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Rafting is both a competitive sport and recreational activity, utilizing a raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on whitewater or fast running rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers.
Popularity
Rafting has become increasingly more popular, since the advent of the very durable, multi-layered inflatable boat in the 1970s. Rafting can be anything from an exciting theme Park ride, to the most challenging of extreme activities.
Location
Whitewater rafting is one of the most thrilling activities available in the UK or anywhere in the world. Rafting is very much an outdoor activity found on the wildest of the worlds natural rivers, or on purpose built artificial courses.
Age
Rafting is an activity that (for obvious reasons) does have a minimum age restriction. Age restrictions vary depending on the severity of the course, normally a minimum age of between 8 and 18 years. There may also be a maximum weight restriction.
Ability
Theme park Rafting rides require no special abilities. For the more adventurous waters! All rafters should be water confident and be able to swim at least 50m. Expectant mothers and people with troubled backs would be well advised not to raft.
Description
Whitewater rafting can be a dangerous sport, recreational rafts typically hold 4 to 12 persons, and are usually propelled with ordinary paddles. Although the paddles are used more for maneuvering rather than propulsion, as the raft is taken on the river flow. Waters are rated on a 1 to 6 rating of difficulty,(6 being almost unnavigable). Rides may encounter Fallen trees, submerged rocks, Rapids and small Waterfalls, and a lot of very Wild Water. No two rides are ever the same.
Dedication
To combat the illusion that rafting is akin to an amusement park ride, and to underscore the personal responsibility each rafter faces on a trip, rafting operators generally require customers to sign waiver forms indicating understanding and acceptance of the risks. Rafting trips begin with a safety presentation to educate customers about problems that may arise. The overall risk level on a rafting trip, using experienced guides and proper precautions is low.
Potential
The extreme activity of white water rafting has the potential to give you the thrill of a lifetime, that no amount of words can prepare you for. You may also experience, first hand the beauty of an environment, not seen from anywhere but the river.
Closely
Related Activities
Wild Water Racing 99, Canyoning 100, White Water Rodeo 491, Tubing 1143 and the adrenaline rush of a Roller Coaster Ride 735,
Cost
Theme Park Rides; from £10. A days White Water Rafting (all equipment supplied) in the UK; from £50. The cost of a White Water trip as part of a forign adventure, depends on location, duration and accommodation, (Can be very expensive, but as a once in-a-lifetime experiance very worthwhile).
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
 Energy |
| Arms
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| Legs
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| Sight
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| Hearing
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| Speech |
| Learning |
Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.
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