White Water Rafting

White water rafting is a thrill a minute when you are on the rapids. Go on a white water rafting trip and you are sure to come home with dirt in your ears and a big smile.

image source: www.ladakhinfo.com

What Is Whitewater Rafting?
In the last 30 years, whitewater rafting has gained massive popularity. People tend to go in groups for a family gathering, friends reuniting and even corporate team building exercises. Whitewater 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 get steeper and, of course, 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 “white water.” The goal of whitewater rafting is to surf these rapids without being flipped or dragged under.

Whitewater rapids are classified by six categories. Category 1 is a smooth river with no rapids. The categories climb from their too Category 6, which is either impassible or should only be attempted by experts. Most whitewater rafting trips occur on Category 3 and 4 rapids, where the turbulence gives you an exciting ride, but with limited risk.

Whitewater 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.

image source: www.banfftravel.com

Is rafting dangerous?
Rafting is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. However, as with all adventure sports, there is inherent risk involved. That risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy rafting so much. The guides working for the outfitters listed with Rafting America are trained to minimize and manage risks, and, statistically, you're safer in a raft than in your car. One government report noted that the injury rate for whitewater rafting is similar to that for bowling! The most common injury on most rafting trips is sunburn, and most other injuries occur on land, especially getting into and out of the boats.

Whitewater 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.

There are thousands of rivers that are perfect for whitewater rafting trips. Most people choose a rafting company for their trip since the company is already familiar with the river conditions and has the necessary equipment.

What is whitewater rafting? Something you should try!

More useful links for White Water Rafting:

Banff Travel
Ladakh Info
Pocono White Water Rafting
Smoky Mountain Rafting