Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is a sport done while sitting down. When you’re seated in the paddleboat, you need to be able to do forward and backward strokes instantly since it is reliant on your for power. You can’t be idle when the water becomes rough. And because the raft doesn’t contain any guardrails, expect that you might need to swim to survive.
Important rafting skills
With the guidance of an experienced rafter, you’ll be able to determine the difference between oar rafts and the paddle. It is essential for you to learn various techniques, such as highsiding (going to the other side of the raft to stop flipping) and rigging the flip lines (in case the raft capsizes). If you want to learn about the basics of river camping, sign up for a multi-day trip, it’s bound to be an experience you’re not likely to forget.
Gearing up
Whitewater rafting operations usually have everything you need from life jackets to wetsuits to rafts. Aside from the basics, other essential gear you need include a patch kit, pump, and throw rope. You might want to bring cargo nets, coolers, and dry bags while you’re at it.
Speak their language
Highside – jumping to the higher part of the raft to level it out and stop it from capsizing. This is especially important when the raft becomes stuck on a rock.
Class I-VI – the difficulty scale in rating rapids. Class I is the easiest while Class VI is the most difficult.
Self-bailer – a modern raft that contains an inflatable floor. The water can flow out without having to bail.
