What is Whitewater Rafting?

Ever watch footage of those crazy folks windingget started, it isn't difficult, say the experts. The
down the wild rivers of the world with nothing butnumber one concern of most individuals, say
a yellow raft between them and what appears towhitewater guides, is the safety of the sport.
be certain death? If so, you've probablyThere's always some risk, they'll tell you, but if
experienced the second-hand thrill of whitewateryou're rafting with a reputable company that
rafting. But if you've never done it yourself, youemploys experienced guides, the risks are minimal
might wonder "What is Whitewater Rafting?"and managed.
What are the ins and outs of the sport and canEven non-swimmers and children without much
anyone do it? Where do you go to enjoyswimming experience can travel safely on certain
whitewater rafting excursions and how does awhitewater trips, as the life vest is an essential
beginner get started?part of any whitewater equipment. Some
The Origins of the Sportoutfitters offer special family-oriented trips on mild
Whitewater rafting has been around for a longrapids, suitable for small children and seniors. You
time. Records show whitewater runs as early asshould, however, be in good health and free of
the first decade of the 1800s, but as aany problems which may be aggravated by this
recreational sport, this unique activity began toor any vigorous activity before you give it a try.
gain popularity in the 1970s.Choosing the Right Whitewater Rafting Trip
Indeed, the rubber raft was invented in the 1840sAfter you've answered the questions "What is
and used by the U.S. Army for surveyingWhitewater Rafting?" and "Can I Do It?", you'll
purposes. However, the first actual commercialwant to determine which trips are best for you
whitewater trip didn't take place until early in theand your companions. Choosing the right excursion
20th century. By the 1940s and 50s, resorts nearcan make or break your love for the sport, so
certain rivers began to offer rafting expeditions tostart off slow, even if you're anxious to dive into
their guests, but outfitters that specialized in thethe wild stuff!
sport really didn't begin springing up until the 60sRapids are divided into four classes - Class I
and 70s. The inclusion of whitewater rafting in thethrough IV - and these classes determine the
1972 Summer Olympics caused people to stopattitude of the ride. When researching rides, the
and ask "What is Whitewater Rafting?" andclass of the rapids will be part of the information
prompted them to do more research into theprovided. Note, however, that the rapids aren't
sport. Many of those people become instant fans.always the same for a particular river. While
Today, whitewater rafting is best defined as arapids may be a mild Class I or II during the
recreational activity that uses multi-passenger,season when the river is low, the same body of
inflatable rubber boats to travel down rivers thatwater may experience Class III or IV rapids
contain numerous rapids or "whitewater," oftenwhen the runoff from the mountains is at its
navigated by an experienced guide, allowing for apeak.
thrilling ride that leaves you soaking wet andIf you're just starting out, take time to ask your
screaming for more. Many people simply refer tooutfitter which runs are best for you so that you'll
it as "the most fun they've ever had!"be initiated gradually into the world of whitewater.
Whitewater Rafting for BeginnersBooking an intense, nail-biting trip the first time out
If you've always wanted to try your hand at thismay cause you to hesitate to try the sport again.
wet and wild sport but never quite knew how to