Rafting – Knowing the Drill
To keep yourself safe you should at least know the basics about the rapids, what to look out for when you’re out on the river, and what to do in the event of an emergency.
The Basic Requirements
Three major factors should feature in your planning of any white water rafting trip
1. Start slow, as you will progress to a higher level with the more experience you gain
2.Ensure you and all your crew are all comfortable about getting wet, and not scared of water
3. Understand rapids – the vertical descent of a particular body of water over a given horizontal distance. Rapids are generally classified as being on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being calm and 5 being extremely harsh.
While it surprises a lot of people to discover you don’t have to be a strong swimmer to take part in a white water trip, it is your responsibility to inform your team leader or guide- as well as everyone in your group - if you cannot swim, or have any medical condition or injury that may affect your performance in the water. You should also be aware of the skills and weaknesses of all the other members of your team and think about how you might be in a position to help/hinder them through the experience. It is very rare that anything goes wrong, but if it does, you – as a member of the group – need to have thought about your own needs and the needs of those around you. It goes without saying that you should always wear flotation devices and helmets if these are issued to you – and to listen carefully to safety advice given before you begin any descent.
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