Whitewater rafting is the sport of navigating a river with turbulent flow with a raft. It has gained popularity since the mid 1970s as a leisure sport and has been proven to be quite challenging. While there are many different holiday packages featuring whitewater rafting available, below is a concise guide to picking one which suits you best.
No experience whitewater rafting? Worried about your safety?
Look for reputable companies which provide classes for beginners, and talk to someone who has been there about their experience. Some companies may even hire experienced guides to coach you. Again, it is best to look for reputable guides also as they would have experience coaching beginners.
Are all rapids made equal?
Rapids are designated classes 1 through 6 according to difficulty levels. Thus beginners should start with 1 and work their way up as they improve. Keep in mind that everyone learns at their own pace and that it takes time to build up one’s experience and courage. Remember to check the desired vacation spot for the rapid classes you intend to ride, perhaps trying a tougher one too.
How long will this vacation be for? What is the main attraction of the location?
The desired length of stay is a factor often overlooked. Long trips usually involve camping, indulging in the scenery or simply enjoying the time off your hectic daily schedule. Always prepare a rough plan of activities, leaving some time for “rest and recreation”.
So where should I go for a great vacation?
Great vacation sites can be found almost anywhere around the world. Popular rafting locations in Europe include France, Norway, Turkey and Norway. North America is known for farting sites such as Colorado, Alberta, California, Oregon, Maine, West Virginia, Alaska, Yukon and Ontario. Latin America offers rapids in Peru, Chile, Guatemala and Costa Rico, just to name a few.
emember this list is not exhaustive and there are many other wonderful sites around the globe.
Once you have shortlisted a few locations, the next step would be to compare the price and services provided for vacation packages. Remember that while some packages may be cheaper, you should compare services and tourist attractions in the area also.
Finally some precautions to take note of
Always check the company’s safety record before deciding. How long have they been in the business? How long have they operated in the desired site? Inquire about the availability of additional safety measures like life jackets or full-body wetsuits.
All in all, planning your whitewater rafting vacation may require a little planning ahead. Just don’t be afraid of asking questions and gather as much information as required.
Happy rafting!
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