Water rafting is an adventure sport perfect for thrill-seekers, combining elements of some sports, including kayaking, canoeing, and white-water rafting. If you are not afraid of getting wet and like taking on physical challenges that test your limits, you may want to consider water rafting.
1. Build a Pre-Raft Workout
White water river rafting requires a lot of coordination and body strength. You are bound to be on your feet and in the water, so put off the major weight training and use your time instead to build a pre-draft workout routine. It will help you develop strength and endurance. Before going out on the river, you must paddle your raft down a stretch of water. When doing this, your paddling muscles must be kept in top shape. To ensure you develop the basics skills necessary you can also opt for using a stationary row machine.
2. Book Early
The sooner you can book your rafting adventure, the better. You want to do this as quickly as possible to reserve your spot and select the dates. The best thing about booking a rafting trip is that you can take advantage of special offers, discounts, and promotional tickets.
3.Leave Jewelry and Accessories at Home
Leave your expensive jewelry, accessories, and other valuables at home. They can get wet or lost in the water when you’re rafting. It is better to leave them behind where they will be safe rather than risk losing them during your trip.
4. Wear the Proper Attire
When you’re ready to book your water rafting trip, you must ensure that in addition to proper equipment, you need the proper attire. You will need a wetsuit that can help keep your body temperature controlled and allow for the best mobility.
5.Wear a Life Jacket and a Helmet
Your rafting trip will likely include several white-water river rafting, so you must wear a life jacket. It is standard safety protocol, so do not forget to put it on before you start down the river. Also, note that helmets are mandatory in some locations and should be worn whenever you enter the water.
6. Learn to Hold Your Paddle Correctly
You will also want to practice your technique. Make sure you hold your paddle properly by holding the oars as if you were holding handlebars. You need to ensure you are wearing proper attire for better mobility.
7. Listen to Your Guide
Even if you’re an experienced kayaker, listening to your guide is always a good idea. It will keep you away from danger and let you know what is expected of you. Before the trip begins, ensure that your guide approves your gear.
8. Stay Hydrated
Make sure you stay hydrated before and during your rafting trip by drinking plenty of water. The water will help you stay warm and keep your body’s electrolytes balanced, so you don’t get sick. You can bring a hydration pack to keep the water close or store drinks inside an insulated container.
9. Learn to Read Water Levels
If your rafting trip is on a white water river, you’ll need to know how to read the water levels. You want to paddle carefully at high speeds to avoid unsafe rapids and ensure you’re not going too fast for comfort. When you spot an area on the river with rapid drops and dangerous rapids, it is best to put on a life jacket. Give up paddling and let your guide take over.
10. Work as a Team
When you are out on the river, it is important to remember that you need to work as a team. It would help if you shared the work of paddling your raft. Remember that this is not just a one-person job and that your safety depends on everyone in your group working together. The guides will do the heavy work while everyone else can avoid getting wet and tired.
Conclusion
Some things could lead to the unexpected, including the weather and other external factors. If you find yourself in this situation, stay calm and focused. It would help if you also tried to listen to instructions from your guide so that you could get out of there as quickly as possible.You must remember many things when preparing for your first water rafting trip. Although it can be intimidating for beginners, it is also fun and exciting. Just make sure you check the location and dates of your trip and your outfitter’s credentials before you book anything.
