Rafting is a recreational activity utilizing a
raft to navigate a
river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on
whitewater or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid 1970's.
The type of raft used nowadays for recreational rafting is almost exclusively an
inflatable boat. It consists of very durable, multi-layered rubberized fabrics with several independent air chambers. Its length varies between 3.5 m (11 ft) and 6 m (20 ft), the width between 1.8 m (6 ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft). Rafts come in a few different forms. In Europe the most common is the symmetrical raft steered with a paddle at the stern. Other types are the asymmetrical, rudder-controlled raft and the symmetrical raft with central helm (
oars). Rafts are usually propelled with ordinary
paddles and typically hold 4 to 12 persons.
Finally, I have experienced the water rafting adventure and I will still want for more. The 12 kilometer 14 rapid four hour run was not enough for me. Wow! amazing. It was a dream come true, I was a stranger to my own city, lots of tourists have explored the rivers ahead of me when I'm from this city, but now im a stranger no more. It was a real breath taking, mind blowing, heart stopping experince. I didnt want it to stop, every rapid was anticipated with excitement and every still water was a bore.
It was great that we were assigned to a wonderful river guide Val , he was energetic, lively and adventureous. We were the sweeper team; meaning we were the last team of the run, we were to rescue other rafters if their rafts would topple down or rescue if someone would fall from their rafts. Wow, Val would always remind us that our shouts were louder than the rapids and even louder than our paddles, after every rapid Val would shout high five! and we all raise our paddles for the cheer and other rafters ahead of us would turn at us and watch with envious faces.hehehehehe...It was a note that we were indded enjoying the adventure a whole lot!!!!
When the 11th rapid came, I wanted to go back, i never wanted the run to end or even the day to end, it was so sad that really we will reach the finish line.
After the 14th rapid, well, all is well that ends well.
The 4 hours run was really not enough, I still
long for more, may be I will try the Advanced level next time.
On still waters, resting after shouting after every rapid.
Breath taking!
The human chain: we helped each other to reach the other side of the river cave.
After the human chain to get back to the mouth of the cave
one should float and go with the rapid.... wew it was a scarry one.
resting after we toppled our raft up side down
its a one kilometer still water 30 feet deep, yikes!
Placid Cagayan de oro City river....