We’ve all probably seen some inspiring nature photography of a professional kayaker or rafter plummeting down the white waters of some beautiful location and had our interest peaked because of it.<\/p>\n
How do I do that? Is it possible to for me to do something like that? Do I need experience?<\/p>\n
We’re going to tell you how you can go white water rafting because- yes it is possible and no you do not need experience (unless you want to become a professional kayaker and send yourself plummeting down a rapid). That’s cool too!<\/p>\n
The point is that everyone has to start somewhere and we are going to point you in the right direction.<\/p>\n
Whitewater rafting is the literal use of a raft to navigate a river or other body of water. It is most commonly a recreational activity and perfect for the one in search of a unique adventure.<\/p>\n
Rivers have a rating\u00a0scale<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in which you can become aware of the degree of difficulty (based on rapid size and need for technicality\/experience).<\/p>\n There are levels 1 through 6 (6 being the most difficult) unless you are navigating the Grand Canyon which has a scale from 1 to 10.<\/p>\n If you are a beginner, you probably won’t go above a level 4. But have no fear, you will definitely get the adrenaline rush you’re looking for on a level 3 or 4 rapid.<\/p>\n An experienced instructor will take on most of the work however it is a team effort and everyone needs to work together. You will typically have 6 to 8 people in your raft.<\/p>\n The raft is inflatable and designed to assist you in propelling and maneuvering yourself down the river and through the rapids.<\/p>\n Its flexibility will bounce you off of the rocks (instead of smashing into them) and easily keep you afloat when being twisted and turned around in the white water.<\/p>\n Expect to burn some calories! Rafting can burn about 300 per hour so make sure you eat a hearty breakfast.<\/p>\n You will show up to the site, sign a safety waiver, and your guide will most likely introduce themselves and give you information on the river.<\/p>\n He or she will tell you the proper\u00a0safety precautions<\/strong><\/a>, the levels of the rapids you will be experiencing, and how to\u00a0properly paddle and maneuver the raft<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you are going with a guide, they will provide the rafting gear (raft, paddles, helmet) but there are some other things you should prepare for.<\/p>\n Your site will most likely have lockers for you to leave your things in while you are rafting, or you can leave them in your car for when you get back.<\/p>\n It’s also a good idea to look into the weather conditions before you plan your trip and the days leading up to the trip.<\/p>\n You want to ensure that you have the best experience possible and there is nothing like rafting down a beautiful river on a sunny day!<\/p>\nWhat should you expect?<\/span><\/h2>\n
What should you bring to the rafting site?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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The question on everyone’s mind: What if you fall out?<\/span><\/h2>\n