Group of men paddling while inside inflatable boat

Rafting is a Fun Sport When Done Properly

The first time you saw someone rafting, you thought it was a dangerous thing to do.  You did not understand why a person would get on something that small in the middle of an ocean.  Over the years, rafting has become a popular water sport enjoyed by men, women, boys, and girls of all ages.  This is a sport that you should not try without learning everything there is to know about it.  Rafting is safe if you choose a reputable company to teach you how it is done, and follow all the prescribed guidelines. Because of the popularity of whitewater rafting, more people are going out on the rivers, which are more convenient than the oceans at many beaches.

Gaining in popularity among rafters, old and new, is the Bow River Rafting. These bow tubes are river tubes that are large enough for adults because they are built to hold the weight of an average adult and maintain its buoyancy.  Rafting can be an exciting and exhilarating adventure, but with all the various elements of nature involved, it can pose some risks.  For this reason, you want to be able to handle yourself and the raft should unexpected weather conditions cause you to change your plans.  It is important to be well informed about all the things to be aware of, and mostly, how to get off the water if a sudden severe storm comes up.

Rafting is a great activity for the entire family if it is done properly.  A few safety tips to remember are,

  • Wear proper clothes, especially in the spring when the water is chilly.
  • In the summer, wear clothes that dry quickly.  Put on sunscreen, and wear protective sunglasses.
  • Wear protective gear, either a life jacket or vest, and always remember to put one on.  The water is unpredictable, and there is a chance that you could fall from the raft.
  • A helmet is an essential item to wear to avoid any head injury.
  • Be sure to pay close attention to your guide.  They are there for a reason, and that is to help maintain your safety, so please listen carefully.  They know what to do in the case of an emergency while going down the river.
  • Learn what the best swimming technique is if you fall out of the raft.  You want to be able to get back onto the raft as easily as possible.

If you have never been rafting before, now may be the perfect time to be bold and adventurous.  Take a rafting class to learn the basics, then get outside to learn how to get active on the water.  Your instructor will be fully trained and certified to give you all that you need before you give rafting a try.  This adventure can be for the whole family.  Never go rafting with someone who has not been instructed properly.  You may be responsible for your life and theirs.  Learn to do it correctly, or not at all.