Rafting

If you love adventure and want to do something special for your next vacation, then perhaps a Rafting Trip would be a good idea. White Water Rafting or what is simply known as Rafting is a popular outdoor activity which makes use of an inflatable Raft to navigate a body of water with turbulent current, usually a river. Rapids are classified based on the conditions of the water. These classifications indicate how intense and difficult Rafting can be in the particular river.
Like other outdoor sports, Rafting can be a dangerous activity if precautions are not met. That is why it is usually done in groups and under the supervision of an experienced guide. Learning the different skills and techniques is also a must so you can steer the Raft properly and enjoy the ride.

There are various kinds of crafts that you can use for Rafting - Rafts, inflatable boats, kayaks and so on. You can learn more about them in our Rafting Gear & Equipment section. Likewise, you need to know at least the basic information regarding the nature and demands of this activity. You need to understand the different Rapid Classification, techniques in steering the Raft, the dangers involved in this activity, and other essentials.

A lot of companies and outfitters offer Rafting Trips for people of all ages and abilities in almost all types of rapids. They usually provide the necessary pieces of equipment. There is also a briefing on what to expect while in the river.

More and more people are now enjoying Rafting. If you haven’t tried it yet, you are missing one of the best adventures out there. If done right, White Water Rafting is a fun and exhilarating experience for you and your family or friends. would be a good idea. White Water Rafting or what is simply known as Rafting is a popular outdoor activity which makes use of an inflatable Raft to navigate a body of water with turbulent current, usually a river. Rapids are classified based on the conditions of the water. These classifications indicate how intense and difficult Rafting can be in the particular river.

Rafting Types

Black Water Rafting

Black Water Rafting is a unique adrenaline-pumping challenge that is slowly gaining popularity in the world. This Rafting adventure, which requires one to journey in a cave and immerse in its cool and refreshing waters, has become a worth-experiencing tourist holiday activity.
Black Water Rafting, also known cave rafting or cave tubing, is an exhilarating experience through some of the world’s most beautiful caves. This amazing underground tubing experience takes one to undergo a journey to the tight squeezes of dimly lit caves, take breath-taking jumps over clear, cascading underground waterfalls before finally floating calmly down river and enjoy the glowworm show on the limestone minerals held above the magnificent caves. The journey then usually concludes on a lush, green forest, where people can trek and enjoy nature.
A typical Black Water Rafting package adventure not only includes cave tubing but also caving and walking, glow worms seeing, and waterfall jumps. This activity entails one to use an inflated rubber inner tube, which is usually the same thing as the kind you would normally find in a car or truck tire, as a flotation device to take the passenger down the river. Each Black Water Rafting expedition usually includes about 8-12 people accompanied by two guides.
This type of Rafting is an experience that is said to be unique to New Zealand. The Black Labyrinth in Waitomo, New Zealand, for example, is usually about three hours long for the beginner level. Participants, however, should also be at least 12 years old, be in a moderate level of fitness, and weighs in at 45kg. Of course, there are the necessary pieces of swim wear, which includes the wet suits, footwear, and helmet. Water temperature may drop to 14-10 degrees Celsius on an average.

Whitewater Racing

Whitewater Racing, also called "wildwater" or "downriver" racing, is a competitive sport that aims to canoe in the fastest time possible. This event utilizes kayaks or Canadian canoes to attain its objective of crossings a stretch of river swiftly. Whitewater Racing is another type of race distinguished from the extreme slalom and rodeo with having class II-IV whitewater as its usual favored venue.
The whitewater racing sport can be traced back in the year 1949 in Europe. It started with the formation of the International Canoe Federation, and having the first World Championships in Switzerland. This led to the whitewater racing series of World Championships every two years.
There are two categories in every whitewater racing competitions. These are the following:

1. The Classic Race
   The Classic Race takes place in a 4-6 miles course length, or 6-10 kilometers. Moreover, its duration last from 25-35 minutes.
2. The Sprint Race
   The Sprint Race course is usually between 500 and 750 meters. As its name suggests, this is a quick race that is usually completed in two minutes' time.

The classes in whitewater racing are determined based on the boat type and gender of the racer. For male competitors in the individual kayak category, their code K1, and the individual women in the same boat type as K1W. Meanwhile, in canoeing, C1 is the code for individual male contestants, while athletes in the 2-man canoe division are coded C2.
A whitewater race involves special Rafting Equipment and Gear. Other than the whitewater helmet for the racer's protection and safety, the whitewater race greatly relies on the various boats like kayaks and canoes. These types of crafts are long and narrow, with a rounded hull profile, which make them fast albeit unstable and hard to turn. These boats are made of fiberglass, and the separately molded deck (top part) and hull (bottom) are bonded with epoxy resin. Measurements for the different boats are as follows:

1. Wildwater Kayaks
   4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) long
   60 cm (23.6 in) wide
2. Wildwater Solo Canoes (C-1)
   4.3 m (14 ft 1 in) long
   70 cm (27.5 in) wide
3. Two-person Wildwater Canoes (C-2)
   5 m (16 ft 5 in) long
   80 cm (31.5 in) wide

Other than the right equipment and gear, a whitewater participant needs certain specialized skills and knowledge to pull-off a triumphant race. The paddlers must have practiced and developed their technical skills in rowing their type of boat, and must have garnered strength and endurance in order to become successful. More than that, the ability to "read” the whitewater will be to the advantage of the racer. To be able to acquire these skills and abilities, the paddlers' training involves managing the fastest waters two to three times a day. Typically, they will paddle 5-10 miles a day, five to six days a week. The trainings take place either on rivers, lakes, flat-water rivers, or in an indoor pool for northern areas where rivers and lakes freezes sometime in the year. Other training exercises on can engage into as preparations for the game are weight lifting, running, or Cross Country Skiing.
With the information provided, and lots of trainings and exposures, you are now out-and-about to beat the wild waters!

Equipments And Gear

Rafts

The Raft is the primary piece of Rafting Gear. It comes in different sizes, styles, and features. Rafts are designed for whitewater use, which means they are expected to withstand collisions with rocks and other obstacles, exposure to UV rays, and other abuses.
Before braving the waters, make sure to have some basic understanding of the different aspects of the Raft. This is a crucial step to choosing the right one for you. Get familiar with the various types and features of Rafts. In addition, learn how to take good care of your vessel and know what to look for when buying one.

Rafts - Types

Rafting is a thrilling and exciting recreational activity using a Raft to navigate on whitewater rivers or other bodies of water. This activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid 1970's. In Whitewater Rafting, rafters may choose to do the paddling themselves to experience a more exciting and participatory way to run the river. They may also choose to ride the oar boat, which most of the time has a guide who does most of the work using oars. This is the way to go if you want to relax and enjoy the scenery, take photos, or appreciate a more secure ride.

This fun activity uses Rafts which come in various types, providing different levels of fun and excitement. Selection of the Raft must be made to match rapid levels with suitable craft for maneuverability and safety. Here are the different kinds of Rafts:

Paddle Boats involve rafter participation in getting through the rapids in response to commands from your guide. These can be used in shallow or even big rivers. These Rafts are from 12' to 14' in length and can be maneuvered by the paddling teamwork of up to seven guests (led by a guide if beginners). The guide steers and navigates from the back of the Raft, while giving paddlers instructions on when and how to paddle. The downside of this type of Raft is that it capsizes more easily than Oar Boats so the guide or skipper must be efficient enough in steering the boat and giving instructions.

Oar Boats carry all the food and duffle and are usually larger, heavier, and considered more stable than a paddle Raft. These also carry rafters when dealing with higher water levels and if extra power is necessary. An Oar Boat can be 16' to 18' feet in length and it has a metal frame with a bench seat in front and oars attached at the middle.

Oar-assisted Paddle Rafts offer great maneuverability for high water Rafting Trips. The boat can be compared to a bicycle with training wheels, and are great for kids and adults who do not want to paddle as much as one does in pure Paddle Boats. An Oar-assisted Paddle Raft is a combination of both an Oar Raft and a Paddle Raft. Up to six persons provide power by paddling as a team. However, this type has a small frame in the back, which allows the guide to use a small set of oars. The guide steers and navigates from the back while instructing the paddlers, but with the oars, he or she has more control and maneuverability.

Catarafts were used since 1980s. A Cataraft consists of two pontoons parallel to each other and are connected together with a metal frame. It is usually used in conquering rapids but can also be relied upon when transporting load.

Rigs are the biggest crafts used in Rafting. A Rig is formed by putting pontoons together with transom frames. Its size allows it to carry a lot of passengers. You do not have to worry about capsizing when riding this craft.

Inflatable Kayaks are small inflatable crafts manned by one person with a double-ended paddle. Inflatable Kayaks follow the larger Rafts through the rapids with the guide in the Paddle Raft or Oar Raft, giving instructions to the kayakers. Inflatable Kayaks (a.k.a. "I.K.s" or "Duckies") are a great way to experience the river in a one-on-one fashion.

These are the basic types of Rafts. Rapid classification, stability, and skill level of the guide and/or rafters are some of the things to take into account when choosing the right craft. Read our Raft Buying Guide for more information. So if you want to experience what Rafting has to offer, make sure to use the appropriate kind of Raft

Rafting Clothing

It is inevitable to stay dry while rafting, but this does not mean that you can wear whatever you lay your hands on. As in any outdoor activity, wearing the appropriate clothing is very important to keep yourself comfortable throughout the River Rafting Trip and protect you from getting hypothermia or other health risks or conditions. In this section, get some valuable tips and suggestions for maximum Rafting comfort:

• While weather and season are important factors to think about when choosing the right type of clothing, do not wear clothes which are made of cotton, as this material retains water which makes it longer to dry and will not keep you warm. Aside from that, you will discover how cold rivers can get, so make sure to wear something that will keep you warm and is made from insulated material/s. One good way to ensure warmth is to follow the Three Layer System, where you need two or three layers of clothing. You can just peel off a layer when you get too warm. Wetsuit, drysuit, shorts, t-shirt, and bathing suit are some examples of articles that you can wear.
• Flip flops are definitely a no-no, for the obvious reason that they easily slip off. Neoprene bootees, tennis shoes, or sandals with straps are examples of footwear suitable for the activity. Rivers where Rafting is held have rocks, whether on the surface or underwater. Wear shoes which can protect your feet from cuts and abrasion, in case you need to walk on the river floor with rocks and sharp stones.
• Apply sunscreen before heading out or as needed. Sun’s rays reflecting on the water greatly increases the chances of getting sunburn. Put sunscreen even on a cloudy day. Hat and sunglasses are also necessary.
• Bring a towel and change of clothes so you will not go home soaking wet.
• Rafting companies often provide a helmet for every rafter. A shatterproof helmet is an important piece of safety Rafting Gear that can protect your head should you get thrown out of the Raft. Make sure it fits perfectly.
• Wearing a life jacket is another crucial safety consideration, whether you can swim well or not. It should be snug enough that it does not slide overhead as you conquer the rapids.

Rafting, being a water sport, poses risks different from other outdoor activities. It can be dangerous if precautions are not met and your clothes and pieces of Rafting Gear are not appropriate. Having the right type of clothing greatly decreases the risks and the hassles, making it a safer and enjoyable sport for everyone. Bear these essential guidelines in mind and be a well-dressed rafter before taking the plunge.

Rafting Accessories

They may not be your primary pieces of Rafting Gear and equipment, but including several Rafting Accessories in your load will not hurt. As you run the rapids, you will find use to any or all of these tools especially during long and extended Rafting Trips and you will be thankful for having the sense to carry them with you. Know what these Rafting Accessories are and learn how and when to use them:

• Bail bucket
  When conquering rapids, there will be instances when you need to scoop water out of the Raft, and you need a Bail bucket to bail effectively. This is designed specifically for this purpose. Keep it in a place where it is easily accessible.
• Water-purifying filter
  You can get several gastric diseases from drinking water that is not purified. Clear river water does not mean it’s free of contaminants. Should you run out of potable water, make use of a purifier to ensure that the water is safe enough for human consumption.
• Multi-purpose tools
  Open cans and bottles, fix loose screws, and free yourself from entangled rope with the use of Multi-purpose tools. They come in different sizes and features to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts.
• Waterproof containers/bags
  Keep valuables dry while running the rapids by storing them in watertight cases. You can also use a dry bag. This is a waterproof gear bag, usually bright-colored, which is ideal for stowing Rafting Clothing and other items.
  
  To keep your things organized and to prevent valuable items such as cameras and cellular phones to get smashed, store them in ammo (army surplus ammunition) cans. These are hard-sided cans which can keep your things dry and in good condition.

Be fully-equipped before heading out. Do not forget to include these handy tools in your checklist. Additional gear will add a lot to the load that should be carried by the Raft, but proper placement is all you need to carry everything and still be able to run the rapids. In addition, it is more important to think about the things you will need to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone onboard.