Feel The Adrenaline of White Water Rafting

If you are looking for a really fun way to feel invigorated and yet taste that adrenaline rush of risk and danger, then white water rafting is the sport for you. It is what has become known as an extreme sport, a little like sky diving whereby the risk of danger is not so extreme as to threaten you but care and safety measures need to be in place. With accident preventative measures, the right equipment, knowledge and responsibility, threat of injury can be largely eliminated except at your own risk.

It is the rush of adrenaline, together with the sheer enjoyment, of course, that makes it such an attractive sport and rafters tend to love this activity and return for more and more. Naturally, as with most sports, the more experienced you become, the safer you can keep yourself. However, when considering white water rafting, whether a beginner or a seasoned regular, it is the standards of the venue that is important. An independent organization, with world class white water rafting facilities should have the required safety standards; these will be incorporated into the infrastructure of raising levels of physical activity in the community and providing an excellent management service. The tricks and techniques of the activity can be learnt and practice will help to perfect skills over time.

Safety guidelines are in place at top level centres with professional back up and expertise to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Certain guidelines have to be met and adhered to, to ensure the safe usage of the facilities and this reflects reputation and calibre of a centre and is always best to check out if you are in doubt.

As a general guide, for white water rafting, all participants must be aged 14 years and above, be able to swim 25 metres, and weigh no greater than 16 stone. At a professional establishment all participants should complete and sign (or be signed by a parent/guardian if under 18) an 'Activity Medical Consent Form'.

However, this shouldn't put anyone off going to experience the joy and excitement of rafting. There is a fantastic new development in the north which has just had a £4.6 million redevelopment and is raring for action. In fact it is one of the UKs newest and best centres. Experience the thrills, spills and the obstacles and drops of world class rafting and a taste of real fun.

Zoe Robinson is an enthusiastic writer in the subject matter of white water rafting. Find more information about white water rafting today.

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Rafting in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area in east Tennessee offers a wide range of fun family activities, making it a great destination for your next vacation. Whitewater rafting is one of the most popular options for summer trips. It allows you to explore the outdoor beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the thrills of rapids on the Pigeon River. There are many different tours to choose from, so it's easy for every vacationer to find something that suits their preferences.

Beginner Rafting
The Lower Pigeon River offers a laid-back option for beginners who don't have a lot of previous whitewater rafting experience. It can be a lot of fun for families with young children or novice rafters, and requires no special skills. The rafting company will supply the raft, paddles and all the safety equipment you need.

Trips on the Lower Pigeon River go through five miles of the Cherokee National Forest and Smoky Mountains, providing beautiful mountain views and the possibility of wildlife sitings. This area of the river is dam-controlled and includes only Class I and Class II rapids. Only basic paddling skills are needed to handle the raft on a beginner's trip. Plus, it's easy to take time out to splash, swim and cool off in the river water.

Children as young as three can take a trip down the Lower Pigeon River, but may be frightened by some of the rougher areas. Infants and other very small children aren't allowed for safety reasons. Family and friends groups can easily schedule a simultaneous Upper and Lower rafting trip that allows more adventurous members to enjoy rough water, while beginners and kids have fun on the calmer sections. Both trips finish up at the same time, so you can enjoy your evening together without scheduling problems.

Advanced Rafting
The Upper Pigeon River is less controlled than the lower portion, with continuous Class III and Class IV rapids suitable for thrill seekers. You can expect medium to large waves, drops of three to five feet and long stretches of exciting rapids. This is a great trip for anyone who's been rafting before, especially families with older children or groups of adults. Many Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg tour companies don't allow young children to raft on the Upper Pigeon River for safety reasons.

Trips down the upper section of the river are fast and full of fun. They start out with a basic safety training course to make sure you have a wonderful journey. You'll then get the change to raft through Class III rapids such as Too Late, Razor Blade and Power House, as well as the Class IV Acclerator and Lost Guide, as well as many others.

There are periods of flat, calm water along the Upper Pigeon River, so you can take time to swim, relax and take it easy before heading back for more thrills. Many tour companies provide complimentary picnic and barbecue meals after the energetic trip down the river.

Dates
Rafting tour availability in the Pigeon Forge area varies by company, but you can generally expect to take a trip from about March to November. During the winter months, the water is too cold for rafting. Spring and fall rafters should consider wearing warm clothing to help them stay comfortable in the rapids.

Combination Tours
A whitewater rafting trip is even better when combined with other fun activities. Many companies operate more than one tour, and will allow you to combine rafting trips with zipline glides through the Smokies, ropes courses and many other activities. When you schedule your rafting trip on the Pigeon River, consider asking about package plans that can help you save money and have a lot of fun.

If you're visiting Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge with your family or friends, don't forget to spend a little time on the river. Rafting in this part of eastern Tennessee is safe, fun and filled with thrills. It's a great way to spend a hot summer day with the people you like best. Find out more about rafting on the Upper or Lower Pigeon River and ensure that your vacation will be a great one.

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Why You Don't Have To Be An Adrenaline Junkie To Enjoy White Water Rafting

Much of the publicity surrounding white water rafting tends to depict the activity as the ultimate challenge. Press accounts tell of rafters who seek out the fastest, strongest river rapids for the thrill of the dangerous ride. The ultimate result of ads like these is that river rafting is only for those who get off on the adrenaline rush of riding the rapids.

Yet this representation is only one aspect of river rafting. With good guides and the proper outfitters, not only can first timers have a great time but those who love rafting can have a safe, enjoyable time without worrying about any danger at all. The reasons that draw individuals and families to a river trip are many and varied, but the benefits go far beyond the brief thrill of a run through the rapids.

• Nature observation is part of any river trip. Whether you're running Class V rapids or floating down a quiet stream, you can't help but notice the natural world. Most white water raft trips take place in undeveloped areas in mountainous terrain with scenery unlike what you see on your daily commute.

• Physical exercise and exertion is required of all river trip participants. The guides may lead and navigate, but everyone has to contribute to the successful run through a series of rapids. You will be yielding a paddle to keep that raft moving forward and out of the whirlpools.

• Family time on a raft trip is a great way to build closeness. Everyone comes away from a river rafting trip with a "We did it!" attitude. This is not an individual sport, but one that requires teamwork from each member of the crew. River rafting makes an effective team-building exercise for businesses as well.

• You will also achieve a great sense of environmental awareness as well. This is a good time to teach kids about environmental issues. Show them that if the river was polluted that this trip wouldn't even happen. Talk about balancing people's need to use resources with the need to preserve them.

As you negotiate the river, you will definitely have the thrill of an adrenaline rush or two when you go white water rafting. Those moments will live on in your memory, but there will be many other moments you will treasure, too. The look on the faces of your family as the raft drops down the rapids and that instant you see that first deer on the riverbank are priceless. This is an adventure that offers all levels of thrills and excitement.

Maranda Steinburg and her family loves to have an exciting time on their vacation and whitewater rafting in Colorado is a favorite. AVA's Colorado Rafting has the adventure you want with rafting on the Colorado River and more.

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5 White Water Rafting Trip Safety Tips To Know

Since many love to experience the thrill of the river by going white water rafting, keep in mind this is an intense activity that thrill seekers love since it lets them feed their craving for exciting and potentially dangerous situations. If you plan to venture out on a white water rafting trip, equip yourself with some knowledge of basic safety procedures for this activity. By doing so, you can ensure that your fun on the river is as safe as possible.

1. Know your Skills - River rafting trips can be tremendous fun. However, if you try to ride a section of river that has strong rapids, quick twist and turns and other dangers, if you don't have the skills to navigate them, you can be in trouble. If you are new to white water rafting, try beginners' courses instead of tackling something that is potentially too extreme given your novice status.

2. Go with a Group - Because of the dangerous nature of white water rafting, you should never attempt this activity alone. Always go with at least one other friend, ensuring that someone is there should you run into trouble. By going with a group, you've got even more help available if something should happen.

3. Strap on a Flotation Device - All members of river rafting trips should wear life preservers at all times. Since anyone in a raft can be tossed out by a strong rapid at any time, not wearing a life preserver could put that person in a life threatening situation. By simply putting on and keeping on a life preserver, this danger can be mitigated.

4. Dress for the Adventure - When you white water raft you expose yourself to some hazards that the proper attire can prevent. Always wear supportive tennis shoes that will protect your feet from the potentially sharp rocks that you may encounter as you enter the river or should you fall into the water. Wearing a shirt that covers your shoulders and arms and having a hat with a brim keeps you from developing painful sunburn since you will be exposed all day. Avoid clothing that is overly tight and may prevent you from properly maneuvering as you raft, such a blue jeans, opting instead of something less restrictive, like athletic pants.

5. Research Your Route - Knowing what's going on can be extremely useful while on a white water rafting trip. Before you head out on your adventure, spend some time studying the route you plan to take. By researching the stretch of river through which you will travel you can better prepare yourself to handle some of the challenges you may face, ensuring that you are not caught off-guard.

There is no reason to put yourself or your companions in danger when you take river rafting trips. Taking the time to prepare and paying attention to safety details, you will be able to keep yourself and other members of your party safe while having fun and enjoying the thrills of a white water rafting adventure.

Maranda Steinburg looked for white water rafting trips when she wanted to take her family on a vacation of a lifetime. AVA's Colorado Rafting has river rafting trips and packages for any size group that wants an exciting adventure.

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