Whitewater rafting can be quite exciting and fun exciting outdoor activity that is sometimes thought to be for only uber-fit athletes? Seeing people splashing and rowing water may have you thinking is this sport is for you or not, this article will help to allay your fears and deal with the most common myths associated with whitewater rafting.
Only Adrenaline Junkies Enjoy Rafting
There is no doubting the fact that whitewater rafting appeals to people who love occasional thrills and spills but a rafting trip is a lot more than that. We know that the photos and videos of extreme rafting antics are the most viral but they only help to fuel the myth. The truth is not every rafting trip is extreme; the majority of this trip is great for just about anyone. There is a wide variety of activities that will stimulate your senses and even first-time river rafters can enjoy some of the largest whitewater adventures.
You Have to be a Good Swimmer
The first plan is to always stay in the boat but if you happen to fall out, there isn’t much swimming to be done anyway. The right way to ride on this is to lay back and allow your guide to grab you. You do not need to worry if your swimming skills are not too good because everyone will be putting on a lifejacket. Also before entering the boat, your guide will give a safety talk and how to swim properly in a rapid.
You Have to be Fit
Having an athletic body is an advantage but the skill that is the most desirous for whitewater rafting is a lack of clumsiness. Provided you can hold a rope, carry your stuff, use a paddle, and walk over stuff – then you are all good. Special training is not needed however getting some preparation before embarking on a rafting trip isn’t a bad idea.
The Best Rapids are Gone After Spring Runoff
It is not always that the size of the water in a river indicates bigger rapids. Every rapid result from the surrounding terrain i.e the gravel bars, canyon walls, boulders, and constriction within the channel. If the water volume increases to the point where the boulders are at the bottom of the river, then a rapid will wash out. Sometimes the rapids-forming boulders in the higher water of spring runoff become the boulders that seem high and dry during late summer flows. The constant thing here is that high flows translate to swifter water and low flow means slower water speeds.
You Will be on a Raft all Day Long
If you are on a one day rafting trip you will spend most of your time on a raft but if you on a multi-day tour, you will spend more time on foot than you will in the raft with each day offering something new. You might be thinking you won’t be able to contain yourself in a raft al day but the truth is you will find it hard to contain the adventures you will encounter on this trip.
If you don’t have whitewater rafting on your bucket list yet you should add it now especially because some of the myths have been resolved in this article.
