Rafting or whitewater rafting is a challenging recreational activity using a raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid 1970s.
White water rafting in India is almost exclusively confined to the northern rivers which flow southwards from the Himalayas, gushing between densely forested mountains and through steep gorges. The northern rivers offer `raft-worthy’ rapids, and a trip down a river can be a great way to see the countryside. Whether the expedition’s just a few hours of getting soaked and experiencing the thrills of a high-action Hollywood flick- or it stretches over a few days in which you spend time camping and trekking as well- this is an experience not to be forgotten.
Rafting is undeniably an amazing experience. However, one must keep certain precautions in mind in order to ensure their own and fellow travelers safety. Here is a list of don’ts for white water rafting.
All About Safe Water Rafting
Rafting Drunk Or On Drugs
Few things decrease your attention and coordination skills more than drugs and/or alcohol. As such, it is paramount that you avoid consuming anything that limits your reasoning skills, physical capabilities, and judgement as all three of those are quite necessary in ensuring your trip goes over safely. Liquid courage does not equate into real courage by any means, and it is important for everyone to remember this. You also don’t have to be wasted to enjoy yourself, there is plenty pleasure to be had doing it sober… so don’t be a fool.
Failing To Wear Safety Equipment
Your life jacket is to protect you from drowning, and it does a pretty good job at that. Your helmet is to protect you from hitting your noggin on all the hazardous things there are under water, and that as well does a good job. Rocks, logs, and countless other things threaten your pretty little head under the water. It’s not “cool” to forego wearing safety equipment, and that should be remembered. Even if it is lame, it’s better to be lame than dead or seriously injured.
Being Concerned With Your Tan
For starters, the last thing you should be trying to do while rafting is working on your tan. That is the fastest way to become burnt and dehydrated. After long trips you can even fall stricken to sun strokes or heat exhaustion, neither of which will make that awesome tan worth it. But then there is the concern that while worrying over your tan, you are not paying attention to the river and potential hazards that lay there within. By worrying over your looks, you’re putting both yourself as well as your rafting companions at risk.
Not Knowing The Lay Of The River Or The Surrounding Land
Before going anywhere you’ve never been, it’s a good rule of life to try and memorize as much of the intended area as possible. Sure nowadays we have iPhones and GPS, but batteries die and technology can fail. You would hate to be left lost because you were relying on Google maps to get you out of any trouble you might come across, only to realize you don’t have service or any idea where you are. Being lost in the wilderness is not fun for anyone and so knowing the path of the river through the land is crucial. Beyond that, the river itself should be known as certain sections could be more difficult or have specific hazards you should be aware of to avoid. Knowledge is power… so make sure you know the lay of the land and river.
Being A Downer Debby Or Sour Stew
Any situation, whether good or bad, can quickly be made worse by a downer Debby or sour Stew. Most people understand that weather changes, or that you can become sore or tired from rafting, or any other number of less positive things. There is no such thing as bad weather its just varying degrees of good weather. Most people enjoy pushing themselves, or exerting themselves in a fun activity. Most likely, these Debby’s and Stew’s know what was in store, and none of what happens should be much of a surprise to them. So rather than bring everyone down to your level, why not try elevating yourself to theirs. In the least, you won’t annoy your companions and you might actually find yourself having a good time, no matter how hot, cold, or wet the weather is.
