Rafting is one of the sports that arouses a greater sense of freedom. For several reasons, this modality has become an ideal sports practice to enjoy nature 100%. Along with the canyoning, crossing the riverbed is an adventure in which adrenaline is more than guaranteed.
On the other hand, a water sport such as Rafting is suitable for most audiences. However, one of the tips for Rafting is to have the equipment and trained personnel to guide the entire route of the activity.
Rafting History
According to historical background, Rafting is one of the first means of transportation that was used to transport people and food.
Although it is said that the 2nd World War, the inflatable boats that were leftover from the surprise attacks in the ocean, began to be used in the fast rivers to recreate in leisure time, however, it was in the 50s when Rafting began to be taken more seriously with the implementation of new boats with rectangular shapes, as they made them more resistant and safer when being in the river.
With the passing of time, new routes were marked, becoming recognized in the 1972 Olympic Games in Germany, in Munich. The adventurers fell in love with this sport by practicing Rafting through different rivers of the world and thereby bringing the popularity it has to the present.
Rafting Levels
If you decided on Rafting, you have to take into account the rivers that are according to your physical and technical conditions. Currently, the rivers are rated according to the degree of difficulty, and therefore, if you are about to enter the world of Rafting, you have to anticipate that. In as much, we will show you the Rafting levels when practiced in different waters whose characteristics are the following:
Easy. They are those rivers that have a rapid flow of small undulations. They do not present risks.
Beginner. Rapid rivers with wide and clear channels that do not require prior exploration. They do not present great dangers to swimmers.
Intermediate. They present fast waters with obstructions, moderate waves, turbulence, eddies, holes, and holes that are easily evadable.
Advanced. They present fast waters with little visibility, which forces them to have previous knowledge. They have a lot of power in their turbulence and eddies. They are rivers of difficult navigability.
Expert. They are the most complex navigable, extremely long, violent, and unpredictable rapids. They have high turbulence, eddies, waterfalls, holes, and waves that reach and exceed 2 meters.
Do not forget to consult with a guide experimenting if you want to practice this water sport on fast waters.
Rafting Equipment
You are ready for Rafting, so now you must take into account the basic equipment to go out and experience this exciting water sport. Rafting is considered that sport that offers to experience feelings of freedom and adrenaline when navigating the rapids.
Therefore, if you are an adventurer, you cannot avoid having the right equipment, since it will be of real importance when you go sailing down the river, such as having:
The oars. They are used by the crew to propel the raft, and the central oars will be used by expert guides.
The life jacket. Mandatory for any athlete who wishes to practice Rafting.
The helmet. It will be fundamental because it will protect the head.
The dressing. They are the wetsuits that provide comfort.
The accessories. They can have spare oars, rescue rope, repair tools, inflator, among others.
It is also necessary to know how to swim and, above all, be concentrated when rowing to avoid rocks and not fall into the water.
Where to Go to Rafting?
You are about to enter the exciting world of Rafting, then head to Europe, because there you can find the best rivers to practice this adventure sport.
Today, adventurers who are in love with Rafting, believe they find the best places in Europe, specifically the Pyrenees, since there you can find rivers with a lot of ravines. They also come to present a suitable climate for the practice of this fast water sport. That’s why there are many followers who, no matter where they travel to this part of the world.
On the other hand, the US to Patagonia in Argentina can find excellent rivers in which Rafting can be done without having any problems. You know where to start if you dare, however; Do not forget to consult with an experienced guide in case you want to know more about this sport of indescribable sensations.
Rafting Rafts
They are specifically designed to navigate fast and fast rivers, with high quality and resistant materials. Rafting rafts, essential when leaving for sailing.
Getting a good raft will be preponderant when Rafting, whose main characteristic is that they are inflatable.
They are also designed with resistant materials since they will provide the necessary security when you are sailing, it also has a self-evacuating floor that performs the function of eliminating water and relieving the weight of the raft. At present, there are many brands of rafts that exist around the world. However, it is always good to consult when purchasing one with an experienced Rafting guide. It should be noted that the measures of the rafts measure from 3.5mt to 5.5mt.
A Rafting Experience
If you are looking to practice extreme sports in a group, then Rafting is ideal, since you can experience new sensations, as it is a sport that combines the physical and the mental. Today, Rafting is a sporting and recreational activity that consists of crossing the riverbed that has some degree of turbulence called the rapids.
This type of sport is directed by a guide that is located in the back, and the other members of the team are located to the sides, and then when it is in the waters, they will start rowing. Likewise, the number of people who go up on each raft varies from six to eight crew members, being in charge of the experienced guide who knows every part of the river in detail. It is also a sport that helps improve physical endurance and eliminate stress. It should be noted that for this exciting sport it is required to have the basic equipment and know-how to swim.