subject: What You Should Know About White Water Rafting In Moab Utah [print this page] There are some things you should know about white water rafting in Moab Utah. The best time to go white water rafting is usually between April and October. Spring, late summer and fall are optimum times for maximum adventure because higher and lower water levels can increase the thrill factor on most rivers. However, the summer months are the most popular times to raft. The difficulty of a river is classified on a scale of Class I to Class VI. Rivers are usually classified based on normal water flows but during times of heightened or lowered water levels , the grade can be increased. A Class I level consists of small waves and clear passages with not serious obstacles. Class II means that the passages are clear and the rapids present a moderate difficult level. Class III consists of numerous high and irregular waves with rocks and eddies, the rapids with passages are clear but narrow. Class IV means the rapids are long and the waves are powerful and irregular with dangerous rocks and boiling eddies. This level requires precise and powerful maneuvering. Class V is very difficult with long and violent rapids that follow each other with almost no interruption, and the riverbed is extremely obstructed and there are big drops along with violent currents. Class VI is the guide's run. No commercial company will take a client on this type of rapid.
Moreover, when you go white water rafting in Moab Utah you should be prepared. In the spring and fall, you should wear synthetic layers on cool days. Plus it is a good idea to wear socks, gloves and hats to stay warm on cool days. Avoid wearing cotton because it is slow to dry once it gets wet and it will keep your skin cold. In the summer, you can wear shorts and a T-shirt with a bathing suit, if you want. For any season, you should wear shoes that fasten securely to your feet and avoid heavy cotton fabrics. For the most part, anyone who is in generally good health and reasonable fitness can go rafting. The minimum age for a child on a Class III river is around 8 years old with a minimum weight of 55 pounds. On a Class IV river the minimum age is around 14 years old. There is no maximum age; however, if you are over 60 it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor before going white water rafting.
There are three types of commonly used rafts for white water rafting in Moab Utah. The self-bailing paddle rafts can hold between 4-10 passengers. The passengers are each given a paddle and must work as a team under the direction of the guide to move and maneuver the raft. This ride is smoother than the motored raft. The oar raft is maneuvered only by the guide who uses two long oars. The motor raft is propelled by a motor which allows the passengers to hold on for dear life as they are tossed around by the rapids.
Safety is important when you go white water rafting in Moab Utah. The most common worry people have when they go rafting is about falling out of the raft. Falling out of the boat is a part of the rafting experience. Some people love it and some people have taken many trips but never fall in the river. Before you take a rafting trip, you are given extensive instructions on what to do if you fall in and how to stay safe. Rafting is an adventure sport so there is an inherent risk involved in participating in it. It is also an exciting adventure that can be a lot of fun. And while you have to accept that there is a risk, you should also know that the most common injury is acquiring a sunburn.
