WILD WATER RAFTING

Wednesday, August 19, 2009


I thought zip line was the most extreme activity that I would be in but ah ah, early this year we had the chance to do what I called the most amazing adventure I had, and that was Wild Water Rafting.

Yes, Wild Water Rafting is really a thrilling and exciting adventure that individual should try. It may look scary but when you get to try it, you would be asking for more.

Let me give you a brief detail of Wild Water Rafting:

Rafting or whitewater rafting is a challenging recreational activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers.

Whitewater rafts

The modern raft is an inflatable boat, consisting of very durable, multi-layered rubberized or vinyl fabrics with several independent air chambers. The length varies between 3.5 m (11 ft) and 6 m (20 ft), the width between 1.8 m (6 ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft). The exception to this size rule is usually the pack raft which is designed as a portable single-person raft and may be as small as 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) long and weigh as little as 4 pounds (1.8 kg).


Techniques

Rafts in whitewater are very different vehicles than canoes or kayaks and have their own specific techniques to maneuver through whitewater obstacles.

  • Punching - Rafts carry great momentum and on rivers hydraulics that are dodged by canoes and kayaks are often punched by rafts. This involves the rafting crew paddling the raft to give it enough speed to push through the hydraulic without getting stopped.
  • High Siding - If a raft is caught in a hydraulic it will often quickly go sideways. In order to stop the raft flipping on its inside edge, the rafters can climb to the side of the raft furthest downstream, which will also be the side of the raft highest in the air leading to its name. In this position the rafters may be able to use the draw stroke to pull the raft out of the hydraulic.


Safety

Whitewater rafting can be a dangerous sport, especially if basic safety precautions are not observed. Depending on the area, legislated safety measures may exist for rafting operators. These range from certification of outfitters, rafts, and raft leaders, to more stringent regulations about equipment and procedures. It is generally advisable to discuss safety measures with a rafting operator before signing on for a trip. The equipment used and the qualifications of the company and raft guides are essential information to be considered. Moreover, in any private business for this sport, they see to it that there is a professional tour guide with you.


Who is into extraordinaire adventure go and experience WILD WATER RAFTING

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