1. Row, row, row Your Boat
Whitewater rafting is a sport practiced all over the world. Wherever the water in a river moves fast enough to cause a little whitecap, you can row your boat and call it rafting. The kinds of boats used for whitewater rafting vary as much as the types of rivers it's performed on. You can go whitewater rafting in a rubber canoe, an inner tube, a kayak or a large raft made for a group rafting trips.
2. Paddle Down the Lazy River
No matter what kind of craft you use for whitewater rafting, you need a paddle that is comfortable to hold and will reach both sides of the boat without you having to bend to reach the water. While the rapids in the river will carry your boat forward, you need to paddle over the slow moving areas. Paddling also plays an important role in keeping your boat pointed straight, especially when you encounter the bigger rapids and waterfalls that make the sport so exciting. You have to hit those straight on in order to remain upright. As a result, upper body strength is the most important physical attribute needed for whitewater rafting.
3. The Bigger the Better or not
Rivers are rated from one to five, depending on how big the falls are that you will encounter on a rafting trip. A Class One river is very smooth. Class Two rapids are a little bumpier, but offer clear pathways, while Class Three rivers are chock full of boulders and rocks, making the trip a little more dangerous. The real excitement occurs in Classes Four and Five, where companies who run whitewater rafting trips often require experience.
4. Going Bump in the Water
It is important to wear the right kind of gear while rafting on rapid rivers. A helmet is a must for novice and experienced rafters alike. You must protect your head from bumping into rocks that are under water and in the middle of the river. Most people also wear a life vest or flotation device. Since you can expect to tip over, wear shoes that won't soak up water and lightweight clothes that dry quickly.
5. Three men in a tub
While most whitewater rafting enthusiasts don't own a big craft for group rafting, they can be rented at every point along a good rapids waterway where whitewater rafting guides and rental companies set up shop. This can be a great adventure for a group of friends to enjoy a day on the river. You can join others at the rental shop to form a group. It is easier to keep a big boat from tipping as long as you don't have some of those wild folks on board who get a kick out of rocking the boat.
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