Adventure sports are very much the in thing today and one of them is river rafting. The thrill and sense of adventure adds to the fun of this sport. Although the professional and reliable guides are at times flummoxed at the way guests or tourists conduct themselves, they are well trained to handle even the most timid ones. It's certainly not like simple boating where after having paid for the boatman and the ride, you can sit back in the boat and relax while enjoying the serenity of the lake or river. In fact, rafting is totally the opposite with the river churning and the guides read the waters and their turns and twists and everybody in the kayak is expected to paddle and pitch in. That is where the fun lies in rafting!



Some of the prerequisites of river rafting are that the attire must be according to the season. During the rains, it will have to be a wet suit and during spring, warm woolen clothing will be required to keep you warm and retain body heat. In summer, however, apart from using a good waterproof sunscreen, shorts and tank tops are quite comfortable. As for footwear, it should certainly be the ones you are most comfortable in.

Apart from the attire, it is very important to pay close attention to the instructions given by the guides and abide by them religiously. You must have team spirit as you will be expected to work as one in order to avoid any accidents. The guides must also be informed about the condition of your health, that is, if you are suffering from any illness or if you are taking some kind of medication so that necessary precautions can be taken.

It is not necessary to take any sort of training before you go river rafting as the guides are very professional and competent. It is extremely important that the guides insist on the guests being sober before undertaking the trip as an intoxicated member can be hazardous to the whole team.

Although the guides are very capable and cautious, you must be prepared in case of emergencies. The first and foremost golden rule during an emergency is never to panic as it is the only thing that can lead to drowning or death. Moreover, the guides are well prepared and have all the necessary equipment in a kayak which is ahead and has the lead guide in it. You are made to wear a life saving jacket or vest compulsorily. Even if you happen to tumble out of the raft, it's best to float on your back till the guide tows you to the shore and they are well trained in first aid just in case you need mouth to mouth resuscitation.

River rafting can be an enjoyable and thrilling experience if you want to make it one. It may begin with obvious trepidation but the sense of achievement at its end makes you feel as if nothing can touch you and that now you're ready to perform any feat as you feel that you have learnt to overcome and control your fear of the unknown!

Nowadays, it is possible to record all these moments live with your video cameras and the photographs taken at those places that were full of danger, thrill and fun are capable of refreshing your memory and your sense of achievement.