| White-water
rafting is a high-altitude, high adrenaline water adventure
that has few other adventure sports matching its unique
excitement and thrill! The turbulent water, the uncontrollable
speeds, and the challenge of making it over the churning
rapids is a hair-raising high that has one raring to
go!
White water rafting has not really caught on as an adventure
sport in India yet, signs indicate that this adventure
sport is fast being recognized for its excitement, novelty
and thrill. The risks are as high as the waves that
sweep you, and your life depends on a fragile, inflatable
rubber raft or dinghy! And yet, more and more are turning
to this soaking adventure experience for its unmatchable
thrill!
For engaging in this adventure sport in India, you need
to meet certain levels of fitness. You need to be mentally
and physically fit. Patients of cardiac or mental ailments
should not try a hand at rafting. Expectant mothers,
children below the age of 14 should be cautious while
undertaking this activity.
India has a host of rivers and plenty of locations that
are ideal for white water rafting. Most of the water
rafting destinations are located in the Himalayas, and
the River Ganges is the most popular of them all. Several
camps are organized along the 70-km stretch from Devprayag
to Rishikesh. Rapids have been graded according to the
difficulty of their run. The rivers Yamuna, Tons, Kalisor,
Alaknanda, Bhilangana, Mandakini and Bhagirathi offer
many stretches, both for professionals as well as amateur
rafters. Other ranges in Ladakh and Sikkim also offer
great river stretches for rafting.
There is no particular best time can be marked for rafting
in India since the flow and fury of various rivers are
individual. However, on the whole the months from May
to November are the best months for the adventure seekers
to indulge in rafting.
Permits or licenses are required for rafting in the
restricted areas. The consulate office of India in your
country, or the Ministry of Home Affairs, foreigners’
regional registration offices (FRRO) may be contacted
for seeking the prior permission.
The following guidelines will prove to be help in planning
your adventure white water rafting holiday:
• The credibility and reputation of the organizers
• Qualifications and experience of the navigator
• Ensure that the raft is not overloaded as it
may prove to be dangerous
• Dress appropriately with safety helmets and
rescue jackets
• Calculate and decide upon the stretch according
to the grading of the river before taking to the water
• Learn how to breathe while under a rapid or
when you are submerged
• Consider the length of run and your level of
physical fitness
• Speed up and fix the runs as are comfortable.
• Get the medical fitness test done before hand
• Carry the necessary medicines
• Gain proper training of handling the oar and
the other equipments.
• Consider the level of difficulty with your physical
fitness Participate in peak climbing or high-altitude
trekking as may be comfortable.
•Protect the environment and do not pollute the
water.
The experience of white water rafting is truly a hair
raising and unforgettable experience that will have
you raring to go for your next water vacation. Even
amateurs can try their hand at the easier rapids, for
latest safety equipment makes it possible even for non-swimmers
to undertake an expedition without fear. So welcome
to the terrific rivers of India!
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