Thrill-Seekers' Outdoor Adventure
The best way to enjoy the outdoors is by exploring the wilderness, soaking in the sun and making a splash. Better yet — make it the most memorable summer by going whitewater rafting!
Whitewater rafting is an extreme water sport. It involves navigating across a rough river on an inflatable raft. Even though this activity is not for the faint of heart, there are levels or grades of water roughness. So beginners can try whitewater rafting in calmer waters. Most places allow you to participate even if you don't know how to swim. However, you should be a good swimmer so that if you're thrown overboard, you can swim out of the rapids towards safety.
This is a great bonding activity to enjoy with friends since the rafts come in different sizes. You can choose a raft for six, eight or 12 people. You get life jackets, paddles and helmets. Some places offer helmets with mounted Go Pros so you can record your adventure (usually for an additional cost). You can dress in swimwear or a T-shirt and shorts — but be prepared to get soaked! All whitewater rafting places have tour guides, so you should always have one on your raft — not only to show you the way but also to coach you on paddling and manoeuvring the raft.
Before you start your adventure, the guide goes over some terminology, tells you where the first aid kit is and shows you how pull someone back into a raft when thrown overboard. Once you start paddling towards your first rapids, the guide will tell you, if thrown overboard, which direction to swim in to get out of the rapids and where to get out of the water for further help.
As soon as you hit rough waters, the guide yells “paddles in” and “get down.” At that time, you stop rowing, pull your paddle in with one hand and grab onto the rope around the raft with the others and duck inside the inflatable raft. It feels like the most amazing roller coaster ride, but you're also getting splashed by the river the entire time. It all happens very fast, so enjoy every second. When you're almost out of the rapids, the tour guide yells “row forward.” You come back up, put the paddles back in the water and start rowing out of the rapids. Depending on the river grade and manoeuvring around rocks, you can find yourself rowing backwards — even getting up and switching sides!
Whitewater rafting is completely customizable — from the water grade and raft size to the length of your adventure. You can find this activity anywhere in the world. Some popular locations are in Canada, New Zealand, Norway and India. You too can be like Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna and try whitewater rafting in Rishikesh, India.
All images and video courtesy of Naemah Abid.
Activity, Adventure, Akshay Kumar, Anokhi Blog, Anokhi Media, Helmets, Outdoor, Outdoors, Paddles, Rapids, Recreation, Rishikesh, Swim, Swimwear, Twinkle Khanna, Whitewater Rafting, Wilderness
_4b2-135x180.jpg)
Naemah Abid
Author
Born in Saudi Arabia and originally from Pakistan, this Canadian immigrant is all too familiar with airport life. After taking her first pleasure trip abroad post-graduation, Naemah was hit with the travel bug. Find this frequent traveller sharing pictures and experiences, offering up advice and tra...
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
The Hunt For Amritpal Singh: What Exactly Is Happening In Punjab?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I Had A Miscarriage And Our Family's "Be Grateful" Sentiments Really Hurt
-
Indiaspopup.com Hosts A NYC Power Summit Honouring 5 South Asian Women For IWD 2023
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Underage Nephew Expects Me To Buy Booze For Him
-
Warm Up To The Fusion Delights Of Ushna in Dubai
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Boyfriend Is Pressuring Me To Attend His Sister's Wedding But I Can't Afford It
-
IWD 2023: 11 Inspirational Quotes From Powerful South Asian Women
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My In-Laws Are Giving Me The Cold Shoulder
-
7 South Asian Female Fitness Pros Who Will Level Up Your Workouts
-
Why Seattle’s Anti-Caste Law Is An Historic Power Move For Human Rights
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Brother Doesn't Think My Aging Mom Should Stop Driving But I Do!
-
Zabardast Serves Up Delish Desi Delights
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! I Need To Move Out Of My Parents' House
-
We Tell You Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Invest
-
5 Ways To Build A Great Relationship With Yourself This Valentine's Day
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! I Can't Stop Shopping!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I Can't Say No To People Without Feeling Guilty
-
Let’s Talk … About Your Relationship with You!
-
This Is Why Amsterdam In The Winter Is Simply Wonderful
-
Dear Dr. Monica Vermani Being Back In The Office Is Giving Me Anxiety
-
Indian Afternoon Tea At Bobby's In Leicester UK? Yes Please!
-
Dear Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Ex Tells His Friends His Cheating Is My Fault
-
Travel The World With Tamarind Modern Indian Bistro's Global Cuisine
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Winter Depresses Me, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Parents I Don't Want To Go To Business School?
-
Fabulous Holiday Gifts For Kids
-
Why 'Heroin Chic' Is A Dangerous Trend For South Asians
-
Highlights From The South Asian Literature And Arts Festival (SALA)
-
Ask Dr Monica Vermani: Her 5 Break Up Rules You Should Know
-
Roti Chai Is The Perfect Eatery To Hit Up While Christmas Shopping
-
I Loved Visiting This Quaint Town Of Bath
-
Indian Alley Brings Delhi's Iconic Roadside Eats To Camden Market
-
This Is Why Mauritius Is A Traveller's Dream
-
"Making Happy" By Sheetal Seth Is The Book Kids Need When Their Parent Is Sick
-
International Day Of The Girl: How Women Of The Sundarbans Are Saving Their Girls
-
The Murder Of Mahsa Amini: Will The Global Outcry Make A Difference?
-
South Asian Literature And Art Festival Is Bringing Together The Biggest Names In SA Lit And Here's Why You Need To Go
-
Canada's Most Powerful Women Were Celebrated At The Women Empowerment Awards 2022
-
It's All About The Home Cooked Veg Goodness At London's Ananda Bhavan
-
What Exactly Is A NFT And Why We Need To Stop Ignoring It
-
TIFF 2022: Checking Out The Fabulous Bask-It-Style Gift Lounge
-
Gopal’s Corner Blend Malaysian And Tamil Cuisine Creating An Unforgettable Bite
-
We Celebrate National Wildlife Day With Our 5 Fave Sanctuaries In India
-
Canary Wharf Heats Up Your Palate With Chai Ki
-
Ready To Find Your Match? You'll Need These 4 Desi Dating Apps In Your Life
-
Where Does Hinduism, Islam & Sikhism Stand In The Abortion Issue?
-
Never Forget: 12 Movies & Books To Help You Continue The Partition Conversation
-
From North To South London's Award-Winning Bayleaf Restaurant Elevates Indian Cuisine At Whetstone
-
Here's Why I Fell In Love With The Sea Views Of Southampton and Portsmouth
-
Shree Krishna Vada Pav In London Celebrates India's Iconic Veggie Dishes
-
The Pope’s Apology: A Closer Look At His “Pilgrimage Of Penance"
-
Want To Go To Marrakech? This Is What I Did