You probably will just have to depend on the outfitters, or, if money is no object, you may want to buy your own raft, paddles, personal flotation devices, helmets, ropes, and other necessary equipment. If you are just starting out on whitewater rafting, though, you would be better off with the professional outfitters. Once you are thoroughly familiar with the sport and get addicted to it that you want to plunge into the waters every free time you have, you may then consider buying your own equipment.

Professional outfitters’ prices vary according the several factors. One is the river itself. This is because rivers, unlike humans, are not created equal. One is steeper than the other. Or has more bends, drops, boulders, eddies, bigger waves, or holes. The kind of gear offered by the outfitters will also influence the price. If these are all brand new state-of-the-art equipment, you may be charged a premium.

You may want to stay for a couple of days, or even up to five days, by the river. Accommodation varies from a well-appointed cabin or room to a tent under the stars. Some outfitters have packages that include all or some of your meals while others will allow you to prepare your own. These, too, affect the dollars you have to shell out for your vacation.

Tour packages often vary. Some feature half a day or a day of whitewater rafting. These are the least expensive. Other packages, however, cover several days ranging from two to seven. These usually include activities other than rafting such as mountain hiking or biking, horseback riding, canopy tours, or exploration of geological or historical sites.

Prices on weekdays are often cheaper than on weekends and holidays. Discounts are also given for large groups and children within a certain age limit. Generally, a one-day rafting experience may cost from US $100 to US $200, for two days this increases to US $300 to US $400, while a five-day-long adventure can set you back from US $600 to US $1,000.

White water rapids are classified into class levels, starting from class I to Class VI. For beginners, it is advised that they begin their white water rafting experience on class I rapids. Class I rapids have gentle and small waves with no several obstacles but still enough to get the adrenaline pumping. White water rafting experts are allowed only to run up to class V rapids for rivers that are classified class VI are deemed unrunnable even to white water rafting experts. Class V rapids are exceedingly difficult with violent, long and continuous rapids. It has a very step gradient with the riverbed extremely obstructed. Class VI white water rapids are all that and more, that’s why no one has ever attempted to run in class VI rivers.

Like many outdoor activities such as trekking or camping, white water rafters are not allowed to take anything from the river or campsites that could alter or harm Mother Nature. White water rafting outfitters encourage their guest not to leave anything behind as well. Trash and even ash from firewood has to be kept and brought with them as soon as they leave the camping site. The only souvenir that’s safe to take are countless white water rafting photos.

With today’s technology, one can take myriad photos using a digital camera. For white water rafting participants who wish to bring their own cameras are encouraged to use cameras with waterproof casings or the underwater type. For those who don’t own waterproof cameras or are too scared to stop and take pictures while in the rapids, several outfitters can take your pictures while in action.

As participants raft and paddle their way through the exciting white water, professional photographers of outfitting companies are usually positioned at locations where participants will pass. These photographers will then take several pictures of the rafters while in action therefore capturing every grimace, excitement and whatever expression is on their faces while battling the rapids.

After the run, participants can instantly view their pictures as these are immediately uploaded into a computer. If participants want to have a copy of the photos as souvenirs, they can do so to. Rafter can select from two options on how to get their pictures: they can either have it printed or transferred to a CD. Pictures printed on the spot are water resistant while pictures copied to CDs are all high quality and in high resolution, allowing editing, printing and emailing at the heart’s content.

Go on a white water rafting adventure and you will surely be hooked. Brag about your rafting trips and accomplishments with your numerous white water rafting photos.

Rafters can enjoy an eight-mile long run of white water flanked with lush forests, two-lane roads, and even a scenic railroad. Water flow is controlled by a dam owned by Duke Energy, thus the flow is fairly constant except when there is a need to lower the water levels at Nantahala Lake. This is when the river becomes hyperactive and the beginners better get off the water.

The first rapid you will meet is Patton’s Run, just below the put-in. This is a Class II but could become a III during high waters. If you manage to avoid Jaws, a rock blocking that part of the river to where your raft is pushed by medium waves, you can take a quick breath and dive right into the Pyramid and Delebar’s Rocks. You can have fun with the rock spins and see if you can maneuver your way around the boulders.
You will need to paddle your way through five more rapids named Quarry, Whirlpool, the Ledges, Surfing Rapid, and the Bump before reaching the finale –Nantahala Falls.

Nantahala Falls is the most challenging of the rapids. It is the longest and swiftest, therefore, it is the most fun. There is a succession of tall waves as the river narrows into a channel. Your raft will be tossed around, so make sure it doesn’t capsize. If you manage to ride over these waves, a quick slide to the bottom of the falls will end is huge splash with equally huge smiles.

Rafting the Zambezi can begin with either a solo or 2-person kayak alongside a few hippopotamuses and crocodiles as you paddle towards Victoria Falls. If you survive the crocs, you can get your first lessons in white water rafting with gentle Class I and II rapids.

Just a mile below Victoria Falls, your introduction into the mighty Zambezi begins where you are initiated into the higher classes of white water rafting. After descending on a steep trail into the banks of the Batoko gorge, you are presented to Nyami-Nyami, the Zambezi river god who then takes you to a white water rafting adventure you can talk about with your children and grandchildren for years to come.

There are plenty of rapids along the Zambezi, starting just below the Victoria, at the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. You can start you adventure at the official No. 1 rapid, the Boiling Point. This is accessible only from the Zambian side so be sure to book your accommodations and outfitters within Zambia, otherwise you will need to bring your passport along as you cross from one country into the other. Just be sure to seal it in a ziplock to keep it dry.

The Boiling Point is a Class IV to V rapid that you can consider your baptism of fire amid all that water. It runs directly into a wall creating a huge cushion wave and eddy. From there you will negotiate about 20 or 25 more rapids with names such as “Stairway to Heaven”, a Class V with an 8 meter drop over a 10 meter river flow; “Devil’s Toilet Bowl”, Class IV that makes you think of the whirlpool in your own toilet bowl, only infinitely larger; “Commercial Suicide”, classified at Class V to VI, it is easily the most infamous of the lot; “Gnashing Jaws of Death”, is another morbidly named rapid, but at Class IV it may be appropriate; the “Overland Truck Eater” also eats rubber rafts with its Class V white waters; and “Oblivion”, another Class V that flips more rafts into oblivion than it allows to pass unscathed. Once you pass this rapid, though, you are on to the milder rapids at Class II and III before you are taken out of the river. By this time, you should now fully appreciate why it is called “the Mighty Zambezi”.

White water rafting has been gaining in popularity since the 1970s. Today, hundreds of tourists eagerly plunge into the white waters of rivers across the Americas, from Canada down to Chile; in Europe, from England to Turkey; in Africa, from Morocco to Zambia where the great Zambezi River flows into the Victoria Falls; and in Asia, from Nepal to Indonesia and even the Philippines.

Where there is a steep drop in the gradient of a river, the smooth water flow is disturbed. The flow speeds up considerably and creates bubbly white water. Sometimes there are huge boulders strewn all over the river. Some are above the water while others are submerged. These result to tall waves, eddies, holes, strainers, and sieves that rafters must take on. Avoiding the exposed boulders pose an additional challenge.

Rafts used for the sport are the inflatable type. They are often made of rubberized or vinyl fabrics. To prevent the total loss of air when punctured, the air chambers are divided into separate compartments. These can accommodate from 4 to 12 people with their varying lengths from 3 1/2 to 6 meters, and width from a little below 2 meters to 2 1/2.

To standardize the classification of the difficulty in running river rapids, the International Scale of River Difficulty was established. This consists of six Grades or Classes ranging from I to IV, described thus:

• Class I. Easy - waves are small with virtually no obstructions.
• Class II. Medium – moderately difficult rapids requiring some experience in rafting.
• Class III. Difficult – numerous high waves, eddies, rocks and boulders obstructing passage that need maneuvering expertise along with a good and sound raft.
• Class IV. Very Difficult – long rapids with high and irregular waves, sharp rocks with narrow openings in between, and huge eddies.
• Class V. Extremely Difficult – an almost uninterrupted series of long and violent rapids, rocks and boulder obstructions, steep gradient and even moderate drops, wild and turbulent current, all requiring an expert rafter as this is extremely dangerous and could even be fatal.
• Class VI. Unrunnable - extremely steep gradients and tall drops.

As with any other sport there are measures and equipment that could be employed for a safer white water rafting adventure. First is not to attempt to challenge a river rapid beyond your experience and capabilities. If it is your first time do not presume to take on a Class V or even IV. Go for the gentler ones and gradually work your way up. Also, listen to your guides. Their experience and knowledge in this area are your guarantee of an exciting yet challenging adventure. Finally, do not forget your helmet and personal flotation device (PFD). A rope bag, whistle, and a knife could also come in handy.

It would be foolhardy, though, to take on the challenge of even just a Class II rapids without taking any precautionary measures. Often, a brief lecture on rafting is conducted by the outfitters before plunging into the waters. And of course, you have to bring along a few equipment and supplies that could help make your adventure safer and less exhausting.

Your personal clothing is important. Choose shirts and shorts that have wicking properties. These keep you drier and prevent clothes from clinging to your skin. You will, of course, get wet but drying out will be much quicker. Never wear flip flops on the rafts. Go for strap-on sports sandals or water shoes.

One of the most important items you must have is a quality life jacket. Also called a personal flotation device (PFD), this is a potential life saver in the event that you fall off from your raft or if it capsizes. With powerful currents tugging at you while you are in the water, it is quite difficult even just to stay afloat. Most, if not all, outfitters normally supply PFDs but it would still be prudent to carefully scrutinize the equipment for any defects or tears. If it is an inflatable type, see if there are any potential leaks.

Half-finger gloves are also useful. They do not only allow you to grip things more firmly. They also keep blisters away. The open fingertips help you to pick up small stuff and to feel things. Most gloves have padded palms for additional protection. They are offered in different sizes so you are sure to find one that fits your hands snugly.

A very important safety item is a rope bag. Like the PFD, this is a life saver in case a crew falls overboard. Most bags carry a 200-feet long rescue rope along with rescue hardware. The bags themselves are made of coated polyester mesh with a drawstring closure.

Complementing the rope bag is a whistle and a knife. The whistle is used to call the attention of the man overboard. Once you have his attention, you can toss the rope bag to him while holding on to one end of the rope. The knife, usually flat-tipped to avoid unwanted punctures, is on hand in case the ropes get entangled.

Some people envy a white water rafting guide. It seems that their everyday routine is like a vacation. Though being a white water rafting guide is fun, these guys mean serious business. They are responsible for helping their rafting participants get through the white water safely and in high spirits. The duties of a white water rafting guide includes loading rafts with all the needed equipment and double checking everything to make sure that all of the equipments, especially the raft, is safely prepared for the trip.

A white water rafting guide also meets and greets every participants, then briefs them on what to expect on a rafting trip, and of course, talk about safety issues and how to avoid accidents in the white water. Other usual work duties for several white water rafting guides includes renting out equipment, making reservations for rafting trips, working with paperwork at the company’s office. Other white water rafting guides are extremely adept in preparing different sumptuous camping meals that can be enjoyed by their guests.

The most significant task that a white water rafting guide does is making sure that all the participants are having a great time and enjoying themselves. White water rafting guides need to be pleasant and entertain guests or else they won’t come back. Most white water rafting guides who do runs in national parks even offer background information about the area and the white water itself. Having a pessimistic attitude and a dreary personality just won’t do if you want to become a white water rafting guide for every rafting run should be fun as well as adventure filled.

But there is more to becoming a white water rafting guide than just being a public relations man. Most outfitting companies do not require previous guiding experience. However, numerous trainings are required. Though some companies offer free trainings to their new recruits, the white water rafting guides should already be certified in giving First Aid and CPR in case the need arises. In addition, white water rafting guides should be in top physical and mental condition. Paddling though the white water can be physically and mentally demanding.

A white water rafting guide should never be arrogant just because he has gone on the same white water rapid run in years. In white water rafting, no two trips are the same. Something different and new always happens every time you’re out in the white water. The flow of the current may change and the participants vary.
Head to the nearest white water rafting guide school if you want to experience the outdoors at its finest.

The river has three sections, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Gauley. Of these the Upper Gauley is most challenging with its Class IV and V rapids along its 16 kilometer route. The Lower Gauley is a little gentler but longer. It runs 18 kilometers and features Class III and IV rapids. When water is released from the Summersville dam, you can expect a few Class V waters. The Middle Gauley is often ran together with either the Upper or Lower. It is most mild of the three and is sometimes used by beginners to get a feel of white water rafting. It has Class III and a few Class IV rapids.

In a 42 kilometer stretch the river drops over 200 meters creating 120 rapids, a good number of which are at least Class III. In the Upper Gauley alone, there are 35 Class IIIs or IVs, and five Class Vs that are sure to keep your adrenal glands pumping as they present a formidable challenge to your paddling skills. These are known as the Big Five. The first is the incongruously named Insignificant for there is nothing insignificant about it. This is followed by Pillow Rock, another powerful rapid. Lost Paddle is where you could lose your paddles in the three treacherous drops. Iron Ring is so called because there used to be an iron ring anchored in a rock in the area. Finally, there is also Sweet’s Falls. With a 12-feet fall, it is by no means sweet. It was named after John Sweet, a pioneer in the Gauley.

The Middle and Lower Gauley each have fewer rapids that are also less powerful and intimidating. They are spread out over longer intervals giving rafters time to catch their breaths before taking on another. These are mostly Class IIIs but there are also Class IVs with names like Wood’s Ferry, Koontz’s Flume, Heaven’s Gate, and Upper and Lower Staircase. There is also a Class V with the appropriate name of Pure Screaming Hell where you have to negotiate two large holes. These holes each have a name. Purgatory and Hell Hole.

The Upper Gauley is usually limited to experienced and more daring rafters. Most outfitters in the area do not allow children below 16 years old in these waters. Experience and a good physical condition are often required. The Middle and Lower Gauley, on the other hand, is open to beginners as long as they are accompanied by trained rafters. Children as young as 12 can be taken on this trip, making it perfect for families with teenagers. After a few trips on the Lower and Middle Gauley, you can try your hand at the Upper.

White water rafting in the legendary American River is always a fun filled adventure. Each fork has different thrills to offer every rafter despite all originating from the Sierra Nevada. The South Fork of the American River is the friendliest part of the American River among the three forks. In this Class II, 3-mile II stretch from the Coloma to the Lotus portion is an ideal introduction of beginners to white water rafting. For a bit of challenge, other rafters can try the increased challenge of the Class III runs, Chili Bar and Gorge. Surely in the South Fork, experts as well as beginners will surely enjoy white water rafting on this part of the American River.

The Middle Fork gives spice and variety of challenges ranging from experienced to expert. The popularly exhilarating Tunnel Chute white water rapid never fails to bring numerous rafters back year after year. The Middle Fork also has several class III rapids such as Alarm Clock, Last Chance, Kanak and others. These rapids make the Middle fork a perfect white water rafting trip for intermediate rafters. The North Fork, on the other hand, consists of white water particularly for experts only. The Generation Gap, found in the North Fork area is the highest run in terms of elevation and difficulty. The Generation Gap offers expert rafters 12 miles of exciting class V white water. Rafters have to take a three mile hike in order to put in for Generation Gap and there is no other way to go out of the remote canyon but to go downstream on a raft.

Another part of the North Fork that most people are excited about is the adrenaline pumping run of the class IV Chamberlain Falls. The Chamberlain Falls, which runs for 9 miles, is famous for its stunning beauty, continuous white water and for its easy access. The world famous six feet Chamberlain Falls and the Slaughter’s Sluice being the run while the Staircase and Bogus Thunder ends the five mile class IV section before starting with the exciting class II to III rapids for take-out.

If you want to experience the white water rapids of the American River, you can either choose to enroll in a trip offered by commercial outfitters. This is advised when you are planning to go on a trip with a group like friends or family. Beginners up to intermediate level rafter should always go white water rafting with an experienced and licensed rafting guide. For experts who want to explore the American River alone, private boating clubs can help you get geared up. Those who are going on their own for the first time are encouraged to at least take on class from famous rafting and kayaking schools around the American River vicinity.

The Rogue River was one of the first eight rivers to be included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 protects the Rogue River by limiting each season’s visitors. The Rogue River’s Wild Section is known all over the world as one of the most awesome white water runs. Its white water rapids are safe albeit extremely exciting.

The Rogue River’s Wild Section starts at the opening of Grave Creek, located northwest of Grants Pass, Oregon. It features 33 miles of class II to III white water rapids. It also includes the class IV rapids of Rainie Falls and the amazing scenery of the class IV white water rapids of Blossom Bar and Mule Creek Canyon.

Feel the breeze and the splash of the white water in your face. Go on an adventure that you will never forget. Go on a white water rafting trip on Rogue River. There are numerous outfitters that offer adventure trips on the Rogue River. Most outfitters offer a variety of activity and fun-filled packages that is perfect for your sense of adventure and budget. Carefully choose the right one for you.

The Wild Section of the Rogue River is every white water rafting enthusiast’s dream. But to keep the Rogue River open for rafters, it should be kept clean and pristine. Here are ways that you can help:

• Leave the Rogue River as it is. No traces of trash, human waste, gray water and fire residue should be left on the river and campsites.
• Most toilets are available at developed camp sites but if you plan on camping at an undeveloped site, make sure to bring a portable toilet.
• Never use soap, even the biodegradable kind, on Rogue River. They are a foreign substance that may harm the natural state of the river.
• Food scraps should not be thrown or left in the site. This can attract pests such as flies and mosquitoes.
• All year round, open fires can only be burned in a fire pan. It is expected that the fire residue is packed out just like normal camping equipments. Make sure to use and burn only dead wood. Gas or propane gas stove can be a wonderful alternative in keeping the area in its natural state.