7 Safety Tips for Whitewater Rafting
Before taking a whitewater rafting trip this summer, be sure you go through this safety check list. Many of the things seem obvious to an experienced rafter. Though to the inexperienced, if any of these things are forgotten you may well be uncomfortable in the least, and at worst, may be putting yourself into unnecessary danger. Life Vests and Helmets: As far as safety equipment, these two top the list. You want a helmet that fits securely when strapped and doesn’t shift around on your head. You want a life vest that is comfortable, but not to loose. Properly fitting equipment is not only necessary for safety, but if the life vest or helmet does not fit as it should, it may restrict movement which obstructs paddling. The Buddy System: You should never go rafting alone, regardless of how tame the river may seem to be. The buddy system is self explanatory, if you plan on taking a day trip,an extra pair of eyes and hands are always welcome. Especially when doing something even remotely close to dangerous. Notify Friends and Family: Sometimes even having a rafting buddy present isn’t enough. Be sure to tell your friends and family of the river and course you intend to explore. As well as the day you plan on returning and the courses of action you want them to take if you do not arrive on that date. This can easily save your life if done, most people who perish in the wild do so because they could not be found. Make sure you avoid this problem from the start. Control your Paddles: There are two problems that can occur with the paddles during a trip. One is that when you become tired, you may be inclined to let your paddles drag in the water. This is a problem because that drag can cause the raft to drift or turn to one side. This may not be a big problem in calm waters, but if rapids are present it becomes dangerous. If you feel you cannot paddle due to exhaustion, rest them on the side of the raft but keep them out of the water. Along those same lines, you dont want to knock people with your paddles as it could harm them or at worst knock them into the river. This may be difficult when going through rough rapids, but keeping it in mind is better than not being aware at all. Stay Hydrated: There is no greater or more silent danger than dehydration. It can cause great discomfort if left untreated, and eventually will lead to death. Various trips in Colorado and throughout the southwest can easily lead you to be dehydrated. The climate is dry, and if active outdoor, you will lose tremendous amounts of water. You also have to be careful not to over-hydrate, the body can only absorb a quarter of a liter every 20 minutes. If you drink more than this, you will feel similar symptoms to that of being dehydrated. Headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Proper Foot Wear: While rafting, proper foot wear may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But at some point you have to put the raft into the water as well as take it out of it. So they will help in this sense. But if you get bucked out after a rapid, you want to head down the river feet first. Shoes will help protect your feet in this instance. Also, walking in a river can be slippery and jagged, which shoes will help to protect against as well. Check Equipment: Be sure to check that your gear is in proper functioning condition. Also make sure that all loads are secured as you would not want them to break free. This could result in harm to rafters, or at least the loss of gear to the river. Be sure your helmet and life vest is also not damaged in a way that it might inhibit it from working properly. In all, rafting is both fun and exhilarating. But if you do not take the necessary precautions, you may expose yourself to unnecessary dangers. For more information on whitewater rafting, and for the adventurous type, multi-day rafting trips, please visit InARaft.com for more information.
How to find the perfect wetsuit for Colorado whitewater rafting
When the weather is windy or the water is a little on the cool side for Colorado rafting, wetsuits are the perfect solution. Today’s wetsuits take advantage of the most advanced fabric and stitching options to create a suit that can keep you warm, wet, and happy, whether you’re surfing or white water rafting in Colorado. However, with the hundreds of wetsuits available by dozens of manufacturers, choosing the perfect suit for you can get a little overwhelming. We’re going to go over some tips you can use so you know when you’ve found the perfect fit—and if you’re still in any doubt, give us a call at 719.395.2112. Our Colorado white water rafting company has over three decades of experience in whitewater rafting Colorado, and we can help you get in the right suit and out on the water. First, let’s talk about the options. There are several categories that affect wetsuit fit and performance, but we’re going to focus on three general ones—stitching, closures, and thickness. Stitching: Overlock stitching is durable but not watertight, and its protruding seam can irritate the skin. Flatlock stitching is also not watertight and is less durable that overlock stitching, but is less likely to irritate the skin since the stich lies flatter. Blindstitching is the least durable of all, but makes up for this with the highest level of comfort and the only waterproof seam (which keeps you warmer). Closures: There are three main options for wetsuit closures—back zippers, shoulder zippers, and no zippers. While choosing between the three is more of a personal preference than anything else, pay attention to how comfortable you feel with swimming or paddling motions. Zippers create stiffness and inflexibility in the back and shoulders, so if that doesn’t work for you, consider choosing the no-zipper option. Thickness: This is an important factor, as the thickness of your wetsuit determines how comfortable you will be with lower temperatures of water. If you have a low tolerance for cold, or plan to spend significant time in colder bodies of water, make sure you take that into account by investing in a thicker, warmer wetsuit. There are several things to watch for that mean a suit is not the right fit for you. If you’re having difficulty moving, speaking, breathing, etc., the suit is obviously too tight—a problem that will only intensify over time as the suit shrinks and hardens with age. If the suit is too loose, it will carry extra water and slow you down, not to mention prevent you from staying warm. When you’ve found a suit that doesn’t pinch, sag, or make you look like a killer whale, think carefully about how much time you’re going to spend in the suit. If you’re a weekend warrior, choosing a less durable (and therefore, less expensive) suit may make the most sense. If you’re a regular triathlete, don’t go halfway with a lower-quality suit you’ll have to replace sooner rather than later. And if you’re looking for an excuse to wear your new wetsuit, look no further than our Colorado rafting trips and specials. With land-and water-based adventures ranging from horseback riding to Royal Gorge rafting, you’re bound to find the perfect vacation for you. For more information on Colorado white water rafting, or to check out our family trips and large-group discounts and start planning your Colorado rafting trip, go to www.www.inaraft.com.
