Ways To Get Your Kids Outdoors This Summer
Ways To Get Your Kids Outside Summer for kids is one of the more exciting times of the year. School is out, the weather is beautiful and they have nothing but time on their hands. But if your kid is like most others, much of that time is going to be spent indoors, and most likely staring at a computer screen or playing video games. If you intend to pry your child’s gaze and attention away from these electronic entertainment machines, you’re going to have to be clever. In fact, very clever, because every year that passes, the number of ways we can entertain ourselves indoors not only grows, but increasingly becomes better and better. Making it so we don’t even care that 10 hours was just spent being in an electronic daze. Drastic times call for drastic measures, and to help you get your kids out of that digital stupor, here are some ideas that may well excite them, and convince them that there is indeed a worthy physical world to enjoy outside of the Matrix. White Water Rafting Seeing as how we’re a rafting company, we know full well the enjoyment and excitement kids of all ages find from hucking some rubber on the river rapids. It makes for a full day out in nature, enjoying the sun, scenes, and adrenaline created. it also creates great lasting memories, and often times, these types of trips turn into something a family does every year as it allows for some of the best quality time possible. No phones, emails, or IM, just fun in sun with friends and family. Camping There should never be a reason outside of health that a kid would not want to camping. The problem with selling this idea is that camping alone means sitting and sleeping outdoors, that’s it. In order to spur some interest, you need to offer ideas that are to accompany the camping trip. Mountain climbing, fishing, spelunking, archery shooting, horseback riding, anything really. Kids inherently love the outdoors and this need to be remembered, the only reason they choose to not go outside is because the things they can do are limited, and when compared to what they can do online, it is drastically overshadowed until they are older and more independent. So it is up to parents to offer fun and exciting ideas. Get Wet Beyond whitewater rafting, there are numerous other things kids can do which are sure to get them excited. Kayaking and canoeing, wake boarding, paddle boarding, fishing, even finding an area where “The Blob” can be utilized will be sure to make your kids eyes widen. You can couple this idea with camping, and make a really enjoyable weekend out of it. Mountain Biking One of the easiest ways to explore the wilderness is to go trail riding or mountain biking. It gets you outside, and allows you to cover a great amount of ground that would otherwise not be seen if having to hike it on foot. For those that are really wanting to get out there, you can attach a trailer to your bike with camping gear and take an extended multi-night trip. These generally aren’t for the feint of heart, but if you are feint of heart, its a good way to make it stronger. Astronomy Oddly, many people think there isn’t much to do at night outdoors. But they often forget perhaps one of the coolest things that can be done overall… and that is to star gaze. Now many people may scoff at the idea, but if you’ve never brought a pair of binoculars or a smaller telescope with you when camping, you are doing yourself a disservice. With the lack of light pollution, you can see more out in the wilderness than in any other place. You ought to take advantage of that the next time you plan any trip outdoors. Weather permitting, you will be pleasantly surprised to stare into the heavens. Hunt For Plants, Animals, or Minerals When speaking of hunting, most people usually think of poor Bambi being slain, but you can hunt without killing. There are a whole slew of plants, animals, and minerals worth hunting for, and all that need be done is to find them. Geo hunting can be surprisingly gratifying, spotting a soaring condor hundreds of feet in the air leaves you breathless, and finding edible plants to make for a light salad at lunch will excite your taste buds. There are a lot of things in this world worth exploring and experiencing, you just have to make the effort to prove that to your children. If done correctly, you may well find your children begging you to go outside next time, rather than the other way around. At Wilderness Aware Rafting, we know that summer is finally arriving, and that means its time for some summer adventure. One fun summer activity that the family and your friends are sure to enjoy is White Water Rafting! The best Denver Rafting can be found with us, and if you’re interested in Colorado River Whitewater Rafting, or even a Whitewater Arizona River Rafting trip, be sure to check what trips are available or contact us to speak with a representative.
5 Great Ways To Experience The Great Outdoors Of Colorado
At Wilderness Aware Rafting, we know that people want to experience the great outdoors in a number of ways, and fortunately, there are many activities that can accomplish this goal. Whether that be Rafting Colorado rivers, guided Horseback Riding trips, or even just plain old back-country camping, Colorado is the perfect place to play outdoors for those still young at heart. If you are interested in doing something new and exciting, and want to do that outdoors, be sure to check and see what trip offers we have available! 5 Outdoor Activities To Experience The Wild Of Colorado For those of you that are native to the state of Colorado, you know full well the natural beauty that lays here. From the Red Rocks to Sand Dunes, from the iconic Rocky Mountains to the open prairies and plains, from mountain lakes to deep caves, the state is nothing more than one big adventure playground for those willing to explore. And explore you should. There are few places that match the wonder and beauty of this great state, and that is not to brag, but rather, to convince. It’s not as though we want to keep it to ourselves, but rather, share it with all so that they can enjoy it as we do. It is for this reason that we are going to discuss 5 of the most enjoyable ways you can experience the outdoors of Colorado. And don’t fret, everything on this list can be done by most people. Granted some may take a little adjusting depending on your health, age, or experience. But overall, these activities can be enjoyed by all, and should be. So without further ado, let’s get into it. Mountain Climbing: There many mountains to climb in Colorado, and dozens of 14ers for those who want to achieve that mile marker. The most popular of which are Longs Peak and Pikes Peak. The mountain you choose to climb, as well as the exact path, will directly dictate it’s overall difficulty. Some mountains you can almost drive to the top of, where you only need to hike a few hundred feet to make it to the peak, while others require thousands of feet if you were to start at the base. Either way, the feeling of achievement once you reach the top, coupled with the view you are gifted for your efforts makes mountain climbing in Colorado a must for anyone who currently lives here, or is passing through. Spelunking: If climbing up is not necessarily your thing, or you’re afraid of heights, then perhaps it’s worth considering climbing down. Cave diving / spelunking is often an overlooked activity in Colorado as well… most people don’t think to do it. There are dozens of caves throughout the state, some of which are miles in length and have magnificent mineral deposits developed inside. With stalactites and stalagmites, crystals, chutes, chimneys, and everything else a cave diver could dream of. Many of the caves also house wildlife such as bats and a variety of insects. If you are feeling adventurous, there are many isolated caves that can be accessed after a little hike, and even some you are forced to repel into. But if you want something a bit more relaxed, there are caves which have guided tours, are lit, have hand rails and steps, and overall are not dangerous at all. The most notable being the Cave of the Winds. Whitewater Rafting: What would Colorado be without the Colorado River? Well I suppose it would still be Colorado, but the river that begins here and ends in Mexico is one of the greatest rivers America has to offer to those thrill seekers who care to navigate its waters. Rafting is a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and site seeing all rolled into one convenient package. Depending on the class of rapids you choose to raft, you can expect thrilling adventure, or a slow leisurely and meandering course. You’ll get to see some sites that most people never get to witness since they are remote and not easily accessible without a raft. Overall it is perhaps one of the best ways to experience Colorado’s great outdoors. Skiing: More than anything, Colorado is known for its skiing. Between Vail and Steamboat Springs, many people in the U.S travel here to ski down their well groomed runs, and take a crack at the countless ski trails that line the land. Even if skiing isn’t your thing, Colorado is still a great place to experience a winter wonderland, where sledding, snowshoeing, and ski mobiles can be used to move across a land bleached in snow. The calmness that overcomes the state after a proper snowfall really sets the mood, not so much one of laziness and bundling up and staying indoors, but going out and feeling the brisk winter air, smelling the freeze that has settled, and watching the sparkling of the snow when the sun catches it just right. Camping: Finally, the creme de la creme for most people who live in the state. Camping in Colorado is without a doubt great. No better word could be used. Whether you are camping just to relax for a weekend, or you’re hiking the Colorado Trail, there is no better way to expose yourself to the great outdoors than by submerging yourself in it. That certainly means spending the night, because when you awake the next day to birds chirping, chipmunks scurrying, sun shining, and dew evaporating leaving the smell of a fresh rain… you’ll feel you’re in heaven. Because in a way you are, I couldn’t describe heaven on earth without thinking of Colorado. That’s certainly not an overstatement, and if anything, it still doesn’t give it justice. Hopefully this list will give you a few ideas of things you should most definitely do in Colorado whether you live here or are just visiting. There is so much to experience that you literally do have to spend quite a bit of time here to do it all, but fear not, Colorado isn’t going anywhere,
How Rafting Can Create Lasting Family Memories
If you are looking for the best Family Rafting Trips Colorado has to offer, then look no further. At Wilderness Aware, we know what it takes to excite and have fun, after all we are lucky enough to do it every day. Be sure to check and see what trip offerings are available and contact us to plan a trip that your family is sure to remember! Creating Lasting Family Memories… With a Little Help From Nature Most people will know it is very difficult to conjure, plan, and put into action a proper family vacation because people want different things from a vacation. Some want to relax, others want to explore, others want to simply get away, while still some are seeking a thrilling experience. This list can go on and on, but in the end, the point that no two people are the same still exists. Meaning that very few things can fulfill everyone’s wants and desires. Now when you take into account that this rarely occurs where everyone gets what they want, people can become sour and unpleasant because, well… they aren’t enjoying themselves. This only lessens everyone else’s experience. So for a great family vacation, consider a whitewater rafting trip! By no means take this as a sales speech and consider what is going to be said here as if it wasn’t enjoyable, no one would be doing it. Rafting Is Both Relaxing and Thrilling It may seem to be polar opposites, but rafting is indeed both relaxing and thrilling. Simply stated, there are moments of both throughout any trip. There are going to be stretches where your only concern is the sound of the water trickling and babbling, viewing landscape scenes most others will never set eyes on, basking in the warmth and glow of the sun, watching the birds fly and chipmunks play. There are few occasions and instances in life where you could be more relaxed. And though this won’t be the rafting trip entirely, there are certainly enough moments where even the most tumultuous souls will be put at peace. Now on the other end of this spectrum, is the excitement. The thrill of shooting through rapids, crashing and fighting against the waves. The battle of controlling what would otherwise be an uncontrollable object, guiding it through obstacles like a thread through a needle. At some points, you may feel you’ve been going for an eternity when in actuality it’s only been a few moments. Your heart will be pumping, your senses heightened due to the adrenaline, and muscles tired from fighting the current. Fortunately, just around the bend is another section of lazy river. So rafting certainly covers the full spectrum of relaxation and excitement. Rafting Is Adventurous There is nothing more adventurous than being beholden to the current of a force outside of yourself. You may be able to guide where in the river you are, but the river in the end is leading the way. Along the way, if you saw something of interest, get out and go explore. Most people will never set foot in these places, they will never see what is seen, or experience what is experienced. Rafting is naturally and inherently adventurous, absolutely no doubt about that. Rafting Involves The Outdoors This should go without saying, but for some a proper vacation involves the outdoors and even being active. While in the river, you are literally following and flowing through the veins of the world. You will be smack dab in the middle of the outdoors, there is no doubt about that. Meantime, as far as being active is concerned… there is no concern. At the end of a day you are going to be spent, as you will have been outdoors in the sun, breathing fresh air, and fighting a formidable force. Rafting As A Great Escape There is no better way to escape than getting out into the wild. If losing yourself for a moment is the goal, rest assured that while rafting you will forget all about yourself. The unadulterated beauty of nature and the serene sense while present in it is without any better way to say, magical. For a long time man has though there to be healing properties to rivers, sometimes physically, but certainly mentally and spiritually. Rafting Creates Great Memories With all that said above, it should be apparent now that it would be hard for any person not to find some enjoyment from white water rafting. Whether you remember how relaxing, thrilling, beautiful, or adventurous your trip was, you’ll have stories and memories to share for a long time. As far as allowing a family to do something together where everyone has something they can enjoy, there are few things that beat rafting. Most likely your favorite memories won’t be the same, but that’s a good thing. That means you’ve each taken something different and special from the experience, but what would be important was that you’ve experienced it together. And it is these moments as a family that matters most, when everyone is happy and enjoying each others company without the stresses of normal daily life. We hope to see you soon someday, and to help make any of your Family Rafting Trips memorable. Be sure to contact us with any questions, and be sure to consider rafting as a great family trip. You can rest assured, it would certainly be more interesting than a trip to Disneyland!
10 Reasons To Love Whitewater Rafting
If you have a hankering for adventure, you may very well enjoy rafting Colorado and the beautiful rivers that exist here. If you feel that may interest you, be sure to check out the available rafting trips at InARaft.com! 10 Reasons To Love Whitewater Rafting Exercise Exercise is generally something most people don’t get enough of, and what better way to exercise than by having fun doing it. When whitewater rafting, there are certainly moments when you are paddling hard to ensure your raft takes the right path down a section of river, or when you need to avoid some obstacle. Not to mention the entire time you are in the raft you are continually keeping yourself balanced and centered. These are a few of the reasons why at the end of a long day rafting, you are generally physically spent. The Outdoors Along with exercise, getting outside is something most people aren’t able to do often enough. But for the most part, is thoroughly enjoyed by all. The spray and mist of the river water cooling you down as you sit under a shining sun, the feeling of a breeze licking your skin, drying you off. The smell of the wild teasing your nostrils… all of this is what makes the outdoors literally set a persons soul at ease. There are very few things that can compare to it. Adrenaline Come to think of it, this entire list is made up of things most people don’t get enough of. Adrenaline pumping action certainly not being excluded. The thrill of crashing through waves, being bucked in the air, and going toe to toe against the elements causes your adrenaline to flow and for you to truly feel alive. As we know, motion is life itself, while stagnation is death. So keep moving! Time With Loved Ones It’s hard enough in our day and age to find quality time to spend with loved ones… but that’s not really an issue when you’re all packed onto a raft hucking rubber. These moments are also ones not easily forgotten, and nor should they be. You’ll remember these trips, and others like it, for the remainder of your life. Unique Experience There is much in this life to experience, and there is much in this life you should experience. You only live once and you have to make the most of that limited time. If whitewater rafting was not worth the time spent doing it, you would not have as large of a following as you do for the sport. It’s thrilling, enjoyable, memorable, and entirely worth every second spent doing it. Wildlife The number and variety of wildlife that can be viewed while sitting on a raft in the river would take anyone by surprise that has never experienced it. If you can imagine, the birds soaring over head, the marmots scurrying around on the banks and shore, the chipmunks monkeying around in the trees, and every other form of life found in the water can all be viewed while sitting on a rubber raft floating down the river. Vegetation For those of you with a love for plants, there are fewer better areas to view the vegetation of a region than by the banks of a river. As you can expect, any plant would love to find some prime real estate river side. As such, you can always view a wide diversity of plant life while cruising down a river. This is of course, in between the moments of excitement and pure wonderment over the beauty of the landscape. Sexy Guides There are always additional benefits to doing anything enjoyable,and for those taking guided rafting tours, the guides themselves are sometimes it. The men and women that have the intimate knowledge of the surrounding area and the physique of the gods themselves from endlessly and tirelessly rowing many times make these trips better. It may be a silly thing to say, and even sillier to hear. But when it comes down to it, it’s true. And more times than not, you will have heard a friend go off about how “cute” or “hot” or “stunning” their rafting guide was. This is most certainly an additional benefit. Learning Facts Many people, rather than having a love for beautiful people, or animals, or plants, or scenes, have a love for knowledge. And when it comes to knowing their surroundings, and all that it encompasses, rafting guides are often experts. They know local legends and tales, they know the behavior of the animals, they know almost everything that is to be known of the area in which they guide. This makes it especially easy to learn a lot about certain areas that you would otherwise never think of considering. Enjoyment Beyond all these other factors, whitewater rafting is simply enjoyable, in every sense of that word. Rarely will a moment pass where you are not enjoying yourself, which is the reason many people take yearly rafting trips. It fulfills so many desires and experiences we wish to have that there is no reason not to. If you are looking for a way to enjoy yourself, thoroughly, please, for your own sake, plan a trip and hit the river. It is certainly something you will not soon forget. If after reading through this you finally realize that yes, you would indeed love to go enjoy a rafting trip, and Whitewater Rafting in Colorado would scratch that itch, give us a call or get in touch with us via email. We love rafting, and enjoy sharing that passion with anyone who cares to join!
The Arkansas River National Monument
Senator Mark Udall Pushes For Browns Canyon Protection Democratic Senator Mark Udall is pushing for protection over Brown Canyon. His intentions are to create a national monument coined the Arkansas River National Monument. This would cover over 20,000 acres of BLM and National Forest lands and designate them as wilderness. Recently, President Obama made Chimney Rock a monument after efforts by Scott Tipton and Michael Bennter failed first. Though, this was the presidents latest attempt to try and help create more wilderness areas throughout the U.S. Over recent years, proposed wilderness designated areas have slowed down due to congress and self-interset groups, such as the National Rifle Association, stalling any efforts. As a result, in the current political climate, the only way for certain areas to receive wilderness level protection is through presidential designations. This obviously limits the number of areas that are not only focused on, but actually accepted. The Arkansas River National Monument is being proposed because rafting the Arkansas River has become one of the most enjoyed river activity in the world. Thus the number of people that flood to the the area to view the river, as well as the surrounding landscape, has swelled dramatically over recent years. A terrifying statistic for nature lovers and preservers alike is that the current Congress is on path to be the first Congress since 1966 to not protect a single acre of wilderness. The argument is that it is believed there have already been enough designated wilderness areas already. But there is one specific issue with prior areas deemed wilderness spots, and that is those spots are scenic and iconic areas, where the beauty of the landscape is awe inspiring. Enough that even those that hate the outdoors cannot help but marvel and wonder at the scenes these areas have. This leaves less beautiful areas forgotten, and unless there is some snow capped mountain, or flowing waterfall, people do not deem them “wilderness”. It’s a hard thought to consider how someone can view anything outside of a city or town not to be wilderness. As though everything but these areas are “tamed” or less wild. If you live in Colorado, there are more wilderness areas than developed, and by a large margin. However, the law happens to state otherwise. But for any area to be deemed “wilderness”, there are special considerations that come into play on behalf of law makers. So hopefully these same law makers will see that the Browns Canyon is indeed a special area, and one that is deserved to have a monument commemorate it. It will also help Colorado River Rafting down the Arkansas River become more popular since rafting companies can now say you will pass through “wilderness” areas. There is no doubt that Rafting in Colorado would not be what it is without the Arkansas River. Making the area a wilderness will also do a lot to help protect the Colorado Arkansas River. Water is and will always be a major topic in Colorado, as there are those that need it for pleasure and others that need it for necessity. Meanwhile, there are countless people outside of the state that rely on the water the flows here. There are also those that would like to develop in some areas, while others would like to mine. Either way, highlighting one area of Colorado at least helps to keep a watchful gaze on our state, both from the media as well as the citizens themselves. So it’s unknown what the future will hold, but we can only hope that it will be the designation of more wilderness areas throughout our country. As it is the wild that keeps America what it is, and I think that’s how people like it. If you are interested in a Colorado River Rafting Trip, or a Family Rafting trip in Colorado, you should be sure to contact Wilderness Aware Rafting, where our experienced guides can plan out the perfect get away or adventure for you. There are single day trips as well as Multi Day Rafting Trips. So depending on how deep you would like to get into the wilderness, there is no doubt we can help you in that endeavor. Update: The proposed area mentioned above is now known, as of 2015, as Browns Canyon National Monument.
How The Arizona Salt River Became Salty
The Thirsty Tree – The Tamarisk Salt Cedar There are only so few places in the world where one can go salt river rafting as it’s not exactly a common occurrence to find salty rivers.White water rafting AZ is an extremely thrilling and enjoyable experience, one that countless people enjoy every year whether that is by swimming, tubing, kayaking, or doing some Salt River white water rafting. Though, with as many people that enjoy the Arizona Salt River, very few actually understand why the fresh water of the Gila River, which turns into the Salt River Tributary, becomes salty to begin with once it leaves the White Mountains. The interesting thing is there is a little known reason as to why, which is even less common throughout the rivers of the world. The Thirsty Tree The Salt Cedar, also known as the Tamarisk, is a plant that lines the Salt River. They were introduced as a means save top soil from blowing away off of farms, to help keep banks from eroding into the river, and interestingly as a means to slow down evaporation of the river itself. They also replaced the areas where old forests of cottonwoods and willows once prospered. The Salt Cedar originates in dry climates throughout the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Africa. When they were introduced, there were no apparent negative side results whatsoever and the plant itself did very well in its new climate. What Makes The Salt Cedars Salty The Tamarisk has an incredible ability to draw the salt from the earth through a series of complex web of roots. The salt is then stored in the leaves of the tree. As wind blows and rain falls, the salt is knocked off the tree and into the water, thus making it salty. A Mistake From Long Ago Miners and farmers believed it was a genius idea; bring in a tree that requires little water, preserves the top soil and river banks, shields crops and homes from wind, and covers the river which will help to prevent evaporation of the river. What they found decades later was that the Salt Cedar had taken over and spread like wild fire. Little natural vegetation remained where the Tamarisk took hold and they wondered how much water was being lost to the stomata of the Salt Cedars. So they quickly made attempts to remove the Salt Cedar from river shores all across the southwest. But they found the tree were much more difficult removing than they were introducing. Its seeds would linger in the soil until rain fell, and trees would sprout up in their fallen brethren’s place. It was this cycle that continued for years until scientists found something out. Mistaking A Mistake For A Mistake What scientists found out in the mid 80s was that the tamarisk had not killed off the other vegetation, but the natural plants had died off due to their own inability to survive any longer. Areas where local vegetation persisted saw fewer Salt Cedars, which was because the Tamarisk could not naturally compete. They relied upon the local vegetation dying off for their own survival. They did in fact save the top soil and keep the river banks from eroding as there was little other vegetation helping in that fashion. They also found that the tree likely helped prevent the river water from evaporating more than the amount they took in for their own hydration. So in the end, Rafting AZ would not be the same without it’s unique salt river. The river would not have nearly as much salt in it if it wasn’t for the Tamarisk. So we should be thanking this foreign tree for helping to form a landscape and creating our unique river which would not be the same without it. AZ rafting adventures and salt river rafting trips can all be made through Wilderness Aware Rafting.
Reading Rapid Features Whilst Rafting
If you were hoping to do some white water rafting in Colorado with the remaining days left in the summer, it is of course important to have an understanding of any river prior to making an attempt at white river rafting. It is also important to pull off and scout ahead before an expected decent into a series of rapids occur. These two precautions alone can work wonders, keep you dry and out of the water, and ensure that you remain safe. But there is one skill that can be learned through experience only, and that is the reading of river rapid features. This skills will certainly help when scouting ahead, but if rafting were chess, scouting would be considered the strategy, where you design a plan ahead of time and act with that in mind. Once you are in the river, if anything unexpected occurs, having to avoid it would be considered a tactic. Which is an in the moment plan of action. A proper ability to read rapid features as you’re rafting is an important skill which can keep you safe, dry and happy. So without further ado, let us describe some of the more basic features that can be noted upon a whitewater rafting trip. Visible Rocks: If you intend on doing some Colorado rafting, you better assume there are going to be some rocks in the river. Most experienced rafters understand that rocks generally do not pose a large or significant threat. They are more than often easily spotted and avoided. Generally, if they are hit, there is little to no damage to the raft. There are really only two things that you should have to worry about if collision occurs. One is if you become beached atop the rock or against it. This is a problem as removing a heavy raft from atop a rock amidst a raging river is no easy task. The other is if by hitting the rock you are spun about, and unable to head nose forward down the river. You dont want to enter a series of rapids heading either rear first, or especially sideways. The latter is a sure way to flip your raft over. One important clue that a rock can give is indicate the direction a current is heading. This can be noticed by seeing which way the water is deflecting off of the rock. This is important especially when heading through narrow areas, as you’ll want to use the current to avoid certain obstacles and hazards. Chutes: Chutes are the parts of a river where the water is smooth and flowing through a channel and is recognized by a V-shaped ripple that points downstream. This indicates a good and safe course and should be taken when noticed. If you notice a V-shaped ripple pointing upstream towards you, this is not a chute, rather it is a rock or obstacle under the water and should avoided. It is important to try and notice the direction a V-shaped ripple is heading as that can save your raft from a potential disaster. Eddies: Eddies are an interesting feature in any river, which results from the water seething to fill the void left behind by a rock or other obstacle. Depending on the size, eddies are often very calm and the water can even appear to be standing still. These provide great resting spots, especially for a rest or to scout the next rapid ahead. Holes: Holes are perhaps the most dangerous of all river features, they are often also referred to as ledge holes, souse holes, waves, stoppers, reversals, keepers, and pour-overs. Submerged and other large objects that are submerged can be recognized by either the smooth dome of water that is created cascading over the op, or the turbulent water created by deeper and larger rocks downstream. The waves or turbulence created are called hydraulics. There are many different types of hydraulics created which depend upon the rivers gradient, amount of water, and the dimensions of the rock The dangerous parts to holes are the back-waves that are created. Back-waves are created by the water traveling back in on itself in these holes. In larger holes, or ledges in some cases, the back-wave can be very powerful and difficult to escape. These can be very difficult to escape, and should be avoided when possible. What end up happening is you will become stuck in a single spot where the water is churning and attempting to essentially swallow the raft. Holes are very easy to flip your raft it, which is why caution is advised. Hazards: Any obstacle in the water should be considered hazardous and avoided if at all possible. No matter what the obstruction is, there is no need to risk the life of the raft, in case of a tear, or the potential life of a passenger in case they fell out and became entangled. You would be surprised at how slow a little bit of water needs to travel to trap you against an object. It’s not much, and once you’re pinned, theres very little that can be done to loosen yourself. Even overhanging hazards, which normally wouldn’t present a problem can be dangerous. Tree branches are notorious for knocking people into the water, knocking sunglasses off, and jabbing at people. The most dangerous part is perhaps the potential for a branch to scratch or stab a person in the eye. They also just generally hurt to go through, and it’s hard to escape unscathed without at least a few cuts and scrapes. If you are interested in perhaps doing some salt river rafting down the great Arkansas River, or perhaps go whitewater rafting in Colorado, than please visit Wilderness Aware Rafting to see what trips are still available this season.
The International River Grading System: How To Know A Rivers Rating
Colorado river rafting can be hazardous at times and should not be taken lightly. But it can also be as harmless as a whimsical lazy river. It all depends on the ranking of the river, and more importantly, the ranking of certain rapids. Rafting the Royal Gorge for example, can have very mellow sections when little attention has to be paid. But around a corner there can be an explosive series of rapids where only the most skilled guides should be making an attempt at it. Just as a snowflake, no two rivers are the same. Each is unique and has it’s own individual dynamic, which makes it like no other on earth. These rivers even change over time, so no river is the same as it has been, it gradually changes year after year. This means that every new attempt at a river should require new scouting to ensure it’s known which obstacles to avoid and which routes to take. The actual act of rafting is only part of the fun, figuring out a course and navigating is enjoyable in it’s own right. Especially when you make the right calls and decisions safely guiding your raft down the rapids. The first thing that should be done prior to actually rafting, is seeing what previous rafters have said about the river. We wouldn’t have the majority of the things we have in this world if we couldn’t build off the success of others before us. With that said, a system has been developed which allows rafters to let other rafters know what they think about certain rivers. This system is known as The International River Grading System. The International River Grading System Grade I: Easy Rivers that are flat with slow moving water and the occasional small or simple rapid. Any waves present are low, with obstacles being obvious and easy to maneuver around. There is no technical training required to raft these rivers. Grade II: Novice Rivers that frequently have rapids which are moderately sized with small and simple waves and eddies. Scouting is unnecessary as the river will be moving slow enough to avoid any obstacles that arise. Little training is required, mainly just understanding how to maneuver a raft. Grade III: Intermediate For a rafter with some training and proficiency, these rivers are easily navigated. There will be a few routes that must be run correctly to avoid major obstacles and obstructions. There will be a number of rapids that have abnormal and irregular waves. There may even be a series of steps with a steep gradient that must be done. For the less experienced rafters, viewing a route from the saftey of the bank is advised. Grade IV: Advanced These rivers are considered to be very challenging, with long stretches of rapids with irregular waves. The courses to take on these rivers will complicated and various obstacles and obstructions may be hidden and unseen underneath the waves. These rivers will also have waterfalls ranging up to 3 meters in height. There can be narrow and steep channels that are difficult to navigate. Regardless of the experience of the rafter, you will want to scout ahead to mark your path. These rivers require a group to be skilled enough to make a rescue if need be. Grade V: Expert These rivers have all the same issues as grade IV does, however it is going to be more extreme. Meaning the waves are larger, drops steeper, and rapids more violent and less predictable. The routes to take for these are extremely difficult to manage, even when the exact course is known. There is a greater amount of risk involved in rafting these rivers. Grade VI: Unraftable Some consider rafting on a class VI river suicidal, and only extreme luck or skill will allow you through) Hopefully this guide has helped to explain the differences in river difficulties. Always be sure before you raft on a whitewater river that you understand what you are getting into. Before taking on stretches of river, always scout ahead to make sure you know what course to take. Even if you’ve done the river countless times before, new obstacles could have been created which weren’t there the time before. If you would care to perhaps do some Colorado rafting yourself, you should contact the people at Wilderness Aware Rafting to see what trip options are available this season.
How To Choose A Proper Rafting Company
There are many factors that should be considered when choosing a company to take you on a white water raft trip. The choice made can either turn your trip into an amazing memory, or an unforgettable nightmare. So it’s important to choose wisely from the start. What follows is an explanation of the areas that should be touched upon when seeking out a whitewater rafting company. One thing for certain is that people expect to have an enjoyable time and remain safe while on a rafting vacation. So choosing the best river that matches a groups or persons capabilities is paramount. The fun will be had so long as the challenge is there, and the fun can be enjoyed so long as there is no looming feeling of fear. Fear comes about from uncertainty, so in order to enjoy yourself, you are going to need to be able to trust your rafting guides. In order for trust to be achieved, you are going to need to clarify a few things with the rafting company. Trip Safety You are going to want to choose a rafting company that does their best to create the safest conditions for rafters. Meaning that the proper equipment is provided for such as helmets and life vests, and instructions are given for newcomers/beginners about rafting etiquette and what to do if they are ejected into the water. What has to be remembered is that while rafting, you are not in a controlled environment. But many of the dangers can be mitigated if attention is paid. A proper rafting company knows these dangers as well as the best course of action to lesson the chance for a problem to occur. Equipment Provided All rafting companies will offer life vests, as thats the most basic of safety equipment to be provided. But you should ask to see what other options for safety are available. The next most important that should be considered is a helmet. These are the two most critical items to have whilst rafting. After that, neoprene clothing items are optional to fight against the cold. Even gloves may be provided to protect you hands and provide extra grip. Does the Rafting Company Help to Determine the Most Suitable River Safety is not only dictated by the protective items worn, but is also determined by the river chosen for rafting, and the experience of the rafters themselves. You will want to discuss the experience of all the rafters in a group participating, and see what the rafting guides believe is the most suitable level of rapid that should be attempted safely. This is an important point, and should not be over looked or forgotten. Chances are though that a proper rafting company will not allow this point to be untouched. The Experience of the Guides as Well as the Company Itself You will want to inquire to see how long a rafting company has been in business and weigh that information accordingly. Especially depending on the rivers they raft. A company may be well versed with Colorado white water rafting, but may be new to rafting Arizona. Meaning that perhaps they wouldn’t be the most trusted if they’ve just began to raft a certain river. Experience, after all, does count for certain rivers. Beyond a companies experience on certain rivers, you will want to find out the overall experience of the rafting guides themselves, as well as their experience on specific rivers. The Total River Options Available If a rafting company only offers a handfull of possible rivers to raft down, they will be trying to get anyone they can to raft those certain rivers. Which could be either below, or worst, above a groups skill level. Either way, you want to see how many options are available for certain rivers, as more choices are better than fewer. Number of Activities Being Offered At times, you may want to do other things beside raft. This could include anything outdoor related, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, off-roading, or simply hiking around. These activities are not always allowed or offered for certain companies, so if it’s something you are interested in, you will want to check ahead of time to see what options are available. Company Awards, Prestige, or Recognitions Received You will want to see if a rafting company has received any awards or recognitions in the past. This should only hold a certain amount of weight in deciding a company, but it certainly helps to highlight the shining stars from those that dont. Recommendations and Customer Testimonials Nothing can bring about trust for anything more than a friendly referral. If a family member of friend says that a certain company is trustworthy, than that’s really the most important but of information that can be obtained. If you do not know anyone that has been on a rafting trip, then you will have to read through company customer testimonials to see what they have said. These are generally worthwhile to read through, but be careful. Often times companies add in “fake” testimonials to bolster their reviews. It can be hard to sort through the fakes at times. But if a statement seems genuine, than chances are it really is.
6 Great Rivers That Wilderness Aware Rafting Offer Trips On
Wilderness Aware Rafting is one of the more well known rafting companies in Colorado. That said, the rivers we choose to raft reflect our love for water, and we only offer trips on the best rivers available for commercial rafting. So here is a list of the 6 greatest rivers that we offer as rafting destinations in and around Colorado. 1. The Gunnison River, CO: The Gunnison River is located next to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Surrounding towns include Delta, Grand Junction and Montrose. It is an isolated and gorgeous river, home to both narrow and tall cliffs that are near black in color. Gunnison Whitewater rafting is a special thing, cruising through canyons where the rock is as dark as the shadows they cast. It’s quite easy to become lost in the moment whilst rafting here, where your mind can wander as far as the river snakes. 2. The Dolores River, CO: The Dolores River is located deep in the desert of Colorado’s southwestern region. Surrounding towns include Durango, Cortez, and Telluride. Rafting the Dolores River offers rapid difficulties ranging from novice to advanced, which allows for any range of experienced rafters to partake in the joy of this desert beauty. The river is long enough that multi-day trips are available, where you can enjoy the sounds of the whispering river before you doze off under a clear night sky. The peace that is brought to you here is unquestionable, and once experienced, you’d understand why. 3. The Arkansas River, CO: The Arkansas River is found running through the heart of Colorado. Surrounding towns include Buena Vista, Salida, and Canon City. It is believed to be on of America’s most popular white water rafting locations. Arkansas river white water rafting is suitable for any experience of rafter. The rapids to be found there range from mild to extreme difficulty. Wilderness Aware Rafting even has designated picnic sites to stop at, which are in the most scenic of areas. 4. The Upper Colorado River, CO: The Colorado River begins high in the Rocky Mountain National Park. From there it flows and grows into a gentle giant which can be enjoyed by anyone. Surrounding towns include Steamboat Springs and Kremmling. Upper Colorado river rafting is perfect for newcomers, young children, and older folks. Essentially the whole family can partake in enjoying this river where you’ll pass by meadows and rugged cliffs alike. 5. The North Platte River, CO: The North Platte River is one of the least rafted rivers in Colorado, as there are only a couple weeks a year that it can actually be rafted. Surrounding towns include Walden and Kremmling. If you want to get away from it all, there is no better river than this. Where you’re guaranteed to see more wild life than people, and natural beauties rather than man made ones. 6. The Salt River, AZ: The Salt River of Arizona is a desert gem, found deep in the Sonoran Desert. Surrounding towns include Phoenix, Tucson, and Globe. Salt River rafting trips can be expected to contain beaches and beautiful canyon scenery. Between the springtime wildflowers and the large Sauaro Cacti, there is no other place in the world where such beauties can be seen whilst rafting down a river. Hopefully you can find the time to enjoy whats left of the summer on one of these memorable rivers. It’s hard to imagine any time being better spent. Great memories are not to be had unless they are made. So go out and make a pleasant memory for yourself.
