From start to finish, your heart is racing and your adrenaline is pumping. At the end, you are refreshingly exhausted. Riding
a swirling river—skillfully sliding through a maze of raging water and imposing boulders—is one of the most exhilarating outdoor
adventures you can experience.
Understanding the thrills and pos-sible hazards of whitewater rafting can ensure favorable excursions you won't soon forget.
It is a sport that requires teamwork and physical exertion. Guides rely on each participant for power, such as forward and
reverse strokes at a moment's notice. Before you embark on your first whitewater journey, knowledge is essential. Here, we
are pleased to share some tips to help you prepare for your rafting debut.
Enhance your skills
Swimming in a pool and fighting strong river currents pose two different challenges, with the latter obviously be-ing greater.
Even on guided tours, there's a chance your raft will capsize. And unlike conditions in a pool, you would have the added weight
of a life vest to contend with if you found yourself in the river. You may want to consider a course in certified water safety. Most YMCAs and fitness centers with pools offer a basic water safety or lifesaving class. The American Red Cross ( http://www.redcross.org/) is an ideal contact.
Use a guide
With safety in mind, beginners should never attempt to maneuver the rapids on their own. Securing the services of a licensed outfitter is the ideal way to embark on a successful adventure. Reputable tour operators
provide everything you need—such as wetsuits, lifejackets, paddles, and rafts. Though guides often make rafting look like
a simple task, special professional equipment and a significant amount of training is required to navigate most whitewater
rivers.
Rapids Rating Scale
|
Under the direction of professional guides, you can learn the difference between paddle and oar rafts, and techniques like highsiding (jumping to the high side of the
raft to avoid flipping), rigging flip lines to right the boat in the event it capsizes, and keeping the raft straight.
Gear up for the river
Since navigating whitewater rivers is challenging, don't attempt to raft on your own without ample experience and in-depth
knowledge of the waters you are traversing. For self-guided tours, along with the raft and paddles, other essential items include a pump, patch kit, and throw ropes and lifejackets for every participant. Coolers, cargo nets, and dry bags are also invaluable.
Between rapids, you will have the opportunity torelax, enjoy the view, and take photographs. Yet, if you don't take precautions, neither the film nor the camera will survive the trip. Make sure your equipment is enclosed
in a waterproof container, particularly one that's cushioned inside. Wet film may still be saved by removing it from the camera
and storing it in a 35mm film container filled with water. Of course, to avoid the chance of damaging your prized picture-taker,
you might opt to leave it at home and bring one that's disposable—and waterproof—instead.
Dress for success
Whitewater rafting is not a barefoot sport. Shoes are required, but not every type of footwear is suitable. Soft-soled canvas shoes are highly recommended. They grip on questionable surfaces and can handle the moisture, unlike leather shoes. River shoes
are another good option. They are waterproof and available at many expedition outfitters.
Take the company provided housing or take a housing stipend? Jeff Long describes how to find your next housing on 
