Rafting and Canoeing
If you like the outdoors, you will find plenty of action here. You can do this as a day trip adventure, or as an expedition, going down a river over a few days and combine it with the best features of a summer holiday.
Rafting or Canoeing down a raging river can give that adrenalin rush for the thrill-seekers, but this activity can also be undertaken as a family outing on calmer rivers. Rivers and Rapids are categorized by class of difficulty (see Rating of Rapids). Doing a Class 5 river run is not a safe proposition for a first timer or a family with young kids. Rather start at a comfortable level, moving up the scale once you know what is awaiting you.
When planning your first rafting trip, you may have many questions: Where do I find whitewater? What do I need to know? Is rafting safe? What experience do I need? All these questions may become a little overwhelming, but don't let this intimidate you.
First of all, don't try to undertake anything on your own if you haven't got really good experience, but go with an reputable operator, or a professional rafting company. This is essential to ensure your safety and comfort. If you are new to rafting, the operator can answer all your questions and advise you further on safety standards. These will differ according to location and level of difficulty.
Rating of Rapids
The rapids on a river are generally classified from level 1 to 6, with 1 being the easiest and 5 the most difficult. Level 6 is normally not being attempted by commercial rafting outfitters, as it is to extreme and violent, presenting high risk of injury or loss of live.
A class (or level) 4 to 5 is therefore the ultimate challenge to us normal folks, but you should have strong swimming abilities in case you go overboard when going through such a rapid. Rivers with rapid rating from 1 up to 3 are usually fine for a family outing and can also present a great adventure.
Class ratings do vary with river levels and other factors. A Class 4 rapid may become a Class 5 with a higher volume water flow, or seem like a Class 3 at low water. So ask the outfitters or operators what river levels are likely to be expected when you come rafting.
|
