Rafting - A Once-In-A-Lifetime Vacation

Have you ever considered going on a whitewater rafting trip, but weren't sure of what you were getting yourself into? Not to worry - you are not alone. This popular but elusive vacation option comes with its fair share of misconceptions around what to expect, how safe it is, and whether or not it is worth the money. Once you understand these elements, you will soon learn that this is one of the most doable, affordable, and valuable vacations around. Here are some tips that will answer all of those questions.

Let's start with the basics. What is whitewater rafting? It is the maneuvering of a vessel down a river. Rafting implies the vessel is a coast guard approved raft (which we will get to in a bit). This raft can be maneuvered in a variety of ways - by one person with large oars rigged to the raft, with a group of people holding individual paddles and led by a guide calling paddle instructions (most common) or in a combination referred to as an oar-paddle combination with the oarsman in the rear compartment of the raft acting as both the major power and the guide calling instructions.

We all know what rivers are by sight, but the technical definition of a river is flowing water that works its way down an elevation, toward another body of water. Most rivers are given a classification of I-VI, based on the intensity of the rafting ride. A I is nearly flat and has almost no current, while class VI is un-raftable - whether that means a body of water as intense as Niagara Falls or as narrow as a trickle along the side of the road. The classification is specific to rafting, while other sports have their own unique classifications (for example, a kayak can maneuver in areas that may be un-raftable). For most people, class II to IV is doable, but class III offers the ideal rafting experience. The South Fork of the American River offers some great class III rafting and is extremely popular with a wide variety of audiences, including families, children as young as seven, youth groups, and even senior citizens.

A typical raft trip includes a professional guide. Whether this individual is male or female, the guide is a professional who makes a living guiding whitewater trips. Some of these guides even follow summer around the globe! As a result, many of the guides are international, so don't be surprised to hear an Australian or Canadian accent on board! But no matter what the nationality, these guides know the river you are rafting and are used to individuals of all ability levels. They know how to read the river and navigate it, so rest assured that you are in good hands! Don't forget to tip your guide at the end of the trip - this practice is quite common on the river.

Your trip also includes a whitewater raft (naturally). These boats are specifically designed for the purpose of whitewater rafting and are incredibly tough. There are two materials commonly used in crafting a raft: Hypalon (a rubber-based material) and Urethane/PVC (a plastic-based product). These boats can smash rocks, pound waves and take people climbing in and out of them for years before they need to be retired. Do make sure you rinse your feet before climbing into the raft, as sand is this boat's worst enemy. It wears holes in the seams and causes leaks. The average whitewater raft costs nearly $5,000!

You will probably be handed a paddle so that you can do your part to get down the river. The paddles used on rafts are nearly six feet in length, and are comprised of an aluminum shaft coated in a colored plastic with a durable plastic blade.

You will also receive a class V Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD). The vests are meant for individuals of all shapes and sizes, and are the highest-quality PFD on the market today.

Helmets are becoming common practice in the whitewater rafting world as well. While the designed may vary, all rafting helmets have several attributes in common - they are designed for getting wet, are lightweight, and are a GOOD IDEA. In many other countries, helmets are a must and not an option, and outfitters in the U.S. are catching on as well, especially those that employ an international staff. When you choose your rafting provider, be sure that they require helmets, as this is the safest way to raft by far.

Depending on the river, you may receive a gourmet deli-style lunch, often served on the banks of the river! There are small variances between companies but a typical lunch will include two to three bread choices, sprouts, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, onions, two cheeses, two meats, mayonnaise, mustard, peanut butter and jelly, chips, fruit, cookies and water. While not all rivers necessarily employ this practice, this is common on the American River.

For those who go on overnight trips, campsites are paid for, and all meals are prepared and served by the staff. The full trip includes two days of rafting, two lunches, a breakfast and a dinner.

Typically, whitewater rafting costs approximately $100 per person, per day. Considering what is included - a professional guide, all necessary equipment, full immersion into a river canyon and whitewater rapids, quality meals and lifelong memories -the benefits far outweigh the costs.

Consider the cost to visit Disneyland. When you go to Disneyland, you are not provided a personal guide, are not fed, you experience something artificial rather than something natural and majestic, and most often, the price is exponentially higher than that of whitewater rafting. Value is in perception and knowledge. It is our hope that this brief article on basic whitewater rafting knowledge will help you to overcome some fears you may had with regard to the unknown and will encourage you to try this incredible and affordable adventure on your next vacation!

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

About the Author

Nature's-Classroom is the leading provider of Whitewater Rafting summer camps in the United States. The parent organization, Action Whitewater Adventures, located on the American River, provides world-class service for a unique rafting experience that everyone can enjoy!

by: Christopher Pyle

Total views: 0 Word Count: 1019 Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2010 Time: 10:24 AM - 0 comments

Publish/Share this article

To use this article on your site click here to get the HTML code |
Remember: The article body, title, author bio and links may not be changed or removed. By publishing this article, you agree to all the terms in our Terms of Service.

Rating: Not yet rated