As a river rafting operator of course we can! But before you take the plunge, let’s settle a few perceptions regarding river rafting.
- River rafting is dangerous
- River rafting is fun
- River rafting is exhilarating
- River rafting is a teambuilding activity
- You don’t need to be able to swim to enjoy and partake in river rafting
- You get wet
We have operated river rafting camps for 12 years and have had over 150 000 people survive the journey. Whether it’s rafting on the Vaal at Hadeda Creek, braving the Tugela Gorge in KZN or drifting down the lazy Orange in Namibia; all forms of rafting are a great experience that will live with you and your friends for ever (interlude with violins playing). From Rambo’s to Sandton Kugels, we’ve entertained them all, and the great thing is that they can all enjoy the trip. For the Rambo’s, there is the white water and suicide runs, for the more timid, we have the “chicken” runs and “chauffer drive” options. It’s all about knowing your limitations and how far you want to test these.
The rafting industry is very mature and the quality of the guiding and operating is of world class in South Africa. In order to decide what your limitations are, check with the operator regarding the river grading. This will help you decide whether to take the plunge or take up the offer for Sunday lunch at your mother-in-law’s.
Grade 0 Keep the nappies on, it’s for all comers including children
Grade 1 Still keep the nappies on but make sure they are water proof
Grade 2 One step before being classified “white water”, however all can do
Grade 3 You are entering the zone where you may be swimming sections of the river
Grade 4 Advise your family and insurance company, you’re going big!
Grade 5 Survival is now critical, big holes, screaming, washing machines, and big waves (not like the Queen’s).
Grade 6 Decline the offer even if your surname is Chalupsky
So what happens on a river rafting trip?
- Upon arriving at the camp, a trip leader (most qualified guide) will take you and your team aside and give you a briefing about the trip; its duration, the kit to wear, the protection gear provided, the do’s and don’ts, whether you have any allergies, whether you are experienced, whether you are a competent swimmer or not, your next of kin and any concerns you might have.
- Then, it’s time to hit the water. It is not a race or a free for all affair, there will always be a minimum guide for each 7 clients (if not then ask why). Guides lead the way, one at the front and one at the back as a sweeper. The other guides are situated ahead of the team to cover any areas that are potentially difficult.
- The guides are very quick to identify “problem children” on the river; these being couples who are trying to divorce or kill each other, suicide candidates, people who don’t listen, people who think right is left, and people who are in tears.
- You will always stop before rapids, where your guide will explain the complexities and what to do. If in doubt, ask the guide to jump on board.
- During the flatter sections, you can splash, play and work on your sun tan.
A standard day on the river goes something like this…
- Arrive at the camp and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, sometimes referred to as the last supper (but this is merely a bored guide’s way of amusing himself).
- Get kitted out with helmets, life jackets (wetsuits for the winter months), and sign indemnity forms. Yes, I’m afraid no-one rafts, abseils or does adventure activities until you sign saying that you are aware of what you are participating and are not being forced to do so.
- Load the team aboard the truck and head up river. One usually starts hearing stories of mass drownings, 30 meter waterfalls and more, but this is just people ways of releasing their inner fears upon others.
- A detailed safety brief and it onto the river for some practice. The guides will very quickly observe whether you are a danger to yourself or others and allocate you to your position in the team and if you are an extreme case, you will be given a special coloured helmet, which makes some feel special and others even more anxious.
- The fun begins and the armada sets sail down the channels and rapids.
- At varying times the guides will bring the team together for cool drinks (no alcohol) and a pep talk.
- Somewhere near midday (sun directly above), we pull into an island, a couple of boats are flipped upside down, a table cloth appears and hey presto we have a full on lunch served.
- The journey continues until we arrive at the take out point. The boats are loaded by the ever present guides while you nurture the taste of your first land based ice cold beverage.
- Back to camp on the truck, stories of courage, mockery, bravado and near death experiences are the order of the day. Some who have overcome huge personal battles; burst into songs like; Shosholoza, Redemption Song, We are the Champions and more.
- The arrival back in camp is followed by, a swim in the camp pool (relief), dangle from the high ropes course (the adrenalin still exists and needs to be fed), fire off some celebratory shots (middle eastern tradition), enjoy a hot shower or Turkish bath (normal behaviour) or charge to the bar to tell your story to whoever wants to hear (also normal).
Well, that just about sums up river rafting on earth as it is today. I think you can now decide whether you are up to the challenge or not?