June 18, 2020

7 Whitewater Rafting Safety Tips from Raft Masters

Whitewater rafting is among the most thrilling water adventures that you can try out today. It is a great activity to perform, no matter what your experience level is. It is a popular sport in the mountains where people enjoy rafting with their family and friends. Before you take part in the sport, there are a few safety tips that you should know to make sure that you will look back at your experience in a positive way.

Choose a licensed outfitter

Make sure about the experience of the outfitter before you hire them. Check for the license and how long they have been in the businesses. Check for the training available with their guides to make sure that they are legit and professional. A professional outfitter will always keep the rules and safety in check.

Use life jacket always

You should know how to ear the life jacket correctly. All the buckles much are clipped properly, and the jacket should be fitted snug on your body. Your jacket shout fit you while giving you enough room to breathe properly.

Wear all protective gear

Never compromise on your safety as waters can be as dangerous as they are fun. Wear every safety gear that is provided by the outfitter. Wear your helmet no matter what happens. You will only be a smarter person while rafting even if you do not look smart in the safety gear.

Wear the right outfits

Do not wear something that is already heavy on your body. Avoid all the clothes that can absorb more water. You can shop for a proper wet suit, river shoes, splash jacket, etc. Find out if the outfitter has all the necessary equipment available or you will need some extra shopping.

Learn to grip the paddle

Gripping the paddle is important under the safety concern. Your one hand should be at the base of the paddle, and the other hand should be by the end of the shaft over the T-grip. The T-grip will provide control on steering the paddle while the other hand will pull the paddle to moving.

Stay in the boat

The kids often try to swim around the boat the moment they are in the water. While this can be allowed in still waters, it can be dangerous while you are in white waters. Make sure you listen to your guide properly and never try to leave the boat until he says so. Even when you fall, you should not panic and try to locate your boat. The guide will help you climb back on the boat.

Never panic

White water rafting has its own risks; that is why it is an “Adventure sport”. When you are going for it, you should make up your mind to overcome any problem that comes during the journey. Never panic even in the most difficult situations, and watch yourself bounce back with the team again. ...

June 6, 2020

Recommended Gear Checklist for Flatwater Paddling Trips

Flatwater paddling can be a calming experience for friends and families on a great holiday. Make sure that you take care of everyone’s safety, including yours while planning any water sport activity. Not everyone has to bring all the items but when you go as a team, make sure that you have everything to help survice any injuries or problems.

Wearing essentials

Always choose to wear lightweight and quick-dry clothes in any water wear. Do not wear anything that can absorb more water and keep you wet. It will be more vulnerable to getting rashes and may also catch fever due to wet clothes. Also, consider the weather while choosing the clothes for yourself. Some of the wearing essentials will include:

• Rashguard shirt
• Quick-dry shorts or pants
• Sunglasses
• Sandals or water shoes
• Sunscreen
• Wind jacket – stored until needed
• Sun hat
• Life jacket
• Paddling gloves

Personal gear

You can also carry other personal gear based on the location of your camp. Confirm with your camp hosts about the things that will be available to you at the camp, so you do not have to pack your own. Some of the stuff that you can carry in your personal gear can include:

• Dry sacks to keep your other items dry
• Deck back to keep the frequently used gear quickly accessible and dry
• GPS, compass, or map to know where you are
• Drinking water
• Food/snacks
• Toiletries
• Camera with a waterproof covering

Safety Equipment

Watersports is risky and will definitely require safety equipment to control or prevent any dangerous situation. The reason it being an adventure sport is that you need the right skills and safety to perform it correctly. Take a course on paddling before you go solo in the waters. Learn about the dos and don’ts of paddling, learn about the wet exits, learn about the equipment you are carrying, or it will be of no use.

• Bilge pump
• Extra paddle
• Float plan
• Throw rope
• First aid kit
• Emergency kit (contains matches, mirror, tinder, small metal cup for boiling water, headlamp, knife)
• Whistle
• Stern light

Overnight excursions

When you are done with the waters and come back on the land to take some rest, you must have everything to give you a comfortable sleep in nature. Plan your resting equipment properly to not make it too heavy. Take the help of your friends and distribute the items so that everyone contributes to the night out.

• Stove and fuel
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Lighting
• Cook kit
• Tent
• Dinnerware
• Camp Chair
• Axe or saw for firewood

Coldwater paddling gear

Different seasons or regions can provide different paddling experiences. When you are going for a cold water paddling trip, you can also include these items in your pack.

• Cold weather paddling gloves/drysuit gloves
• Splash skirt
• Insulated headwear
• Wetsuit neoprene/drysuit footwear
• Wetsuit neoprene top

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