DexterWhite Water Rafting
July 19th 2008 03:28
Hang on Fast and Loose.
The quickest route
White Water Rafting’s major obstacle is the challenge of surviving nature’s fury.
Rafting has always been a mode of transport since man first decided to make his way down a river. It’s safe to assume that back then fast undercurrents and wild, untamed water flowed downhill with fatal speed too, difference was it was out of necessity that man braved the rapids instead of for pleasure.
Ride, ride, ride the wild surf
Becoming a popular leisure activity in the 1970’s, WWR was included in the ‘72 Munich Olympic Games. Over time the vessels have changed rafts used to be built with logs and other natural material. Now the more resilient and portable inflatables are the prefferred defence against high speed collisions with rocks, branches and debris mode.
It's the fear that's a rush
Navigating with limited control at such velocities, a team of 4 - 12 passengers must work in harmony to conquer each new leg of their mayhem soaked roller coaster expedition. Though the risks may have reduced over the years there is always an element of danger when dealing directly with an untamed environement.
I think we are going to get a little wet
Here is a list of the White Water Classes from Wikipedia:
Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)
Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require maneuvering.(Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)
Class 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering.(Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills)
Class 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)
Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)
Class 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous as to be effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, and/or substantial drops that will impart severe impacts beyond the structural capacities and impact ratings of most all rafting equipment. Traversing a Class 6 rapid has a dramatically increased likelihood of ending in serious injury or death compared to lesser classes. (Skill Level: Successful completion of a Class 6 rapid without serious injury or death is widely considered to be a matter of luck or extreme skill)
Video 1 - Things can go wrong
Video 2 - Opting for the Kayak
Video 3 - Rafting on the Kaituna River with waterfalls
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