There is nothing quite like preparing, suiting up – whether it be in casual shorts and shirt or heavy-duty action gear – to go on a whitewater rafting excursion. Depending on your involvement level, the event can go from a pleasant romp, known as a Class One or Two, to a quick and more intense glide, a Class Three, to an exhilarating, eye-opening affair, a Class Four or Five, to an out and out dangerous Class Six, hold on tight because this is going to get rough, sport! All categories, moderate and wild, have their place in this water-soaked pastime. It is up to you, the individual, to discover where you best fit.
What is great about this whitewater rafting is you make the choice. Start small. Get to know your raft, paddle and trainer, then move forward. By the way, we do recommend you get trained or at least be supervised in what you are doing before taking the Class Four to Six plunge or, yes indeed, you will plunge! Then, when you and whoever is with you become comfortable, more proficient with what you are doing, as with any new sport, who knows where it can take you! And when we say “sport” we mean it, the pursuit of whitewater rafting having been recognized by the International Rafting Federation (IRF) since 1997.
The floating, bumps, tosses all while feeling the river water splashing up against your raft, shins, and often times in your face can certainly be exhilarating for an adrenaline junky but, again, there are milder experience for families, some with younger children, who simply want to float, row, and enjoy their time on the river. In other words, whitewater rafting can be a great bonding time for everyone; your family, friends, and like-minded enthusiast. Whatever your desired class, take a day, a few days, or a week – possibly including a camping trip – to really enjoy the experience. Honestly, if you and yours are up for a fun-time, water-soaked quest, you will not regret it!
Having said this, where can you go in your area to experience the thrill of whitewater rafting? There are many popular destinations, so many that Trip Advisor actually has a top 20 list in the USA, showing where the best whitewater rafting regions can be found! For those of you on the west coast, wanting more information about your chosen sport, you might want to check out something like American Whitewater Expeditions for their exciting take on your new hobby and/or lifestyle. Then there is also a great merchandise site that displays the gear he or she may want to purchase and take along for the ride!
Just don’t forget the basics. Dress appropriately, do not drink alcohol heavily before your excursion, and remember that you will be handling a double-bladed paddle or oar. The latter is a great way to move through the water but remember, if not handled right, it can also be a precarious weapon. None of us wants to see that happen! First-timers listen to your instructor or trainer and we guarantee you an exhilarating, fun undertaking that you will recollect fondly for a long time to come – or until your next adventure whitewater rafting!
