The descent of rivers, known worldwide as RAFTING is an extreme sport and recreational activity that consists of traveling the river in the direction of the current (downstream), on a boat or raft. Usually, rivers have a degree of turbulence, these are also called rivers of white water. Sparkling white foam that forms in some parts, when water collides with the rocks in the river. The easiest way to describe this river activity and its vibe are: LET'S GO TO THE RAPIDS!
The most common boats used to navigate rivers are rafts, canoes, or kayaking. Not any boat can navigate the rapids. They have to be able to move quickly but also be sturdy in case they hit rocks.
THE RAPIDS:
In the descent of rivers, there are international classifications for rivers according to their degree of difficulty when navigating them.
They are classified from (I) to (VI) where the number (I) is near-flat water with very slight movement without dangerous obstacles. The number (VI) is extremely difficult and not navigable, due to the existence of risk and danger of death. Every river doesn't always have the same class in its entire extent, for example: in a class (III) river you may find the fast class (II) even a class (IV) rapid. Most of the time these rivers are classified by their lower category with a Plus behind to indicate that some rapids are stronger.
Class (V) rivers are expertly navigated and classes (VI) are impossible to navigate. As soon as anyone can survive a descent of a class (VI) river, it automatically becomes a class (V). One of the most famous class (VI) white waters is the Niagara falls.
HYDROLOGY:
The rivers of turbulent waters or the fast-flowing waters, you have peculiar characteristics that every good practitioner of this activity should know. They are essential to understand the structure of the river and to identify the most dangerous and safest places in the river. Some of those structures are Eddy, happy hole, angry hole, deflector wave, wave train. Hydrology is very important in this activity and serves to avoid accidents and at the same time to take advantage and have fun.
SAFETY:
You don't need to know how to swim or have experience for this activity, but you will still be given a safety talk and river signs so you know what to do in case of an emergency. They will always train you for the worst-case scenario ( not to scare you) quite the opposite is so that you know how to react. The guide of your raft knows the river well and will give you another express conversation where he will teach you to paddle and rescue your companions in case they fall into the water. Falls and flips don't happen very often, even though they are shown in many advertisements because they look more extreme. Just be assured that if you do not fall into the water, that only means your guide did a great job. If it happens it's completely normal, for something they call an Extreme sport!
EQUIPMENT FOR ACTIVITY:
The equipment for rafting and kayaking activities are completely specialized for the river, the materials are very resistant to strong impacts. Your safety equipment is always a specialized high flotability vest for class (V) rivers even if you do lower-class rafting. A special helmet to drain water and a paddle that will become your best friend and with it will give power and direction to the raft.
WANT TO GO RAFTING?
Now you know what rafting is! Cheer up to experience the adventure of the water element!
Rafting is an ideal activity for groups of friends, farewell programs that want to do something different, family outings, business programs, etc. Make sure you talk to experts, choose a company that has good safety measures in place, or just Contact us and we will handle all this for you.
