Daniel+Smith+Rafting

//**White water rafting**// **// What is white water rafting? //**   White water rafting is simply going down white water (rapids) in a raft while trying not to fall out. Many people undertake white water rafting for the thrill and adrenaline rush, so for those who want to try white water rafting just make sure you’re up for the challenge. **// What do I bring and what equipment do I use? //**   **// Where can I go white water rafting? //**   There are places all over the world to go white water rafting, and it really depends on how much of a challenge you want and on your experience in white water rafting. Some ‘hot spots’ for white water rafting are in New Zealand, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, some places in Northern America and many more. It’s important to look up the difficulty grade before you head off and perhaps talk to a white water guide on what he would advise as most white water rivers can change in difficulty depending on the time of year and recent weather. **// White water difficulties //** Grade one- a grade one rapid as very small currents and rough areas which is sometimes considered too small for ideal white water rafting. Grade two- similar to a grade one, there are some rough areas with possible rocks. This is also not ideal for white water rafting as the waters a too gentle. Grade three- small waves, stronger currents with possible small drops which requires for the rafters to maneuver the raft at times. Grade four- medium waves with considerable drops. Grade five- large waves, possible large rocks with hidden dangers and a large drop. Should only be undertaken by experienced white water rafters. Grade six- Huge waves, huge rocks and dangers and extremely difficult to impossible to navigate as well as having a huge drop which will result in an impact that is above that of the capacities of most equipment used in white water rafting. Grade six white water rafting is not done commercially and is often seen as either extremely lucky or skillful to finish a grade six river without any severe injury or even death. It should also be said that white water rafting carries many risks, and injuries are not uncommon in the activity. Injuries can happen from people accidentally getting hit with oars in the face or capsizing into rocks and other hazards. **// History of rafting //** This history of rafting was one of the earliest forms of transport and would be used to simply cross a river, travel quickly and easily down a river or transport goods. The rubber raft was first believed to be made in the early 1840’s but started becoming popular as an outdoor sport in the 1980’s. White water rafting has even been in several Olympic games as an event.
 * A wetsuit- depending on where you’re going and the locations water temperature, it is generally advisable to wear a wetsuit simply because it keeps you warm and also is safer if you fall out; the wetsuits smooth surface helps to prevent you from snagging on rocks, sticks or the raft itself.
 * Life jacket- this is a necessity; if you’re planning on going white water rafting with and rafting group they won’t let you go without one. Life jackets simply keep floating on top of the water if you happen to fall out as well as providing extra warmth out of the water.
 * Helmets and other protective gear- like the life jacket, you won’t be allowed to raft without one and if you fall in the water (which will most likely happen), it will protect you from any nearby or oncoming rocks. Helmets also protect your head from rogue paddling oars from nearby raft members.
 * Paddling oars- everyone in the raft will have a paddle each (a one ended paddle) in order to steer the raft and get speed when the raft is in calmer waters.
 * White water raft- Obviously one would find it difficult to go white water rafting without the raft.



[] [|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafting#Grades_of_white_water] []