Whether holidaying or chilling out of the house to experience a thrill, whitewater rafting is an exciting and fun outdoor activity. It is an exciting way to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of experience level or rafting ability. The famous Colorado group rafting adventures can be found throughout the state, but the most popular is the Royal Gorge excursion. People fly from around the country, and even the world to raft in the stunning 1,000+ tall Royal Gorge. That said, no matter the location, you’ll want to be fully prepared with understanding of the safety precautions of white water rafting. This article covers safety tips and the gear you and your group will need to have an exhilarating, sate trip down the river!
Choosing a Professional and Licensed Rafting Outfitter
When picking an outfitter, asking questions is imperative. It is good to know about their business and present ownership. Asking questions helps to know about their training and government entities that handle their outfitter’s training practices and permits. It ensures that the adventure seeker is working as a professional outfitter. Selecting a professional outfitter indicates that rafters follow the necessary safety rules and regulations.
Life Jacket Personal Flotation Device
Wearing a life jacket or a personal flotation device doesn’t guarantee saving life. Wearing it properly is one of the essential safety tips that rafters should abide by. The jackets should fit the body, and the buckles should be clipped. The essential factor is that the coat should be well-fitted but comfortable enough to breathe. The professional guides should fit the jackets and clip the buckles to ensure they are done correctly.
Wearing the Protective Gear
Irrespective of the rafting level, wearing protective helmets and gear is vital. White water rafting is tricky, especially when the river water is turbulent and has the surprising presence of rocks and waves. If rafters have proper protective gear, the chances of injuries are higher. In situations where the river water level is unpredictable and suddenly throws them out of the raft, head and face injuries are evident. Therefore, it is wise to invest or rent good protective gear before embarking on the rafting adventures.
Holding the Paddle Correctly
Holding the paddle in the correct form is a safety factor. One hand should be at the extreme base of the paddle on the shaft. The other hand should be over the T grip on the shaft end. The T grip is a hard plastic, and on wrong paddle handling, it knocks out teeth and injures eyes. Keeping one of the hands over the T grip controls the paddle and prevents accidents. The professional guides suggest proper techniques to hold the paddle and maintain safety regulations while rafting.
Execute Proper Swimming Techniques
Swimming in the river, whether out of fun or falling by accident, two different techniques are there. The first technique is the Down River Swimmers Position, where individuals lay on their back, nose, and toes, point to the sky, and head up to see the direction. The swimming technique helps people to use their feet and legs as shock absorbers when encountering rocks. The second technique is known as Romancing the Stone, which is a popular choice during rescue scenarios. The swimming position is on the stomach until an individual can swim out of the river. It is better to seek professional advice from a rafting guide and decide on the swimming position if the situation arises.
Understanding Commands: High-Siding
When listening to the safety tips and techniques, rafters should pay attention to commands. The command, high-siding, is vital in situations like capsizing. There is no possibility that such a situation will appear, but panicking is not an option if it happens. Such emergencies stress guides and rafters, but following the safety command step-by-step is the best solution. No matter whether the raft hits a rock or the water pressure the upstream flips the boat, the moment the guide commands high-slide, going downstream is the only direction rafters should follow.
Conclusion
Abiding by the safety tips and listening attentively to the guide during Colorado group rafting adventures, thrill enthusiasts can experience the roaring rush of water. Safety tips ensure that accidents or injuries don’t occur during rafting. That said, get on the water and have some fun!
