White water rafting is an activity that involves rivers and nature and may be the perfect hobby for you.White water rafting is a great activity for older teens and adults to do together.White water rafting is relatively safe at lower levels.If you have rafting knowledge, listen to your guide, and plan your trip carefully, you can enjoy the outdoors.
Step 1: You can sit on the outer rim of the raft.
If you want to sit on the inside of the raft, it will increase your chances of getting thrown off.If you want to plant your feet inside the raft, sit on the outside rim and use the cross tubes or foot cones.Put your foot closest to the inside of the raft.If your raft has cross tubes, you can place a foot under them to help keep you stable.The outside tube should be wedged under your other foot for stability.If you are sitting in the middle position, you will be less likely to get thrown.If your raft flips over, do not push your feet too deeply into the cross tubes or foot comes.The people in the front must have the skills to steer the raft for the rest of the group.
Step 2: Hold your paddle in the correct hand position.
If you have an improper grip on the paddle, others could be at risk.One hand should be on the shaft of the paddle and the other should cover the "T" grip.The "T" grip can cause injuries to the face and body of other rowers if it flies out of your hand.Try to see what feels most comfortable for you.
Step 3: You can learn how to use a paddle.
You will tire out quickly if you only use your arms.Instead of using your arms alone, lean into the stroke as you paddle and use your body weight to lean back.You will have more control over your raft if you paddle with others.When performing a backstroke, you should lean into the stroke.If you want to perform a backstroke, lean forwards and pull your paddle backwards.To help you in the raft, paddle hard while you go down the rapids.The people in the front of the raft should keep their paddles straight.The resistance created by the paddle in the water increases your stability because it makes another bracing point for you.
Step 4: Pull your paddle into the raft and make sure you don't go over abump.
If your raft is about to go over a rock, an instructor or experienced white water rafter will yell "bump" to you.Pull out your paddle and lean in towards the center of the raft.Place the "T" grip on your paddle on the ground and hold onto it as you go over the rough spot.
Step 5: The proper safety equipment should be obtained.
A helmet, personal flotation device, correct sized paddles, a throw bag or rope, and a first aid kit are essential for riding the rapids.These essential items are required by most guides and instructors.
Step 6: Follow the instructions given to you.
If you are new to white water rafting, your instructor will give you the preliminary information to stay safe.As your raft goes down the rapids, they will likely set the pace and yell instructions.If the raft gets bumpy, follow the instructions as the instructor lays out.The instructor will point the raft in a certain direction.Positive pointing is what this is called.
Step 7: Do not raft alone in the dark.
Rafting in the dark can be dangerous and should be avoided.If you are new to white water rafting, experienced rafters will be able to help you.White water rafting in the dark is very dangerous because you can't see where someone is if they get thrown off the raft.
Step 8: Do not worry.
The first reaction to being thrown off a raft in a high-stress situation is shock and panic.This could make it harder to get back onto the raft because of the disrupted breathing pattern.Stay calm and aim to get to the surface of the water.You can assess how to get out of harm's way once you do that.Try to stay focused on the task at hand, not the fact that you've been thrown off the boat.
Step 9: You should go to the side of the raft.
Take a second to gather yourself and determine where the raft is after you reach the surface of the water.You'll end up next to the raft many times when you're thrown over the edge.You can try to get someone else to pull you closer to the boat if you are further from the raft.The person pulling you in should be given the "T" grip when you extend your paddle.
Step 10: There is a safety line on the perimeter of the raft.
You can give yourself stabilization by grabbing the line that's attached to the perimeter of the raft.If you still have your paddle, give it to someone in the raft so that you can grab it with both hands.When someone is ready to pull you in, hang on the side of the raft.
Step 11: Pull yourself into the raft.
If another person gets thrown into the water, only one person should be performing a rescue.If you are the rescuer, grab onto the shoulder straps of the person's personal flotation device, locking both of your arms, and then falling back to pull in the individual who fell off.The guide should pull people out of the water.
Step 12: If you're too far away, swim in the Whitewater position.
Assume the Whitewater swimming position and ride the current until you can get to shore if you cannot make your way back to the raft.The Whitewater swimming position is when your feet are pointed out in front of you while you float down the river on your back.Your knees should be bent so that you can absorb any shock from the river.Try to breathe when the water is low, not at the crest of the wave.If you try to stand in the water, your feet can get stuck in rocks and cause serious injury.If you can make your way back onto the raft, abandon the Whitewater swimming position.
Step 13: The difficulty of the rapids needs to match your skill level.
Each class of rapid has a different level of difficulty.Level one and two rapids are suitable for beginners, while the later levels require a guide or experienced rafter.Consider the age, experience, and physical fitness of those that are going rafting and pick a difficulty level that can accommodate everyone who is going.Three-foot tall waves can be found in class two rapids.There are four-foot tall waves and narrower passages in class three rapids.Class four rapids require precise maneuvering.Class five and six rapids are more dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced white water rafters.
Step 14: Search for good rafting companies.
White water rafting guides and equipment can be found at a well-rated company.If you want to find a company with favorable reviews, read past reviews of people who have used the company.If you don't have a raft, you can rent one from many companies.They will give you a guide to help you navigate the rapids, as well as go over safety procedures.White water rafting guides should have first aid certification.If these are necessary skills for their guides, ask the company.
Step 15: Pick a trip that will fit your schedule and budget.
Pick a trip that you can afford.You can find the white water rafting seasons on their website.You will want to make sure that it fits in with your schedule.It's smart to allocate an entire day to white water rafting because it can take three to six hours.A one-day guided white water rafting trip costs between $25 and $150 per person.