Rafting - It's More Accessible Than You Think, The Best Vacation Idea Around

Have you ever thought about booking a whitewater rafting trip

? Maybe not. There are a lot of misconceptions and unknowns about this vacation option. When you know what to expect, what is protecting you, and what you get for each dollar spent, you will quickly conclude that this is one of the most memorable, doable and valuable vacations you will experience. Here are some tips to get you started.

Before delving too deeply into the details, let's start by defining what whitewater rafting actually is. It is a sport in which a vessel, in this case a Coast Guard-approved raft (more on that later), is maneuvered down a river. The raft can be used in several different ways - one person can be the primary operator, using large oars rigged to the raft, or a group can be responsible for holding individual paddles and following the paddle instructions of their guide (this is the most common practice). The third method is a combination of the two, where a guide rows the raft with oars, with paddle support from the participants.

Likewise, rivers are exactly what you think they are - water flowing from elevation working its way toward a body of water. Most rivers are given a classification that is specific to rafting, which determines the intensity of the ride. The grading generally ranges on a scale of I to VI. A class-I river is nearly flat, with little current, while class VI cannot be used for rafting. This does not necessarily mean it is too strong - a trickling stream on the side of the road is just as much a class VI as Niagara Falls is. This classification is specific to rafting, as certain other sports have different classifications (a kayak can fit places where a raft cannot, for example). For the average rafter, anything in the class II-IV range is feasible, and class III is ideal. The South Fork of the American River, one of the most popular rivers to raft in the United States, is just that. The class III body of water is regularly rafted by families, children as young as seven, youth groups, and elderly people, to name a few of the populations that use this river.

The typical raft trip includes a professional whitewater guide. This person, whether male and female alike, is a quality boatman (or woman!) who makes a living guiding whitewater rafting trips. Some of them follow summer around the globe, literally. You may very well meet your guide and hear an Australian or Canadian accent. These people are used to the river you're rafting, and are used to individuals of all fitness and competency levels. They know how to read water and navigate the river you are on. You can take complete comfort in the skills of the professional in the back of your boat. And don't forget to tip your guide at the end of the excursion if you are happy! This is a completely common and acceptable practice on the river.

Naturally, your trip will include a whitewater raft - a strong, durable boat specifically designed for the purpose of rafting down a river. The two primary materials in the raft are Hypalon (a rubber-based product) and Urethan/PVC (made of plastic). These materials are strong enough that the raft can navigate over rocks, around waves, and can take several years of people stepping in and out of it before it needs to be retired. The biggest kryptonite to rafts is sand, which wears holes into the seams of the raft and causes it to leak. This is problematic, as rafts typically cost close to $5,000.

Before entering the raft, you will receive a paddle (unless you are in an oar-rigged raft), so that you can help power the raft down the river. The paddles are nearly six feet in length, and are comprised of an aluminum shaft, a plastic coating, and a durable plastic blade.

You will also receive a class V Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD). The vests are meant for individuals of all shapes and sizes, and are the highest-quality PFD on the market today.

More and more outfitters are providing their guests with helmets. While they vary in design, these helmets have a few things in common: they are made for getting wet, are lightweight, and are a smart thing to wear. In many other countries wearing a helmet is not an option; everyone dons a helmet. Outfitters exposed to foreign guides are adopting by choice these safer rafting practices and providing their guests with helmets. When choosing a rafting provider, be sure to go with someone who requires helmets.

Some outfitters offer a gourmet-style deli lunch as part of the package that is actually served on the banks of the river! While the options may vary slightly, a typical lunch includes two or three breads, sprouts, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, onions, two cheeses, two meats, mayonnaise, mustard, peanut butter and jelly, chips, fruit cookies and water. This is not necessarily an option on all rivers but is common practice on the American River.

For rafters who are lucky enough to go on overnight trips, the rafting package includes two full days of rafting, two lunches, a breakfast, a dinner, and overnight accommodations at a campsite. The staff even prepare the meals for you!

The typical price for whitewater rafting is around $100 per person, per day. Considering everything that is included - professional guide, professional equipment, the opportunity to see the beauty of a river canyon from a unique vantage point, the opportunity to travel through whitewater rapids, excellent meals and lifelong memories - this is a very cost-effective vacation option.

The experience can be likened to a visit to Disneyland. Upon entering the park, you are not provided with meals or a professional guide, the experience is fun but somewhat artificial, and the price is tremendously higher per person, per day. Value is in the perception and knowledge of an experience. We hope that with this brief article, you will overcome any fears or trepidations and will encourage you to create your own lifelong memories with a whitewater rafting vacation!

by: Christopher Pyle

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