Whitewater rafting or often just called rafting has always been known as extreme sports in our society, but now it has become a popular tour. Many people from various backgrounds want to try the thrill of this fast-flowing river sport. Well, what should be considered in planning, preparation, and in execution: what are the rafting tips and tricks for beginners? Check out the following 16 whitewater rafting advice for beginners, which are divided into 3 stages.
I. Planning the Rafting Trip
1. Knowledge of Rafting
Make sure when you want to try rafting, then educate yourself about rafting. What is rafting? What can you do in rafting? Googling is a good way to get an initial insight into rafting.
2. Physical Readiness
Rafting is a draining sport. If you are actively rowing, almost all of your body’s muscles are active, especially your upper body. Therefore, it is recommended to exercise for 2 weeks or at least 7 days before rafting to help retrain physically before rafting. Upper body muscle exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, back-ups and barbell exercises will further increase physical readiness and reduce fatigue during rafting.
3. Know the River Classification
Based on the type of river classification according to the International Scale of River Difficulty, the river is classified into 6 classes, from class I (easy) to class VI (the risk of possible death is high if crossed). For a rafting first experience, Class II-III rivers are a good place to try.
4. Recognize the Character of the River
Some rivers can be very extreme during the rainy season / high water discharge. However, some others actually become almost have no rapids if the volume of water increases during the rainy season due to river rocks that normally become rapids are covered by water. Meanwhile, during the dry season, some rivers will recede and will be very tiring when the raft is always stuck with rocks. Ask your river guide/skipper about the character of the river to be waded, before starting the rafting to provide insight and to add curiosity and enthusiasm to your team.
5. Never Do Whitewater Rafting Alone
Rafting cannot be done alone. Gather some friends to go rafting together. Beginners must be accompanied by experienced guides. It is recommended for beginners to always use the whitewater rafting operator services to arrange and guide the rafting trips.
6. Don’t Drink Alcohol
Drinking alcohol before rafting not only endangers yourself but also your team.
7. Avoid staying up late the night before Rafting
Staying up late or go to sleep very late at night before rafting should be avoided unless forced to. Because a lack of sleep will make it difficult for you to concentrate during the rafting on the river, it can also make your stamina become weak. Under certain conditions, fatigue due to lack of sleep when rafting can be very dangerous to safety.
8. Don’t Raft When It’s Dark
Except for experts and rafting professionals who have years of experience in night rafting, don’t ever plan to raft when it’s dark. The rafting must be organized and managed so that it is finished before dark.
II. Preparation Before Rafting
1. Use Sunblock
When rafting, especially the one with duration more than 2 hours, the coolness of the river water, and exciting atmosphere sometimes make you forget about the blazing sun that can burn your skin. Don’t forget to apply sunblock cream to anticipate sunburn.
2. Warming up
Warming up by stretching the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, waist, and thighs is very important before the rafting begins.
3. Wear Rafting Equipment Correctly
Life vest / personal flotation device (PFD) and helmet are the most importantly personal safety equipment in rafting. Therefore, wear a rafting helmet and PFD that fits and comfortable. Make sure the helmet and PFD are not loose or come off easily during the rafting trip. But you have to make sure that the helmet and PFD are not limiting your movement, do not wear the PFD and helmet too tight so that it makes difficult to breathe. Hold the paddle properly, ask the guide/skipper/boat captain about how to hold the paddle correctly before starting.
4. Safety and Operational Briefing
Be sure to talk to the raft guide/skipper and your team about safety and rafting techniques before starting the rafting. Don’t forget to talk and recall the paddling commands and safety procedures in case of falling into the river happen.
III. During Whitewater Rafting
1. Always Listen to the Skipper/River Guide
Always obey the direction and command of the guide/skipper. Concentration to listen to the paddling commands from the skipper.
2. Put Yourself in the Right Position on the Raft
Sit comfortably and hold the paddle properly and tightly. Choose a seat on the left or right side of the raft for your convenience. Also, adjust the positioning of team members according to their body weight between the left and right sides, the front and back sides so that the raft is balanced. Weight balance will affect the rowing power needed to run the raft.
3. Floating Off With Your Feet at the Front
If you fall from the raft, don’t panic. Try to get back on the raft immediately. If you can’t, float facing the downstream river and place your feet pointing forward. Feet and knees parallel to the head. It does so that your feet can protect your face and body from crashing into rocks. Never try to stand in a river current! If the inflatable raft is upside down, stay focused with your feet forward. Concentration in listening to the signals or commands from the rescue raft team, or swim to the river bank if you are in quieter river flow.
4. Balanced Nutrition
Rafting is very energy-draining. Eat a balanced diet before, during and after the rafting trip.
The article was adapted from the original in Bahasa Indonesia:
https://penjelajah.com/16-tips-arung-jeram-untuk-pemula/
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