It’s not uncommon to find reasons why people don’t want to go whitewater rafting.
Rollercoaster’s keep you safe, skydiving has a parachute and bungee jumping has
well, a bungee. But rafting? Rafting only has a life jacket that keeps you afloat but
not necessarily out of the water. That said hesitant people tend to look at the same
problems of rafting and talk themselves out of a trip when statistically you’re safer
going down the river than driving there.
They don’t strap you into the boat so you can fall out.
As much as it pains me that I can’t actually strap some of my guests down to the
boat the reality is that you are actually safer to be mobile. If the boat was to flip in
the middle of a rapid and you are held underwater the life vest most likely wouldn’t
work properly possibly forcing you to drown. Since a majority of entry level rivers
are pool drop systems—which means a rapid then a calm pool—if you do fall out
most likely all that’s going to happen is you will be flushed downstream where you
can then be picked up.
Uncle Larry almost drowned last year, he was under water for a long time
Uncle Larry may have thought he almost drowned but be skeptical when hearing
about the horror stories of past trips. As a guide for four years I’ve seen only two
individuals come close to drowning out of thousands that go each year. Ten
seconds under water can seem like an eternity, but in reality it is just enough time
to take a lick of an ice cream cone and remark how amazing it tastes.
It’s expensive
It’s hard to combat that one, but when you think about getting a hotel room,
alcohol, dinners and theme park passes the cost is a bit more justified. Many times
outfitters will have half-day trips for beginners while weeklong expeditions are also
offered for the more ambitious. Don’t spend the big bucks until you know rafting is
something you like to do. Rivers are everywhere and they aren’t drying up that
quickly either—minus discussing this topic with a hippie—so take your time and fall
in love with the water. Soon the money will be worth it because you will enjoy
taking the time to raft and experiencing remote canyons only visible by the water.
They make you paddle . . . . a lot
Well dugh! Ok not really, but yes rafting is a team sport. Most of the time if you
are in what is called a paddle boat—each guest has a paddle—then it’s going to be
up to you to get the boat through the rapids. The guides may seem like bad asses
but in reality if you don’t make the move they most likely won’t be able to
compensate. It’s one of the best parts of the trip because you actually did
something beyond strapping down a harness on a rollercoaster.
You could die
That’s a given. You can die doing just about anything but at least if you’re rafting
with a trained guide and a reputable company the odds are against meeting your
maker. Paddle hard, charge the rapids and have fun, it’s amazing how many times
the most hesitant person at the beginning of the day turns into the most
adventuress at the end of the run.
Most of all though take the time to go outside your comfort zone and push your
boundaries. Whitewater rafting takes a special type of individual but rule out a trip
just by a few unfinished questions. Most importantly call the outfitter with any
questions or concerns. Also feel free to talk to your guide in the morning before the
trip. Just remember though that they like to scare you a bit so don’t take everything
for face value.
Tim Shisler has been a river guide with Whitewater Excitement for the past four
seasons. He is currently working as a freelance outdoor adventure writer and
photographer. For more information on rafting several of California’s premier rivers
including the American River and Merced River go to http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com.
