River Rafting

1. Rafting and Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. Usually at a campsite, one can get away from civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or more nights. It may involve the use of a tent, a primitive structure at all. A rafting trip to Rishikesh can really be a stress busting experience as the thrill involved in such activities is saturated by the soothing surroundings and you come back a with a balanced body and soul.Camping as a r .....

Choose a licensed and professional rafting outfitter

2. When shopping for an outfitter, ask them questions. See how long they have been in business under the current ownership. Ask them what kind of training their guides have and what government entity manages their outfitters permit and training practices. This will let you know that you are working with a professional outfitter. Picking a professional outfitter will help ensure that the following rules are followed. .....

Always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device

3. Although just because you wear a life jacket, it doesnt mean it will save your life. It must be worn correctly. All buckles must be clipped and the jacket should be fitted snug to your body. The trick here is to have the jacket fitted so you can breathe yet the jacket should not be able to be pulled up over your head. Always have your professional guide fit your jacket. This will insure a perfect fit. .....

Be safe and comfortable Wear the protective gear

4. Always wear a helmet no matter what level of rafting you are participating in. Lets face it, you wouldnt let your kids out to ride their bike or go roller blading without a helmet, why go whitewater rafting without one.It just makes good sense. .....

Make sure you have the right outerwear for the day

5. In early Spring, the water may be a little chilly. Wearing a wet suit, splash jacket, and proper river shoes can make the trip much more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without the chill. Some outfitters rent this gear. A reputable outfitter will have gear for you. Find out before you book if the outfitter has gear for you. Raft Masters includes this gear as part of the package at no additional cost. On the other side of the spe .....

Hold the paddle properly

6. Holding the paddle properly can be a huge safety concern. One hand should be at the base of the paddle on the shaft. The other hand should ALWAYS be on the end of the shaft over the T grip. The T grip is made of hard plastic and can blacken eyes and knock out teeth. Keeping your hand over the T grip will keep control of the paddle and cushion the blow if it should happen. Ask your professional commercial guide for the proper technique. .....

Stay in the boat

7. This sounds like common sense, but it can happen. One minute you are in the boat and the next you are swimming next to it. When rafting, pay attention and watch for rocks coming from downstream. Your guide may use a command called Bump just before the boat hits a rock. If your guide calls out, Bump lean in while placing your paddle T grip on the floor of the boat. Make sure you still keep your hand over the grip. If the Bump command is exec .....

Know the proper swimming techniques

8. When swimming in the river, whether you fall out or you jump in for fun, there are two techniques. The first is the Down River Swimmers Position. This is on your back, nose and toes to the sky with your head up so you can see where you are going. Feet down stream with your knees slightly bent. This way if you come in contact with a rock you can use your feet and legs as shock absorbers and push off the rock. Arms should be out to your side to .....

Know the commands

9. When you are listing to your guides safety talk before the trip, pay extra attention to the part about high siding. High siding is a command that your guide may call out as a last ditch effort to keep the boat from capsizing. Remember: dont panic Chances are this wont happen, but if it does you will have wished you paid attention during the safety talk. This situation tends to stress both guides and clients out but really it is a super easy com .....

Rafting Do

10. Wear a Life Jacket Make sure your life jacket is snug and buckled at all times Listen to your river guides they are there to keep you safe Notify your river guides of any medical conditions you may have Wear proper shoes no flip flops, slippers, or bare feet. Old Sneakers, water shoes, or sandals with an ankle strap work best Help your fellow rafters back into your raft if they unintentionally fall into the water, even if you do not know them. .....

Rafting Dont

11. Do not stand up in moving current. If you unintentionally fall into the water, you want to float on your back with your toes pointed up, facing downstream. Do not wear cotton if you are going rafting in the cold weather. For the cooler months wetsuits, neoprene, polypropylene and wool are all items you can wear to keep you warm and dry. Do not bring use alcohol or illegal substances while on your trip. It is dangerous and can bring harm to you .....

Prepare beforehand

12. If you have never gone rafting, you should educate yourself on the sport. Know what it is and what you should be capable of doing. Be honest with yourself. Dont try doing a Class V river on your first ride. .....

Know your physical limitations

13. Are you a good swimmer Can you endure upper body exercises for a couple hours If so, good If not, try taking some swimming lessons before your trip. Exercising your upper body is good to achieve some resistance on longer rafting trips. .....

Know the Classifications

14. Rivers are classified in six classes from Class I (easy) to Class VI (likelihood of death if attempted). For first timers, a Class II (or even Class III) is a good place to start while still having a thrilling experience. Choose your Class according to your physical limitations. .....

Know the river

15. Rivers have different behaviors during the year. Summer rafting is usually calmer, due to low water volume. On the other hand, some rivers take advantage of the melting snow more water flow and some even have daily dam releases. .....

Check local regulations

16. Some countries might have an age limitation to raft. Some places dont allow rafters under the age of 12. .....

NEVER go rafting alone

17. Rafting should never be done solo. If youre a newbie rafter, try going with an experienced guide. If youre experienced, do go with other experienced rafters. But never alone. .....

ALWAYS listen to your guide

18. Your guide knows what you should do and when to do it during your trip. DO always follow their instructions. Common things you will hear during your raft will be: lean left right, bounce, sit in out, paddle, stop paddling, and high five .....

Dont drink alcohol before the trip

19. I know you want to have fun, right But, drinking alcohol before rafting will not only endanger yourself, but also be a risk to other rafters. .....

Do not raft in the dark

20. Rafting should be done while there is plenty of sunlight. Try coordinating your trip so that it ends before darkness falls. In some rivers there is moonlight rafting, but these should only be done with well experienced companies and guides. Rafting in a pitch black river can be kind of creepy .....

Choose a good life jacket

21. ALWAYS wear a life jacket and helmet. Your life jacket should feel comfortable not too big and not too small. It shouldnt reduce your movements flexibility. .....

Always have a good grip

22. Feel comfortable where you are sitting and know how you can get a good grip (with your hands and feet). The ride will most likely be jumpy and you dont want to fall all the time, right. .....

Float feet forward

23. If you get to fall in the water, when possible, do try to jump back into the raft; if not, float with your feet forward. Your feet should float right at the top of the water, this will prevent them from getting stuck between rocks or injuring yourself. Let yourself go with the current and NEVER try standing in the river. .....