White water rafting is both a recreational activity and a competitive sport that is popular across the world. It is like boating but a lot more exciting than just floating on placid waters. Imagine paddling down a rapid river on an inflated boat with lots of bumps and shrieks along the way! And the best part is you don’t have to know swimming. As long as you are over 12 years old and have got a life jacket strapped on, you are good to go!
But you cannot do it on any river or at any part of it. It works only when done at a particular stretch where there is a steep but gradual gradient of the river bed, causing the water to rush rapidly and generate turbulence in the process. This stretch or section of the river is called a rapid.
“Rafting helps boost one’s confidence. When you are in the water, negotiating the rapids and navigating through the course, you come out feeling ‘Yes! I can do it!’,” says Ronny Gulati, founder and CEO, Youreka, an outdoor adventure and learning organisation.
Before you go rafting make sure you know who your instructor is. Is the instructor experienced, especially in working with children, and does he/she have the right certifications, and is he/she prepared for contingencies, are the factors to consider, says Gulati.
Facts
The International Rafting Federation (IRF) is the global body that oversees all things related to rafting across the world.
IRF was formed in 1997 by a group of people who realised that there was “a growing demand for an official body that could represent and unite the rafting communities of the World” reads the official website.
In 2000, the IRF resolved to hold the World Rafting Championships every two years. It has been organised in the Futalefu in Chile, Gauley in the U.S., Vlatava in Czech Republic, Quijos in Ecuador, Naerinchon in South Korea and the Vrbas and Tara in Bosnia and Herzegovina, besides others.
Best rafting spots in India
Ganga, Rishikesh: (Grade I to IV) The 16-km stretch from Shivpuri to Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh is one of the most famous rafting spots in the world because of the range of rapids and variety of courses, coupled with the breathtaking views of mountain ranges and white sands.
Zanskar, Ladakh: (Grade IV) Rafting between Padum and Zimo and the Chilling to Nimu regions, you are enveloped by towering mountain ranges on both sides making for an ethereal experience at 12,000 feet above sea level.
Tons, Garhwal: (Grade III and above) Originating from the Bandarpunch — a major peak of the Himalayas — this tributary of the Yamuna is a favourite rafting spot for many enthusiasts because of its intensity. But at the same time, it also has stretches that are passive but with stunning views.
Brahmaputra, Arunachal Pradesh: (Grade III, IV) A rafting experience along a 180-km stretch of this mystifying river runs from Tuting to Pasighat. You will get to set your eyes on the unexplored regions of the state like thick rainforests and remote hillsides with tribal settlements as you paddle your way through this tiny stretch of the mighty 2900 km-long river.
Kali, Dandeli: (Grade II, III) A 12-km stretch along the river starting from Ganeshgudi in Karnataka is one of the few rafting locations in South India, and where the activity is organised through most of the year. Surrounded by thick tropical rain forests, you can be sure to spot a rich variety of flora and fauna along your course.
Word List
Placid: Calm
Paddling: The act of moving a boat by means of a paddle.
Gradient: Incline/Slope
Contingency: A future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.
Ethereal: Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world.
Mystifying: Puzzling/Confusing.
