White water rafting is an adventure sport in which a raft is used to navigate a river or any water body. It is usually done on rapids or white water to keep up the excitement. A river goes through different gradients and flows from a higher gradient to lower gradient. When the river's gradient becomes sharp, frothy water is formed consisting of bubbles and aerated water. This has a white appearance hence termed white water. The sport has been popular since the mid 80's. .
White water rafting is suitable for all age groups as various types of rapids are available for different tastes and experience. Almost anyone with a reasonable health can go for white water rafting. It is a good way to spend a vacation, travel abroad, be among the nature, get the sun and of course get a tan. It is considered a good way to release the stress. The expeditions range from a day to a month. White water rafting is now widely practiced through out the world.
The essential gear required for White water rafting is a raft. The inflatable boat is the most common raft used. It is made up of layers of durable rubber fabrics and independent air chambers. Various sizes are available ranging from 11 ft to 20 ft. White water kayaks are also popular. They are made of plastic or fibre glass. Safety gear, water proof bags & cases, hooks, knifes, ropes and camping equipment are essential. Almost all these are available on hire.
April to October is a good time. For thrill seekers May & June are suitable when the rapids are more turbulent. White water rafting is done throughout the world round the year.
White water is classified into 6 categories depending on the difficulty: ?Class I: Smooth water but fast. ?Class II: A little bit of rough water with eddies and easy drops ?Class III: Whitewater with rapids irregular waves, back eddies. Swimming, self rescue knowledge is must. ?Class IV: White water with whirlpools, high irregular waves, for experienced adventurers. ?Class V: White water with dangerous obstacles, violent rapids, boiling eddies. Scouting is essential before going on such expeditions ?Class VI: Extremely dangerous unexplored rapids. Due to interaction of river and riverbed various features are like strainers, eddies, waves, pillows and holes are formed. The passage of water through large objects, (usually boulders) causes a strainer. Holes are formed when water pours on top of submerged objects that cause the water to flow backwards which rushes over the object. Waves are fronts formed on water surface flowing down. Eddies are swirls or rotating water flow. When large volume of water suddenly comes against an obstruction, the water flows to a certain limit over the obstruction causing a pillow. The popular destinations are South Fork American river, Colorado river, Arkansas river, Salmon river, Merced, Kaweah in US. Rivers in Quebec and British Columbia in Canada. Ganga Yamuna and Teesta rivers in India. There has been concern by environmentalists due to activities of White water rafters like dredging the river bed. However white water rafting also contributes to the local economy.
The thought of white water rafting, where you will be surrounded by wildest form of water, is enough to excite your adventurous soul. It is one of the adventurous sports, where risk involved in the trip is directly proportional to the fun element for the rafter. Just like ocean kayaking and other similar sports, it is indeed one of the most appreciable explorations of nature practiced by mankind. Also, not to forget, it is a mesmerizing opportunity to plan rafting vacations with friends and family.
Growth of Whitewater Rafting
The history of white water rafting dates back to the 1950s, though rafts belong to early years of 19th century. In the 1950s, balsa wood was the main manufacturing material for rafts. It was the time, when rafting was not considered as a recreational activity due to the number of risks involved in it. After sometime, rubber-made rafts came into existence, which also lived for a very short period of time because of the safety hazards involved. Finally, self-bailing rowing rafts fueled this adventurous sport as a recreational activity just like kayaking tours and other adventures.
Things You Must Know
If you have planned for rafting vacations along with your near and dear ones, you must know some strictly essential facts regarding this sport to make your trip a memorable one:
White water rafting is categorized into 6 categories. Category 1 is good for children, while category 6 must only be practiced by experienced rafters.
You must have knowledge about different types of rafts available. For instance, there are rafts with either paddles or oars and there are others with both paddles and oars. Also, you may find motor-based rafts. You should choose a good rafting destination and of course, in the right weather conditions.
It is always good to carry safety equipments like helmets and life saving jackets on your trip for white water rafting. Most importantly, you must always be in the company of professional rafters, in case you are going to raft for the first time.
Whitewater rafting has been accepted as a recreational sport and thus, it is categorized in the group of adventurous sports like ocean kayaking. Thus, you may consider coming holidays to be spent with a rocking spirit, which is ready to accept the challenge of untamed waves of mighty rivers.
If you want the best in white water rafting and other activities like kayaking tours, you can trust upon Real Adventures for accessing a wonderful opportunity. And believe me! Once you are able to experience the maximum fun out of your trip facilitated by www.realadventures.com, you will revert again and again, asking for more.
Article Source :
About Author
Both Tyson J Stevenson & Kumari Patel are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tyson J Stevenson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Jewelry, Acid Reflux and Medical Malpractice Lawyers. Tyson J Stevenson creates useful articles & reviews on a wide variety of everyday subjects. Expect to see his name often. View further samples of his work at or at. Tyson J Stevenson's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
Kumari Patel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vacation, Recreation and Sports and Hot Air Balloons. Kumari Patel is an independent writer who loves to write on the topics like ,. Kumari Patel's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.