Will I enjoy rafting?
There are many kinds of rafting trips and
the important thing is to choice the right
trip for you. Of course, there are people
who don't enjoy rafting- if you have water
activities and the outdoors, then stop right
here!
Note that it is not necessary to be able to
swim, but swimmers are probably more relaxed,
comfortable and safe in this alien watery
environment.
Why go rafting?
White water or
flat water?
Rafting has this image
of crashing through horrendous rapids and
monstrous waves and, yes, at times of high
flow, in the monsoon, this may be justified.
But, at most flows there are many class 3
and class 4 rivers of moderate difficulty
and also many and so many rivers of class
1 and 2 where you can float along admiring
the scenery and running a few very small rapids.
Rafting in Nepal is a superb experience in
it's own right- the thrill of running white
water rapids is the cream on the cake for
those who enjoy it.
Most people are naturally a little bit apprehensive
if they haven't been on white water before,
but after the first rapid are 'hooked' –
as long as people are physically fit and not
scared of water they can safely go on water
of class 1 to class 3 easier water and long
stretches in between the rapids in which to
relax. For more difficult and exciting class
4 rivers people should be active, confident
in water and preferably have some previous
rafting experience.
Time of Year
As we explain elsewhere,
the time of year always makes a big difference
to the difficulty of water. After the monsoon
in September, water volumes are huge and all
rivers much more difficult or too dangerous.
From mid – October onwards the weather
is settled and this is high season for rafting.
Winter months are clod, so this is a better
for shorter trips. The summer season from
March to May has lower flows but warmer temperature.
Paddle rafting
versus oar powered rafts
Any raft can be paddle,
or rigged with an oar frame and rowed. Each
of propulsion has its advantages and appeals
to different people.
With an oar-powered raft the Guide sits in
the middle and rows it down the river, maneuvering
in rapids using 'ferry glides'. – This
gives him or her time to react. Often one
or more oar rafts are lighter, more maneuverable
and more fun. Any passengers normally ride
on the front of the raft, relax and enjoy
the scenery.
Paddle rafting
Is all about group participation
and teamwork all (or most) of the raters have
paddles, propel the raft down the river and
maneuverable it though the rapids with the
Guide wielding a steering paddle at the back
of the raft is a lot of fu, challenging, and
builds a great team spirit; but on a difficult
river it can also be had work at times.
One thing to note is that on both paddle rafts
and oar rigs you spend quite a lot of time
drifting along quietly, letting the current
do the work and enjoying the scenery and wildlife.