American river rafting is distinct. Few other countries in the world can offer a safe yet adventurous ride down a white water river. Rapids are formed when a gradient steepens; when water is constricted from the sides and runs faster; and when water moves away from an obstacle. All three of these phenomena cause whitewater.
You will probably experience extreme rapids, which on a scale of I to VI usually fall into three or four with a five sprinkled here and there (typically you can't raft over a Class VI - it's just too dangerous). Here's what you need to know about whitewater rafting California in order to have the time of your life.
Before your trip, make sure you don't overpack. Clothing is barely necessary - a bathing suit and a couple of t-shirts, as well as some warmer wear will suffice if you're planning on an overnight. A sleeping bag and your toiletries are really all you need besides that.
You may be catching your own meals, which is the way the original California river rafting men did it, and if so, you won't have to worry about carrying too much food. Fresh trout is delicious and healthy. Snacking and drinking plenty of water are good ideas, especially since you may be in the hot California sun for hours at a time.
While there are extreme rapids that certainly require preparation, there will also be parts of your trip where you can relax and swim alongside the raft. Stay on the lookout for wild animals, such as coyotes, bears, and large birds. Who knows, you could even see a bald eagle.
During the more serious times, you will probably have to pedal against the current in order to steady and right the raft. You will find that you have to work as a team in order to best navigate the rapids, using forward and backward paddling. When you hit a hole and get splashed, remember to hold on so you don't fly out of the raft. It happens, and it's not a big deal, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Last of all, you need a great attitude. When you're river rafting California you're going to have a lot of fun, even if the great outdoors aren't exactly your thing. Being outside on a moving river with friends and strangers is a great way to enjoy yourself. So now that you know what you need for river rafting in California, start packing and get out there.
You will probably experience extreme rapids, which on a scale of I to VI usually fall into three or four with a five sprinkled here and there (typically you can't raft over a Class VI - it's just too dangerous). Here's what you need to know about whitewater rafting California in order to have the time of your life.
Before your trip, make sure you don't overpack. Clothing is barely necessary - a bathing suit and a couple of t-shirts, as well as some warmer wear will suffice if you're planning on an overnight. A sleeping bag and your toiletries are really all you need besides that.
You may be catching your own meals, which is the way the original California river rafting men did it, and if so, you won't have to worry about carrying too much food. Fresh trout is delicious and healthy. Snacking and drinking plenty of water are good ideas, especially since you may be in the hot California sun for hours at a time.
While there are extreme rapids that certainly require preparation, there will also be parts of your trip where you can relax and swim alongside the raft. Stay on the lookout for wild animals, such as coyotes, bears, and large birds. Who knows, you could even see a bald eagle.
During the more serious times, you will probably have to pedal against the current in order to steady and right the raft. You will find that you have to work as a team in order to best navigate the rapids, using forward and backward paddling. When you hit a hole and get splashed, remember to hold on so you don't fly out of the raft. It happens, and it's not a big deal, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Last of all, you need a great attitude. When you're river rafting California you're going to have a lot of fun, even if the great outdoors aren't exactly your thing. Being outside on a moving river with friends and strangers is a great way to enjoy yourself. So now that you know what you need for river rafting in California, start packing and get out there.
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