A Wild Weekend You Won’t Regret!
Do you fancy doing something a bit different this weekend? Perhaps it’s time to discover the wild side you didn’t know you had. Well, we’ve a suggestion to take you beyond your comfort zone. Yes, we’re talking about a wild weekend you won’t regret! We’re talking about rafting.
Rafting down rapids is a great way to get the juices flowing and the heart rate pounding. Here we provide an overview of learning adrenaline rafting basics to get the best experience possible.
In the last 30 years, rapid rafting has gained massive popularity. People tend to go in groups for a family gathering, friends reuniting and even corporate team building exercises. Rafting is massively fun and an undisputed adrenaline rush.
At its core, whitewater rafting is simply the act of taking a raft down through turbulent areas of a river. These turbulent areas are known as rapids. Rapids are formed by three factors – constriction, gradient and obstruction. Water naturally flows downhill because of gravity.
When it is constricted, it pushes in from the sides, speeding up and getting turbulent. Speed also increases when the gradient gets steeper and obstructions cause water to crash into them and swirl around as the flow tries to find the best way to follow gravity. Each of these events causes rapids, and the resulting turbulence churns the water, thus causing the froth. The aim in rafting is to surf the rapids without being flipped or dragged under.
Rapids are classified in six categories. Category 1 is a smooth river with no rapids. The categories climb up to Category 6, which is either impassible or should only be attempted by experts. Most river rafting trips occur on Category 3 and 4 rapids, where the turbulence gives you an exciting ride, but with limited risk.
River rafts are typically big and sturdy. They hold between six and 12 people spread equally on each side. Although an expert guide controls the steering at the back, most rafting companies allow the passengers to paddle on each side of the raft in their corresponding spots.
River rafting has a certain risk factor, and safety is paramount. All rafters absolutely should wear helmets and life jackets. Falling out of the raft can be a common occurrence, depending on the river conditions. All rafters should be able to swim, so be honest with yourself about your ability.
It’s best to start with a Category 1 experience before progressing to more challenging rapids. Be sure to follow all safety advice and procedures, and you will have a great experience. Rafting is exhilarating but often exhausting, so make sure your energy levels are high at the start of the day by having a proper breakfast!
When looking for a reputable organiser for your rafting experience, remember that safety should be your first consideration. Look for companies with a strong safety record, positive reviews, and experience in similar river conditions. Consider companies that are members of industry associations, which have standards for safety and guide training. Guides should be properly trained, certified and experienced in white-water rafting and river rescue techniques.
Popular regions in the world for rafting include Canada, the US and New Zealand, with their stunning natural landscapes. In the UK, North Wales, the Peak District and Scotland offer great options in beautiful settings.