White water rafting provides the opportunity to escape your daily life and is an enjoyable way to overcome stress through physical exertion and relaxation.
On the river, paddlers listen to instructions from a guide at the rear of their raft. With paddles in hand, they collaborate as a group to propel and navigate Class III-V rapids together.
Camping by the River
Outdoor enthusiasts find few experiences more exhilarating than camping by a river, with its breathtaking scenery and endless possibilities presented by waterways. However, camping by rivers also presents some challenges unique to their location that must be addressed appropriately.
White water rafting is an exciting activity that is suitable for people of all ages and experience levels, leaving memories that last a lifetime!
If you’re new to white water rafting and looking for your first adventure, visit North Carolina’s Nantahala River for your first experience. There is an assortment of guided and unguided trips available here that provide unique outdoor camping experiences while giving you all the thrills associated with white water rafting! You will experience all its natural beauty while feeling exhilaration of white water rafting at once!
High-Siding
While rafting, you might come across class III and IV rapids. Although challenging but not overly dangerous, these rapids add excitement and adventure to any camping trip. For your own safety, listen carefully to and follow the instructions of your guide, such as their high-siding command which could prevent your raft from flipping when hitting an obstacle in the river such as rocks.
When instructed by your guide, move to the side of the raft that faces upstream immediately to prevent being pulled down deep by current. Doing this can prevent being pulled under and overturned by its force.
Being aware of your surroundings during rafting adventures is crucial to staying safe, and paying attention to any suspicious noises in the dark forest could save your life from an unnecessary midnight bathroom trip or hearing unnerved screaming coming from deep undergrowth.
Equipment
As can be imagined, rafting requires different equipment than hiking does. A day bag should include sunscreen, medication and waterproof camera or phone; an overnight bag will contain everything you will need for camping over night – such as sleeping pad/bag/linens for sleeping; all clothing for the trip; towel; toiletries etc.
Bring river shoes that can easily be worn while rafting and provide protection from jagged rocks or debris in the water. Flip-flops should be avoided due to their limited protection and tendency to come off during rapids. In addition, bring sunglasses that feature polarization technology so they will reduce reflection off river walls and canyon walls; make sure they fit comfortably while providing enough strap support to prevent them from falling into the river or canyon walls.
Safety
River floating can be exciting and thrilling, yet vulnerable. A paddle captain steers your raft with paddles much like rudders. He or she may give instructions such as “left side forward” and “right side back”, while rowers paddle their respective parts collectively to keep moving through rapids.
Falling out of a raft is unavoidable, so it is crucial that you know how to respond if thrown from it. Look for an outside safety (OS) line and swim towards it if possible; otherwise assume the fetal position by curling yourself into a tight ball – this reduces surface area for currents to grab onto and makes it easier for rafts to come quickly to rescue you.
White water rafting equipment includes a helmet, shoes and life vest as essential pieces. A hat will provide extra sun protection; one with an integrated chin strap should you flip overboard is ideal. Polarized sunglasses reduce reflection off of water surfaces.https://www.youtube.com/embed/hemQh4maUfI