some specifics from them. Most of these companies will have sections devoted to the history of whitewater rafting or sections discussing basic skills and safety tips.
- Watch how to videos
- Join online message board discussions about whitewater rafting
- Get involved with a local rafting group
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Step 2: Learn the Basic Skills
- Every whitewater rafting enthusiast must be a skilled swimmer. There are no exceptions. Even the most experienced rafters run the risk of capsizing, as rivers can be very unpredictable. It is essential, therefore, for all beginners to learn some basic skills before hitting the rapids. Rafting companies will give you a brief lesson before taking you out, but it is always helpful to learn a few pointers on your own. You can:
- Become familiar with how to turn the boat, how to paddle forward and backwards, and ways to clear obstacles out of your path
- Learn how to gage the water, as well as navigate it
- Get to know the difference between paddle and oar rafts
- Learn how to keep the boat straight and prevent it from flipping
Step 3: Decide Where to Raft
- Decide where you want to go rafting and find rafting companies in that area. The company's website should give you further instructions about the types of trips they offer. Some choices may include:
- Day trips
- Half-day trips
- Weekend trips that also include camping on the river
- Trips designed for beginners
- Trips for intermediates
- Advanced rafting trips
- If you have never been rafting, or you are taking children with you, it is a good idea to find a trip that only has class I or II rapids. Finding a trip tailored to your skill level is key, which means doing some research on the rapids in the particular river you wish to tackle. Understand the rapid classes:
- Class I - May have small patches of rough water, but essentially requires no skill
- Class II - Some rough water and rocks, but only requires basic paddling skills
- Class III - May have a few small waves and drops, but is not very dangerous. You should possess experienced paddling skills, however.
- Class IV - Considerable drops that may include rocks, medium sized waves and whitewater. You should have experienced whitewater skills and may be required to perform sharp maneuvers.
- Class V - This is for the highly experienced whitewater rafting enthusiast, and will require advanced maneuvering skills for large drops and waves, as well as rocks and other hazards
- Class VI - Rapids of this class are highly dangerous, and are known to result in serious injuries and death. The dangers from this class of whitewater are very real, and may damage the boat beyond repair.
- Make sure you research the rapid classes based off the time of year you are going rafting as well. The classes may shift depending on the season or the current weather conditions.
Step 4: Purchase Proper Rafting Attire and Equipment
- If you are going on a rafting trip, most rafting companies and outfitters will provide you with all the necessary equipment and attire for the trip as part of the package cost. To cover your bases, however, find out what is provided by the rafting place you have chosen. Provided equipment and attire usually includes:
- Raft
- Paddles
- Lifejackets
- Wetsuits
- Headgear, depending on the rapid level and if the company requires you to wear one
- Generally speaking, you may want to bring some of the following on your trip:
- Sunscreen
- Dry bags
- Water cooler
- Water resistant jacket
- Shoes for the water that will also protect your feet on rocky or sandy surfaces
- Bathing suit
Step 5: Learn Rafting Safety Tips
- Safety on the water is perhaps the most important aspect of whitewater rafting. The sport can be dangerous, even at the beginner's level, so it is advisable that you listen closely to your rafting guides. They will provide you with safety lessons before you venture into the water, and will give you an overview of the path you will be taking on the river and the types of rapids you may experience. They will also determine the skill levels within the group so that the most experienced can be called upon during the trip if needed. You will learn basic safety tips on:
- What to do if you should fall out of the boat
- How to handle the situation if the boat should capsize
- How to sit while in the boat
- How to safely paddle and maneuver the boat through rapids and obstacles
- What precautions to take in avoiding a capsize
