Specific whitewater rafting gear is needed to ensure a fun and safe experience. Your outfitter will provide you with some equipment such as a raft, oars and a first aid kit, but ask before arriving to your rafting destination. Your rafting outfitter will give you an entire list of items that will not be provided by the rafting operator. The list you receive will have items such as life vests, helmets, coolers and more. Helmet Choose a water sport helmet that has an adjustable chin strap to keep it in place. Your helmet should be free of cracks and should have a foam inserts for added protection. Life vests There are several variations of a life vest, and your outfitter will let you know if it is something they will provide. In case they don't, be sure to purchase a proper fitting life vest, even if you are a strong swimmer. The straps on the vests will vary, as well as, whether or not it will have a strap that attaches underneath the legs. Shoes Old sneakers are more than ample for your whitewater rafting trip. Converse sneakers are a good choice, if you already have a pair. Sneakers will not fall off if the ride gets rough. You can where sandals, but it does not offer enough support or protection and can come off if you fall in the water. If you wear sandals, be certain that it has straps and around the ankle and across the tops of your feet. First aid kid You should carry a first aid kid on your raft, and this is another item your outfitter can supply. Even if they have a proper first aid kit, carry a zip lock bag with a few bandages, Band Aids, cleansing pads and some ointment. Clothing Your clothing is what keeps you from overheating or going into hypothermia. Items in cotton are OK, but they will not keep you warm once wet. Cotton clothing offers no protection from the cold. Opt for wicking materials, which keeps the moisture away from your skin. Be certain to get the air and water temperatures from your outfitter before getting to the site. They may recommend long pants and long sleeves, or even a wetsuit, because of the weather. Water Containers Although water is all around you, it's still important to stay hydrated. There are several types of water containers available to keep your water fresh and cool. Personal bottles with sports lids are good for your person, but water containers are available to hold several gallons of water for the entire group. Coolers There are several types of coolers so you'll have to decide which best fits your needs. Some offer food trays, separate compartments for drinks and have hard or soft outer shells. Choose a size that is big enough for your needs. Ziploc bags Be sure to pack foods in Ziploc bags. Although the cooler shuts tight, your food will be protected and you can use the locks for any trash you have left. Besides storing your foods, place your valuable items like cash or your wallet in a baggie. You don't want these items to be ruined by the water.
0 Comments
Whitewater rafting is a fun and exciting activity that is available for kids to seniors. Rivers offer mild waters to rough rapids and can have a high stream flow. This can make moderate rivers move very quickly, so it's important to hire a guide that is knowledgeable. Your guide will offer tips and suggestions for your rafting trip, but here are some reminders when getting started: Don't go alone Even if you are a seasoned whitewater rafter, rafting alone is never a good idea. You might know the waterways, but it is still an unpredictable entity. As a first-timer, have an experienced guide to offer solid tips for rafting safety. Research the rules and regulations Depending on state laws or guidelines, eligibility to ride the waters are suitable for a wide variety of people. Contact your rafting company to find out the explicit age limits. In some areas, children as young as four can whitewater raft, while active seniors are welcome as well. Understand how rough the water is Whitewater rafting is rated with a class system, Class I to Class VI. Class I to Class III includes mild and moderate waters, while the higher classes are for advanced rafters. These waters are very powerful, with violent rapids that even lead to waterfalls. Stay hydrated Though you are surrounded by water, that doesn't mean you won't become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and carry extra sports drinks to keep you well hydrated. Know your strengths Concern over your overall fitness may play a role in what type of rafting trip you take. Some trips use oar boats, with the guide doing most of the work. On the other hand, a paddle boat uses each person as an active power source. Paddling is strenuous, but your guides will explain and cue you with commands to help maneuver the boat. Accessories for the ride Comfortable clothing, a life vest and a helmet are a must. Before arriving to your rafting destination, ask your outfitter for the type of gear you will need. Due to the temperature of the water, your recommendations can be different in each river. Dress according to the water temperature and not the air temperature since you'll be wet. Also, you should be reasonably healthy to fit into your life vest. If you wear glasses, use a croakie to keep your glasses in place. Also, shoes such as old sneakers are ample for whitewater rafting, while sandals come off easily and offer less protection. Choose your clothing wisely Wetsuits are also available, but wetsuits can cause you to overheat if you are not wet for most of the ride. For cooler days, a wet or dry suit is appropriate, as well as a paddle jacket. Synthetic fleece, polypro, capilene or wool items are also good for rafting, but cotton clothing is not a good choice, since it causes you to stay cold. Hypothermia is a serious condition that can take place because of the water temperature, so ask your guide for suggestions on what's needed. The use of cameras Although your camera is waterproof, opt for a waterproof, disposable camera instead. These cameras create clear photos, but are not exp Commercial rafting has been popular for decades, and is still increasing. People of all ages and physical abilities take part in the fun, outdoor activity. Though fun, whitewater rafting is an extreme sport because of the dangers. Serious injuries and even deaths have occurred while rafting. Besides death, there are several other dangers associated with whitewater rafting. Hypothermia River water can be frigid depending on the amount of snowmelt. Hypothermia can occur in a matter of moments, even when warm and sunny out. Hypothermia, a point when the body's internal temperature is below 95°F (35°C), causes heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure to increase. If the body temperature continues to lower, you're reflexes and cardiac output will continue to fail. Choose the proper attire to support your body temperature. Wetsuits and drysuits are available, and if the water and air temperature are 100°F or less, you should expect to wear a suit. Avoid dehydration Dehydration can set in when you least expect it. Though you're surrounded by water, you still need a steady intake of water to stay hydrated. Your rafting experience may include physical exertion, which can cause you to sweat. You won't be able to tell how much sweat you've excreted, since you are already wet. Dehydration makes you loopy and is dangerous, especially when participating in an activity. Before rafting, drink plenty of water for several days leading up to your trip. If you're unsure of how much to drink, you can gauge your water intake by using your body weight and dividing it in half. For example, if you weigh 145 pounds., drink 72 ounces or more. Dangerous water conditions Each river has different conditions, and your outfitter will set you up with the right tour. Although you will have an experienced guide with you, the water is unpredictable. Melted snow can cause a high stream flow, which makes the water move faster and hard to maneuver. Besides the speed of the water flow, Class IV to Class VI waters are dangerous. These waters can include rapids and lead to waterfalls. Unless you are an experienced whitewater rafter willing to take the risks, this is not recommended. Falling out of the boat Although falling out of the boat is exhilarating and refreshing, it is still dangerous. With unpredictable river water, bumps, bruises and even drowning have occurred. Be certain to understand the risks involved before rafting, especially if you are not experienced. Sunburns The importance of a good sunscreen to block the UVA/UVB rays is usually an afterthought. The water is cool and you're having fun, but sunny or cloudy days can cause severe burns. Before hitting the river, apply a liberal amount of waterproof sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. |
Lisa M. WhiteAboutI'm not a chef; just a homecook enthusiast who loves to feed my family and friends. I'm a red meat eating, cheeseburger lover. And, there's nothing better than a cold, crisp, Coca-Cola® served with lime to accompany that.
I'm a firm believer food is love, and love is food. Categories
All
Archives
April 2023
Copyright ©2011 CPT Lisa M. White™. All rights reserved.
|