It’s not uncommon to find reasons why people don’t want to go whitewater rafting. Rollercoaster’s keep you safe, skydiving has a parachute and bungee jumping has well, a bungee. But rafting? Rafting only has a life jacket that keeps you afloat but not necessarily out of the water. That said hesitant people tend to look at the same problems of rafting and talk themselves out of a trip when statistically you’re safer going down the river than driving there.
They don’t strap you into the boat so you can fall out.
As much as it pains me that I can’t actually strap some of my guests down to the boat the reality is that you are actually safer to be mobile. If the boat was to flip in the middle of a rapid and you are held underwater the life vest most likely wouldn’t work properly possibly forcing you to drown. Since a majority of entry level rivers are pool drop systems—which means a rapid then a calm pool—if you do fall out most likely all that’s going to happen is you will be flushed downstream where you can then be picked up.
Uncle Larry almost drowned last year, he was under water for a long time
Uncle Larry may have thought he almost drowned but be skeptical when hearing about the horror stories of past trips. As a guide for four years I’ve seen only two individuals come close to drowning out of thousands that go each year. Ten seconds under water can seem like an eternity, but in reality it is just enough time to take a lick of an ice cream cone and remark how amazing it tastes.
It’s expensive
It’s hard to combat that one, but when you think about getting a hotel room, alcohol, dinners and theme park passes the cost is a bit more justified. Many times outfitters will have half-day trips for beginners while weeklong expeditions are also offered for the more ambitious. Don’t spend the big bucks until you know rafting is something you like to do. Rivers are everywhere and they aren’t drying up that quickly either—minus discussing this topic with a hippie—so take your time and fall in love with the water. Soon the money will be worth it because you will enjoy taking the time to raft and experiencing remote canyons only visible by the water.
They make you paddle . . . . a lot
Well dugh! Ok not really, but yes rafting is a team sport. Most of the time if you are in what is called a paddle boat—each guest has a paddle—then it’s going to be up to you to get the boat through the rapids. The guides may seem like bad asses but in reality if you don’t make the move they most likely won’t be able to compensate. It’s one of the best parts of the trip because you actually did something beyond strapping down a harness on a rollercoaster.
You could die
That’s a given. You can die doing just about anything but at least if you're rafting with a trained guide and a reputable company the odds are against meeting your maker. Paddle hard, charge the rapids and have fun, it’s amazing how many times the most hesitant person at the beginning of the day turns into the most adventuress at the end of the run.
Most of all though take the time to go outside your comfort zone and push your boundaries. Whitewater rafting takes a special type of individual but rule out a trip just by a few unfinished questions. Most importantly call the outfitter with any questions or concerns. Also feel free to talk to your guide in the morning before the trip. Just remember though that they like to scare you a bit so don't take everything for face value.
Whitewater Excitement has over 28 years whitewater rafting experience.and is considered to be California's premier American river rafting company.
http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com
