Rapid Classification And Rafting Safety Measures
Using an inflatable raft to navigate a waterway may be an adventure that you are seeking during your trip to a mountainous region this fall. Parts of a river are classified, due to the intensity of the rapids that are located within a particular stretch. Consider variables that will make a rafting stint more or less challenging.
Rapids And Classifications
The changes in a river's gradient result in water moving swiftly and air becoming entrapped within the turbulent water. Froth appears in these sections and water may take on a whitish hue that is opaque. Each section of rapids is scouted and classified.
Most scouting efforts take place within the water, except when conditions are too dangerous to do so. In the event that rapids are too large for a water vessel to safely navigate through them, scouting may be conducted onshore.
Rapid classifications are numbered and consist of calm water that is rated low and churning water that is rated at a high number. In the middle of the classification chart are sections that contain moderate rapids. Moderate rapids present a challenge but are able to be navigated by people who are on board a raft, a kayak, or a canoe.
Changes In The Conditions
The changes in weather could contribute to an increase or a decrease in the intensity of a specific rapid section. Before participating in an extreme sport such as whitewater rafting, it is advisable to learn if a particular waterway has been affected by flooding, a landslide, and the amount of runoff that has entered the body of water. Increased water within a region where rapids are present could make traversing the area more or less difficult.
Some rafting outfitters may limit access to particular parts of a river, depending upon how dangerous a particular leg of a journey could be. There are also situations in which navigating a series of rapids could be better equipped for a smaller watercraft.
Safety Measures
Knowing how to swim and the proper way to cross a section of rapids could be lifesaving. It is also important that a safety vest and helmet are worn throughout a whitewater rafting trip, even if you have participated in rafting trips before.
Take into account the skill levels of those who will be rafting alongside you. Pick a course that will be adequate for everyone who will be on board the raft. Use a river guide to aid with navigating your raft, if you are not comfortable participating in an unguided trip. Reach out to a professional for more information about whitewater rafting.