Are you interested in booking a whitewater rafting trip, but are unsure about how the details work? If you have some questions on your mind, you are probably not alone. Once you begin to understand what the trip involves, how safe it is, and where your money goes, your questions will quickly be answered and your mind will be put at ease as you realize the value of this extremely affordable vacation option. Here is some information to help you get started.
First things first – what is whitewater rafting? It is the maneuvering of a boat down a river. The term “raft” implies that the boat is a Coast Guard-approved raft (which we will explain in further detail in a bit). The raft can be used in a variety of ways – one person can operate it with large oars rigged to the raft, a group of individuals can hold paddles and follow the instructions given by their guide (the most common practice), or a combination of the two tactics, where the oarsman is responsible for the majority of the power and control and the individuals act as backup.
We all know what rivers are by sight, but the technical definition of a river is flowing water that works its way down an elevation, toward another body of water. Most rivers are given a classification of I-VI, based on the intensity of the rafting ride. A I is nearly flat and has almost no current, while class VI is un-raftable – whether that means a body of water as intense as Niagara Falls or as narrow as a trickle along the side of the road. The classification is specific to rafting, while other sports have their own unique classifications (for example, a kayak can maneuver in areas that may be un-raftable). For most people, class II to IV is doable, but class III offers the ideal rafting experience. The South Fork of the American River offers some great class III rafting and is extremely popular with a wide variety of audiences, including families, children as young as seven, youth groups, and even senior citizens.
A typical raft trip includes a professional guide. Whether this individual is male or female, the guide is a professional who makes a living guiding whitewater trips. Some of these guides even follow summer around the globe! As a result, many of the guides are international, so don’t be surprised to hear an Australian or Canadian accent on board! But no matter what the nationality, these guides know the river you are rafting and are used to individuals of all ability levels. They know how to read the river and navigate it, so rest assured that you are in good hands! Don’t forget to tip your guide at the end of the trip – this practice is quite common on the river.
Naturally, your trip will include a whitewater raft – a strong, durable boat specifically designed for the purpose of rafting down a river. The two primary materials in the raft are Hypalon (a rubber-based product) and Urethan/PVC (made of plastic). These materials are strong enough that the raft can navigate over rocks, around waves, and can take several years of people stepping in and out of it before it needs to be retired. The biggest kryptonite to rafts is sand, which wears holes into the seams of the raft and causes it to leak. This is problematic, as rafts typically cost close to $5,000.
You will probably be handed a paddle so that you can do your part to get down the river. The paddles used on rafts are nearly six feet in length, and are comprised of an aluminum shaft coated in a colored plastic with a durable plastic blade.
Another important component of your rafting trip is getting fitted with a class V Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD). The vests float individuals of all shapes and sizes, and are the most buoyant, high-quality PFDs that exist.
Helmets are becoming common practice in the whitewater rafting world as well. While the designed may vary, all rafting helmets have several attributes in common – they are designed for getting wet, are lightweight, and are a GOOD IDEA. In many other countries, helmets are a must and not an option, and outfitters in the U.S. are catching on as well, especially those that employ an international staff. When you choose your rafting provider, be sure that they require helmets, as this is the safest way to raft by far.
Certain outfitters, including the vast majority of those on the American River, offer a gourmet-style deli lunch that is actually served during the trip, right on the river! Food options may vary but generally include two or three bread choices, lettuce tomato, avocado, sprouts, onions, two meats, two cheeses, mustard, mayonnaise, peanut butter and jelly, chips, fruit, cookies and water.
For those who go on overnight trips, campsites are paid for, and all meals are prepared and served by the staff. The full trip includes two days of rafting, two lunches, a breakfast and a dinner.
Typically, whitewater rafting costs approximately $100 per person, per day. Considering what is included – a professional guide, all necessary equipment, full immersion into a river canyon and whitewater rapids, quality meals and lifelong memories -the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Still not convinced? Consider a trip to Disneyland. You walk into the park and are required to guide yourself. Your meals are far from included – and are often overpriced. The rivers and canyons in the park are not natural, but rather, man-made. And of course, the price ends up being tremendously higher without experiencing something natural and majestic. Oftentimes, we have a certain perceived value that may or may not be accurate. It is our hope that this article has answered any questions you may have had about the sport and has encouraged you to try whitewater rafting yourself!
Action Whitewater Adventures (AWA) provides exciting whitewater rafting vacations that everyone in the family can enjoy. Situated on the banks of the American River, the sister company, Nature’s-Classroom, delivers outdoor education experiences for school groups of all ages.
