Rafting is a very popular activity for all ages, whether alone or with friends and family. However, some people may be put off taking part due to concerns over just how safe it is.
Whether you’ve taken part in water-based activities before or you’re completely new to them, it’s normal to have some concerns over the safety of rafting. Here, you can find out just how safe rafting and white-water rafting are, as well as how you can stay safe when taking part.
Rafting is generally considered safe for everyone
No matter your experience with rafting, you should be able to find a way to enjoy it safely. Most rafting companies offer rafting tours and accessories with varying degrees of difficulty, so even if you’re a complete newcomer you’ll find a tour that you can enjoy safely.
Commercial rafting rivers are graded between 1 and 5, with 1 being the easiest river and 5 being the most challenging. A grade 1 river is suitable for most people’s abilities, so you can easily get the hang of rafting on the water without having to worry too much about getting hurt.
Whatever grade the river is, training will always be given beforehand to ensure that no one gets hurt, and an expert guide will join you to ensure everything goes smoothly. Provided you have a reasonable level of fitness, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting injured.
River rafting vs white-water rafting
There are two commercially available rafting activities available to the public: river rafting and white-water rafting.
River rafting is generally a more relaxed experience, with a raft travelling slowly down a river giving you a chance to relax and take in the natural beauty. This is perfect for those looking for a more easy-going experience, where with an experienced tour guide and a little bit of communication you can have a wonderful time on the river.
White-water rafting, on the other hand, is much more fast-paced, taking place on rivers with an unstable current which produces white, frothy water.
It’s undoubtedly more challenging, but you’ll be given full training beforehand to ensure no one gets hurt.
Interested in rafting in NZ? Visit our website today to learn more about our courses.
