Phila Airport Parking Vacations

Many people disqualify themselves needlessly from a whitewater rafting vacation because they don’t know what it’s all about. When you’re educated about the adventure, the quality of the equipment and what you get for your money you’ll see why this is a favorite yearly vacation for so many.

This article is a basic level introduction, an over view; therefore, what do we mean when we say, ‘whitewater rafting’? We’re speaking of the maneuvering of a vessel down a river. Professional rafting means the vessel is one approved by the Coast Guard. A raft gets down the river in one of three ways: 1. One person does the work with large oars rigged to the raft. 2. With a group of people holding individual paddles led by a guide calling paddle instructions (most common) and 3. A combination referred to as an oar-paddle combination with the oarsman in the rear compartment of the raft acting as both the major power and the guide calling instructions.

When we say river, we mean the flowing ribbon of water leading from high in the mountains to a great body of water: lake or ocean. For rafting purposes rivers are rated. The rating is called a class and rivers are classed I – VI. Class I is calm gentle waters. Class VI is something a raft cannot navigate. This can be a waterfall to the rain running down the gutters on your street. One of the most popular and accommodating runs in all the United States is the South Fork of the American River in Northern California. There are some 33 companies working commercially on the river. This is a class III river perfect for families, youth groups, work trips, private parties. It is good for the adventurer and the beginner.

You can expect your trip to come with some basic tools to safely navigate the waterways. The first, and most important, is a professional whitewater guide. Male or female are equally competent and capable to get you safely and joyfully through your trip. In the past decade it has become increasingly popular to travel the globe, chasing summer, working rivers in different regions of the world. Guides have a great job, but you’re completely welcomed to give them a tip if you feel your trip was great! These folks work many hours a day to make your trip special, they get paid by the day, not by the hour. Most often they’re able to work just a few days a week because the business is tourist based, so your tip helps greatly.

Your trip also includes a whitewater raft. These boats are specifically designed for the use of whitewater rafting, they’re incredibly tough. There are two materials commonly used in crafting a raft: Hypalon a rubber based material and Urethane/PVC a plastic based product. These boats can smash rocks, pound waves and take people climbing in and out of them for quite a few years. Please do make sure you rinse your feet before climbing into the raft however, sand is the worst enemy of a raft, it wears holes in the seams and causes leaks. The average whitewater raft costs nearly $5000.00.

You’ll most probably be handed a paddle so you can do your part to get down the river. The paddle will be near 6′ in lenght, an aluminum shaft coated in a colored plastic with a durable plastic blade.

You’ll be fit in a class V coast guard approved personal flotation device (PFD). These vests will float the small to the quite large. They’re the most buoyant, top of the line PFDs in use today.

Helmets are not required on all rivers. More outfitters are making the decision to have their guests use helmets. The truth is, a rock is just as hard whether in or out of the river. To err on the side of caution, outfitters are having you buckle up. We encourage you to embrace the helmet, it’s only done for your safety. As more foreign guides come to the States, they’re demonstrating safer and safer rafting practices, if the guide won’t get in a raft without a helmet, how can an outfitter deny their guests the same protection?

It depends on the river but speaking about the American River and the outfitters that run that river, you will receive a gourmet deli-style lunch, often right on the banks of the river. There are small variances between companies but a typical lunch will look like this: 2 – 3 bread choices, sprouts, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, onions, 2 cheeses, 2 meats, mayo, mustard, pb&j, chips, fruit, cookies and water.

Two day trips will further include paid camping, dinner, breakfast, a second day of rafting and another lunch.

You can earmark roughly $100 per person, per day of rafting. Some folks are surprised by this figure. I try to remind guests what they’re receiving for this money: a professional guide, commercial grade equipment, the challenge of paddling a river as well as the intense beauty of Mother Nature’s river canyon, excellent meal and a whole host of experiences to share with friends and family.

When I compare vacation ideas for folks, I always use Disneyland. Don’t get me wrong, my whole family loves Disneyland. Compare what you get to what you spend. At Disneyland you get admission, which is typically more per person than rafting, to the park and the ability to ride the rides you’re willing to stand in line for. You’re not fed, you don’t get a Disneyland professional to be your personal guide for the entire day. You’re on a ride that’s man made, not made by nature. So, value is personal and made by one’s perception of an adventure. It’s our hope this article has helped you understand whitewater rafting a bit more and to realize this is a hidden gem in terms of cost versus experience gained.