Thursday, January 24, 2013

Introduction To White Water Rafting

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By Sue Carpenter


One of the sports that have received a lot of attention because of the excitement it offers is salt river white water rafting. This involves navigating a raft, together with the other passengers, using your paddles. This can sound like a relaxing activity but the waters you will encounter is anything but. They will be rough and other hazards, like big rocks, will probably be present.

The challenge that you can expect from this activity depends on what grade the area has. There are generally several grades, the lowest being areas where there is little effort required. The highest level is a site considered dangerous because of the waves, the rocks and other factors that can give you a very rough ride.

Because this can be a dangerous activity, regulations have been passed, most of them aiming to keep the passengers safe. Depending on your location, the regulation will differ but they generally tackle requirements for the outfitter and his equipment. The outfitter may need to get certified before he can start.

The guide should be experienced so that he could keep all the passengers as safe as possible. The passengers for their part are required to sign waivers so that they realize the consequences of not following the guidelines. The guides typically familiarize the passengers about the guidelines and what they can do in case they fall in.

When you are a beginner, the experts will typically discuss how you can handle the raft and the paddle. You will be taught how to transport the raft and the right ways to use the paddle for navigation. The things that have to be done in order to maintain your safety, especially when you fall in, are also discussed.

Do not expect to stay dry in this type of activity. The chances are big that you will fall in or that the raft will tumble especially in the higher grades. Since the water can be cold, it is important that you wear the right type of clothing. Choose gear that will dry quickly and invest in a wetsuit and footwear for better protection.

Land travel will be part of your itinerary. Whether you are going to the site or leaving it, you will still need to ride a car or a bus in order to get to your accommodations. Depending on the location, this could take hours. The best way to avoid being wet for hours would be to ask your outfitter how you can make arrangements for your clothes.

There are many who think they can bring anything they want on the raft. There is limited space on these objects so you should only bring what is needed for the activity. The valuables can remain on land, left in your car. If you bring something though make sure that it is in a safe place, where water will not displace it.

Salt river white water rafting is a demanding sport that is associated with a lot of challenges. Potential passengers can choose from grade levels, one of which will be appropriate to their skill level. To maintain safety, procedures and guidelines are discussed thoroughly by the guides before any one can get on the raft.




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