Whitewater Rafting

Taking the fun out of whitewater?

For many whitewater enthusiasts, the addiction began with a guided trip down a river with class III or IV rapids in a professionally outfitted, inflatable vessel.  My first experience was along the Clearwater River, located just south of Wells Grey Park in the interior of British Columbia, Canada.

I have since learned that there are many dedicated whitewater paddlers who scoff at the idea of taking a rubber boat packed with other people through sacred rapids, but I will always stand by the experience as one of the greatest and most life changing of my entire life. I believe that there are several reasons why everyone should try out these excursions for themselves.

To start off with, tackling whitewater can be pretty scary.  It is much less so when you are accompanied in your vessel by a professional trained in the steering of the boat and very familiar with the run.

The reason why whitewater can be scary, of course, is that it is dangerous.  Novices and experienced paddlers alike run the risk of drowning in the event of any unforeseen accident or misstep. It is therefore also good to have someone who is trained in water rescue accompany you on your first few trips down the rapids (in fact, I would always recommend paddling in a group, no matter what type of boat you use.  You will never regret having someone else along in the event that something goes wrong.)

Outfitters Know the River Well

Finally, professional whitewater rafting outfitters are very familiar with the rivers they run along. Even experienced paddlers venturing out on their own will benefit from the knowledge that the guides can pass along as to the conditions of the water and the classes of rapids to be found along the river.

Remember, rivers are by no means static, and a gentle class II can suddenly lead into a raging class V.  Seasonal variations may also occur, which will lead to some rapids actually being upgraded from their original classifications.

I do understand some of the arguments against whitewater rafting. The trips are very expensive more often than not, and you will have to work as a team with total strangers, often packed tightly into the boat. However, as an introduction to whitewater sport, there is no method that will get you hooked so quickly (and in a relatively safe manner) than taking a raft.