5 Insane Facts About Dehydration
So, maybe you don’t drink as much water as you know you’re supposed to. But you aren’t dead yet, and that’s about as much as you’re concerned about. Likewise, every health article you could ever read says something about drinking more water, but the real facts about dehydration are rarely discussed. Turns out there’s a lot to know, and a lot that is misunderstood about staying properly hydrated! 1. 75% of Americans Are Chronically Dehydrated A recent study has shown that roughly three fourths of the country are suffering from constant dehydration, often unwittingly. This is often a result of popular eating and drinking habits, as well as the fact that man’s thirst reflex is often confused for hunger pangs instead. Soda pop, caffeine, sugar, salt, and starchy foods dry out the body and decrease its ability to absorb nutrients, leading to a variety of health complications that are common today. 2. A Portion of Your Water Intake Comes From Your Food While 80% of keeping hydrated requires drinking straight water, you get a surprising amount of hydration from the food you eat. Fruits and veggies are an abundant source of natural hydration, but even rice and dairy products can fuel you with some water. As long as they are not overdone, water-based caffeine beverages like coffee and tea actually do cancel out the drying-out properties and ultimately hydrate you. However, if your diet consists of too much sodium you won’t derive much hydration from your food at all. 3. “8 Glasses of Water per Day” Rule is a Myth It has become the widespread rumor that every person must drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. But considering the amount of water one gets from their diet, as well as the fact that every person is unique, this is obviously not an accurate standard. The Institute of Medicine has narrowed it down, stating that men generally need about 3.7 liters a day where women need about 2.7. Of course this varies from person to person depending on what their diet consists of, their weight, and many other medical factors. It’s important to find your individual water requirements rather than go off a number tailored to someone else. 4. Clear Urine is Not the Goal You may have been taught to try to achieve urine that’s as clear as the water you’re chugging down. But urine this clear is a sign that your body is just passing the water straight through, and you aren’t giving it enough time to flush out any excess minerals along with it. A sign of a healthy and properly-hydrated person is a pale yellow color to their urine. Adjust your water intake accordingly by analyzing your urine and aiming for that color consistently. 5. It Only Take 45 Minutes to Get Hydrated The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research conducted a study on how long it took mildly dehydrated men to become hydrated after drinking water. It was found that after consuming around two bottles of water, it only took roughly 45 minutes for the body to function healthily in a perfectly hydrated state. If you sense that you are dehydrated (or have been chronically dehydrated for some time), it’s not too late for you! Drinking some water now will help you get your body back to a more functional state in under an hour. While there’s plenty you can do to recover from mild dehydration, serious dehydration is no laughing matter. If symptoms have increased in severity to the point where someone is vomiting, cramping up, majorly disoriented, or unconscious, you’ll need to seek emergency assistance. There are many a walk-in clinic in Medford, MA and other major cities that are equipped to handle these cases, and at that point you shouldn’t rely on at-home measures. By understanding dehydration and what it takes to maintain proper hydration, you can avoid these kind of situations and live a longer, healthier life! At Wilderness Aware Rafting, our utmost passion is being the best river rafting guides we can be. This ensures we offer the best service to our customers year after year. If you’re interested in a Browns Canyon white water rafting trip, Dolores River rafting trip, or want to try Salt River rafting Arizona, please be sure to contact us and find out what trip offerings we have available. We look forward to seeing you on the water!
Looking For An Outdoor Job This Summer? Who Makes For The Perfect Raft Guide?
Are you at work right now sitting behind a desk, in front of a computer, hunched over the keyboard, staring out the window wishing for something better? Well you’re a member of the biggest club in America. The I Hate My Job Club! There is little doubt about it, few people nowadays enjoy what they do for a living. Worse yet, there are likely more people who despise their job than those who simply don’t enjoy it. But let’s do a little math to keep this in perspective. Let’s say that you work 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year over the course of 40 years (aged 20-60). This would mean that combined, your total hours of being an industrious person would be 83,200. Imagine that, 83,200 hours of essentially pure unhappiness slaving away at a job you abhor. And for what? Good pay, good health insurance, good vacation time off. Is endless misery worth that? Now if you have a family to provide for, than by all means suffer. In that sense, your devotion to familial duty is admirable and expected from you. But for the countless thousands of people who are not beholden to caring for a family, or continuing that rat race, climbing that latter and chasing that cheese, is money a good replacement for sanity and happiness? There are plenty of jobs out there that won’t feel like work for you. Jobs where vacation time feels unneeded. Where you wake up everyday and actually want to rush off to work… skipping and whistling all the way. In the end that perfect and ideal job is dependent on the person, but for many people, and especially those that work for Wilderness Aware Rafting, we have a passion for our profession. We love rafting, the outdoors, meeting new people, and teaching our skills to those willing to learn. We love providing a unique and memorable experience for people, and as such, we love our jobs. So to help perhaps jog your memory of what it is you truly love, let us tell you what it is about our jobs we love and why we are perfect for it. Maybe you’ll be persuaded to perhaps undue your noose of a tie and chase your dream. Because for us… we’ve not only found it, but seized it firmly. Why Being A Raft Guide Is Great There are countless reasons why being a rafting guide is great, and most of these points would probably be the same for any person who provides similar adventure services. For starters our office is outdoors and the wilderness is our boardroom. When we get to go to work, we don’t have to deal with phone calls… but bird calls. We don’t have to listen next to the water cooler about a co-workers thrilling weekend. We make our own thrills and the only thing we have to listen to is the ragging of the river or the babbling of a brook. We never get tired of sitting because sitting is supposed to be a time to relax. Which we do in between the moments of excitement and pure adrenaline rushes that the river provides. We don’t have to look at profit margins or a projects ROI because we are too busy planning for adventure. We don’t have to hit the gym after work because work is our gym and it provides the best workout we could want. We don’t have to deal with pesky and annoying coworkers because everyone we work aside is like-minded and passionate about the same things we are. When we leave work, it is impossible to take any work home with us even though many of us would like to at times, especially in the off-season. We get to not only meet interesting people everyday but also get to educate them as well. Our inspiration begets inspiration in them and we take pride in that. We have the opportunity to provide memorable experiences for those we guide, ones we know will last many years and stories that will be told countless times. Rafting to us doesn’t feel like work because it is a labor of love. Because in the end, and how we see it, we get to play all day every day. How is that even considered work? This is not meant to cause jealousy, but simply remind people that for those that want it, a job you could love is available somewhere. You just have to think hard what it is that makes you happy… and go for it. For us, there is little else we could ask for. Except maybe a river that runs year round… and for those who can’t handle the off months, those are available as well. What is Required To Become a Rafting Guide When it comes down to it, very little is required to become a whitewater rafting guide. The hard essentials are that you must be at least 18 years old and you must be currently 1st Aid and CPR certified. You may never have even set foot in a boat, but don’t be discouraged. Most rafting companies will train you on everything you need to know. How to properly use gear, rafting techniques and jargon,how to read rivers, and how to understand river obstacles/hazards. As far as rafting itself is concerned, no employer will put you on a river if either you or them don’t feel comfortable. You must also be willing to live in the area you will be rafting. Generally this means sleeping in cars, trucks, buses, tents, and cabins for the summer. For those that like to camp anyhow this is usually a benefit as it gives them even more time outdoors. In the end though, the most important traits a person can have if they want to be a whitewater rafting guide is character and attitude. For those that truly love the outdoors, people, and rafting, there is never a problem. But you always have to keep
Various River Terms for Whitewater Rafting
Rivers usually originate from a freshwater source that flows downwards from a higher elevation like atop a mountain towards one or more rivers, which then leads into a lake, a sea, or an ocean. In Colorado, we have four major rivers: Colorado, Rio Grande, Arkansas, and South Platte. Many small streams and rivers feed into these major rivers, giving us some of the best options in the US for whitewater rafting in Colorado. Some of our exciting whitewater rafting trips at Wilderness Aware Rafting take place on the incredible Arkansas and Colorado River. As you’re navigating downriver during one of our trips, you may wonder how to refer to specific areas along the river. Well, you’re in luck! This is a handy guide to river terms so start studying so you can look like quite the river stud (or studdess) next time you jump into a raft. Whitewater Rafting River Terms Confluence – the point where two rivers meet Dam – a man-made barrier built to hold back water in a reservoir or divert the flow of water Downstream – the direction that the river is flowing Drainage Basin – the area of land where surface water from rain, snow, and ice is drained by river at a lower elevation Eddy – spot where the water headed downstream stops or reverses, usually resulting in a spot to get stuck Estuary – where the tide of an ocean meets the current of the river and mixes, usually at the mouth of a river Flood Plain – the flat land close to the river banks, which is very fertile and often used for agriculture Flooding – when the rivers are overflowing with water and spreads over the bank and surrounding land Rapids – the wavy areas of a river where the current is moving fast and breaks against rocks near the surface Riverbed – the ground at the bottom of the river, which is usually sand and stones The Mouth – the end of the river where it meets a large body of water like a lake or ocean Waterfall – the sudden drop off of a river over a cliff Watershed – the land that drains water into a river or other body of water At Wilderness Aware Rafting, we absolutely love being on the rivers and having a better understanding of their nature and how they work with, well, the rest of nature. Sharing the knowledge and experience with you is an amazing benefit of our jobs. If you are interested in a Colorado Rafting Trip, multi-day rafting trip, or want to try Salt River whitewater rafting in Arizona, please be sure to contact us and find out what trip offerings we have available.
The Denver Rescue Mission Guided Rafting Trips With Wilderness Aware
The Denver Rescue Mission and Wilderness Aware Rafting For the past 14 years, Wilderness Aware Rafting has been sponsoring guided rafting trips for the Denver Rescue Mission. We know the benefits rafting can have on a person’s physical, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. Time on the river can give a person a moment to reflect, relax, and reconnect with nature. Between the fresh air, excitement, and serene beauty of the outdoors, these rafting trips are the least we can do for those less fortunate. We understand that for those in need, beyond financial concerns, life can be difficult. Moments of enjoyment can be hard to come by. When life is as tumultuous and uncertain as it is for many of those struggling, even the smallest of deeds can make great and meaningful impacts. This is reaffirmed by members of the Denver Rescue Mission, and knowing firsthand the good these trips do, we’ve made it a priority to keep them going year after year. You can hear testimonials and see snippets of one of their trips on our video page, our watch it here on YouTube as well. The Denver Rescue Mission The Denver Rescue Mission is devoted to changing lives by meeting people and helping those most in need. Their main goal is to return individuals to society as productive and self-sufficient citizens. It is one of the oldest full-service non-denominational Christian charities in the region and they are dedicated to ensuring no person is denied our turned away from their services based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, sex, or sexual orientation. The Denver Rescue Mission was founded in 1892, and was originally started as a Rescue Home for Women. The organization moved locations a few times, expanded their services, and sadly by 1930 was closed due to debts owed by the owner. However, soon after its closing, it was reopened by a group of dedicated volunteers and has since then helped countless individuals rehabilitate and get their lives back on track. It was soon after the reopening that further services were offered such as dental and medical treatment. As time continued on, and the location changed a few more times, the Denver Rescue began offering even more services such as providing long-term rehabilitation. In 1988 they purchased the former Mercy Farm, renamed Harvest Farm, which was a 209-acre farm where food crops for the needy could be grown. This allowed for their New Life Program to serve as a rural outreach, as poverty doesn’t solely reside in big cities. Services eventually were offered which provided for mothers and their children, transitional housing assistance, support for food, clothing, furniture, and even overnight shelters were set up. This is all on top of the life skills and educational programs offered, and more recently career opportunities. All of this mounts to the Denver Rescue Mission being an all-encompassing rehabilitation service for those in need. As such, our thanks could not be given enough and our partnership is highly valued. Guided Rafting Trips for the Denver Rescue Mission After having guided so many trips for Denver Rescue Mission residents, we know well the value they place upon these outings. The residents themselves admit to looking forward to these trips every year. Many mention they had only ever dreamed of rafting a river, perhaps even witnessed people enjoying it themselves, and only hoped that one day they could experience the same themselves. It is for this reason that Wilderness Aware finds the greatest pleasure in donating our services as we do. Residents have told us that these trips help to build comradery, build self-esteem, and allow them to enjoy the wilderness in a way they have not had the opportunity to do. Sadly, many of these people have few other options than sleeping outdoors. But simply because they are outdoors does not make it the same, in their case, nature can punish with heat, wind, snow, rain, and the cold. Rafting allows for a different perception of nature to be created, rather than being simply the enemy, it can be viewed as their friend, or even their mentor/counselor. We often take for granted what we have, and to think some individuals look at the mountains, the streams and rivers, and are not able to reflect upon its beauty because of the countless worries already in mind. That some people are unable to take a breath of fresh air and simply relax when their stress is so mounting, their concerns so great. Life is not meant to miserable, and we know that a moment’s reprieve is better than nothing at all. We love offering our rafting services to the Denver Rescue Mission, and hope to continue working hand in hand with them for years to come. We know it helps to prove to residents that they can be happy if only for a moment, that they are indeed capable of loving themselves again. The river can heal in this way, it can teach you that there is more to life than woe or worry. That enjoyment can be had, stress forgotten or even relieved. And beyond that, that they are capable of enjoying themselves all while loving life. Life is nothing but a series of moments, and our job for the past 14 years has been ensuring a few of those moments for residents of the Denver Rescue Mission are memorable, enjoyable, and meaningful. At Wilderness Aware Rafting, we understand how a proper family rafting vacation can create some of the best memories a person can have, after all, we have our testimonials to base that off of. If you are interested in a Colorado Rafting Trip, Denver Rafting, multi-day rafting trip, or want to try rafting the Salt River near Phoenix, AZ, please be sure to contact us and find out what white water rafting trips we have available.
The Colorado Boy Scout Troops Guided Rafting Trips with Wilderness Aware
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1685118754576{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”] Whitewater Merit Badges with Wilderness Aware Rafting Wilderness Aware Rafting offers guided rafting trips in Colorado and Arizona for Troops of the Boy Scouts Club of America. We take great pride in being able to help provide youths with the knowledge, experience, and appreciation for rivers and whitewater sports. We offer essential rafting and kayaking skills and training, as well as actually guiding the trips ourselves. This is a great benefit as our guides are as experienced as they come, and their intimate knowledge of rafting safety, techniques, and rivers in general greatly enhances the understanding of both scouts and scout leaders alike. Founder and owner of Wilderness Aware Rafting, Joe Greiner, was once a boy scout himself. His passion and love of the outdoors and that of teaching others has made it an easy decision to set up rafting trips for Boy Scout troops. Joe is aware, because he had the same experiences himself, that the outdoors can help develop a boy and grow him into a man. The lessons learned through being a Boy Scout greatly define a child’s overall character and how that child will be when they are older. Their love, appreciation and respect for nature, knowledge of wilderness survival, and all other benefits of Scouting stems from the training they receive. It builds upon the merits and badges they’ve garnered. Boy Scout Whitewater Merit Badge Considerations Canoeing, kayaking and overall whitewater rafting can be a thrilling and memorable experience. In order for rafting to be considered safe, every Scout participant needs to understand how to use and maintain equipment, as well as specific rafting techniques that are important to know on the river. The end goal is obviously to teach scouts to have a strong respect for the power of all of nature’s vast waterways. Beyond that, that if that power is respected and understood, it can then be enjoyed in any number of ways. There are a number of requirements that should be understood before attempting to receive your whitewater merit badge (view the full list of requirements). Once a Scout earning his Merit Badge has a full understanding of the risks associated and precautions to take prior to any water expedition, and they know their own ability and limitations, they can begin working to receive their Badge. However, if a Scout leader does not believe the risks are appreciated, or that the Scout does not understand fully the equipment or techniques, they will be told to wait. There is nothing more dangerous than allowing someone to raft who thinks they know of all the inherent dangers and in actuality to do not. Appreciation comes with understanding, and understanding is the first step towards safety. Why a Whitewater Merit Badge Is Worthwhile Over the years, we have worked with many different Boy Scout Troops and have had the privilege to witness firsthand the benefits whitewater rafting can offer to youths. Testimonials can be seen on our video page on site, and also here. But in sum, these trips teach Scouts to first and foremost respect nature and her vast power inherent in our nation’s waterways. Beyond respect, a love for the outdoors amongst our nation’s youth has been dwindling rapidly over the years. Fewer and fewer people have a want for going outdoors as every other distraction available keeps their eyes fixed to a screen rather than on the horizon. They’re understanding and respect for nature is absent save in the sense that they’ve been taught its worthiness. However, very few are able to appreciate it fully as they haven’t had the opportunity to experience it. Now as far as this goes for Boy Scouts, it’s probably not an issue. They’ve been taught why nature ought to be respected, and have learned through their numerous lessons that it is indeed deserved of their love. If your Boy Scout Troop wants to offer whitewater badges to their scouts, be sure to contact us to see what trip offerings are available. Wilderness Aware Rafting We will work hard to make your trip the best and most memorable possible, all while ensuring the requirements to receive a badge are met. At Wilderness Aware Rafting, we understand how a proper family rafting vacation can create some of the best memories a person can have, after all, we have our testimonials to base that off of. If you are interested in a Colorado Rafting Trip, Denver Rafting, multi-day rafting trip, or want to try rafting the Salt River near Phoenix, AZ, please be sure to contact us and find out what white water rafting trips we have available. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The Ultimate Outdoor Colorado Trip
Plan Your Colorado Outdoor Adventure in Buena Vista Backpacker Magazine announced that 4 Colorado cities made the list as, “The Best Cities to Raise an Outdoor Kid: The Winning 25.” Those cities are: #1 Boulder, #3 Durango, #7 Colorado Springs, and #9 Fort Collins. Luckily for us, Colorado is an amazing state for outdoor adventures and Buena Vista is one of the top destinations for a beautiful outdoor retreat. No matter how old you are, we are all children at heart when we’re walking among nature and this is our recommended list of outdoor adventures for your weekend or week-long getaway to the mountains. Camping Start by picking out one of the many camp sites in Buena Vista as your home base. Anywhere you choose will likely have immaculate views of the mountains as Buena Vista, Spanish for, “good view,” sits at the base of the Continental Divide. Camping is a great way to get away from technology and enjoy the basics of building a fire and cooking your own food with the stars overhead. We also offer multi day rafting trips that combine the camping and rafting adventures into one. Whitewater Rafting Known for world-class whitewater rafting, this is a memorable and exciting adventure to take with friends and family as there are different levels available for everyone. Browns Canyon is rated #1 on TripAdvisor for a whitewater rafting trip and conveniently, we have trips to choose from here. Whitewater rafting is not only thrilling but builds camaraderie and trust among your raft mates. Hiking Spend the morning or afternoon hiking around the Continental Divide. Two 14ers are located near Buena Vista, Mt. Princeton and Mt. Yale. Mt. Princeton is 14,197’ tall with one 13 mile route on the east slope rated at a class 2 difficulty. Mt. Yale stands at 14,196’ tall and can be accessed by the southwest slope (standard route) or east ridge; both routes are about 10 miles long and a class 2 difficulty. As always, it’s important to pack appropriately for hiking of any type and bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as notify people where you’ll be in case you get lost. Horseback Riding Not long ago, Colorado was the home of cowboys on the Front Range. The majestic horses are still a valuable companion of humans provide a relaxing way to bond with animals and nature while wandering into the wilderness. As Colorado’s second most popular outdoor activity, friends and family will enjoy a horseback riding trip along the Arkansas River with spectacular views of Mt. Princeton, the Chalk Cliffs, and Mt. Antero. Canoeing and Fishing Nothing is more peaceful than floating on a lake or canoeing and kayaking down a lazy river. There is an abundance of lakes and creeks to choose from nearby. Cottonwood Lake is popular for fishing with mountain goats in the backdrop. For a hike-in area, Brown’s Creek has a 5 mile trail to a scenic waterfall. Anyone over 15 will need a fishing license and length minimums vary from location to location. Any combination of these trips will make for an exciting outdoor escape among friends and family. Buena Vista is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to the breath-taking views of the Rocky Mountains and the variety of outdoor activities just a few minutes away.
2013 Looks To Be A Great Year For Colorado Rivers
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1530976742079{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”] Great Water Levels Signal For A Great Rafting Season In Colorado With all of the late snow fall and rain Colorado fortunately received this spring, water levels in Colorado are looking healthy! Compared to the excessive levels in 2011, and the dismally low levels in 2012, the water levels in 2013 seem to have hit the nail directly on the head. This is going to make for an epic season of white water rafting for rafting enthusiasts throughout out the state. From the Poudre and Yampa, to the Colorado and Arkansas Rivers, water is finding its way into our streams and Coloradans are getting excited to play in the water this summer. To better explain this anticipation, it needs to be understood why the perfect water levels are so important. How Water Levels Affect Rafting Conditions It should go without saying, but water levels directly affect rafting conditions as after all, water is what makes up a river. When water levels are too low, rafting companies operations are drastically inhibited. Areas where you can enter your raft as well as exit from a river are restricted, the duration of trips are often cut short, and the overall appeal of the activity is decreased. When water levels are too high, similar problems exist as when they are too low. Some entering areas may be moving too fast to set the raft up, and exiting spots may be difficult to navigate to if the water is moving too quickly. Not to mention, when the water is high, sections of rivers where hazardous obstacles persist become even more dangerous as it is increasingly difficult to navigate when moving at quicker speeds. So when it comes down to it, depending on specific rivers, the height and volume of water directly impacts what can be done. In essence, there is a sweet spot for the amount of water that is needed in a river to make it both enjoyable and navigable Granted, some would prefer to have more water than less if they want the thrill of paddling through some big rapids. But this season seems to be in line with hitting that sweet spot for most of Colorado’s rivers. Things Looking Up Compared To Years Past As mentioned before, the past few years have seen both dramatic ends of the water level spectrum for Colorado rivers. 2011 witnessed extremely high water levels, and as a result, many trips were probably cut short or never started because of the special dangers high water levels create. Where the exact opposite occurred in 2012, where water levels were so low, unless you wanted to raft down a lazy river, there were few options for exciting rafting unless you cared to navigate some of Colorado rivers toughest sections. This hopeful perfect water height has come as a great relief to many rafting companies throughout the state. When comparing 2011 to 2012, the rafting industry as a whole was down around 20 percent in Colorado. This equates to roughly $30 million lost in tourism revenue for the state. If that seems like a lot for the state to have lost, it’s equally if not worse for river rafting companies. Losing 20% for any business in any industry is difficult to deal with, and for rafting companies it’s particularly hard to forecast and take precautions against. The reason being rafting companies are completely and entirely beholden to the weather. Which depending if it’s good or bad, can spell boom or gloom. This creates special stresses for rafting businesses as in all reality, for a business which is reliant entirely on proper weather, there is nothing you can do but hope in the off-season that the rain will come, and not too much of it. That said, many rafting companies are more than elated that this season is appearing to be a perfect one, where the drought has passed, and it hasn’t exactly flooded like a few years prior. This should help many rafting businesses generate some extra revenue which can be saved up for the uncertain times in coming years. Because if anything can be said about Colorado weather, it is that it is uncertain. Which would be one of the reasons for the states motto: If you don’t like the weather, just wait a little bit. At Wilderness Aware Rafting, we’re excited for Summer to finally reveal itself in Colorado. If you are interested in epic Colorado Rafting Trips, scenic Arizona Salt River Rafting, memorable Land-Based Adventures such as Horseback Riding, be sure to see what white water rafting trips are available, or contact us to speak with a representative. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
What Every Rafting Survival Kit Should Contain
Items Everyone Should Have In Their Rafting Survival Kit Most people understand that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Preparedness doesn’t just happen by chance alone, and a bit of foresight and planning must go into making any precautionary measures. This is especially true when deciding on what your rafting survival kit should contain. You don’t have to think that by making one you are expecting the worst to happen, just that if it was to, you would be ready. If you are planning a rafting adventure of your own this summer, be sure to go over this list and ensure that you have the contents with you in a dry bag, one that can be lashed to the raft itself. One other note is that this survival kit is big and can be because the raft will be carrying it until it is needed. Most survival kits for other situations would be much smaller as you would be forced to carry it, but since that is not the case here, it’s best to bring anything that could be needed and sift through it when the time comes. With that said, let’s go over this list and explain what the items are needed for. Necessary Rafting Survival Kit Contents Bandana: A bandana is an all around great item to have on you. Can be used to shield your head from the sun, wrap up cuts or abrasions, kept wet and wrapped around your neck to stay cool, or any other number of purposes. Try to have at least one, but two or three could never hurt. Belt Knife: A belt knife is one that should stay on your person at all times, and is kept on your belt so as not to fall out of your pocket. It is also easily accessible in case you need it in the moment. For instance, in the event you are tossed out of the raft and managed to get wrapped up in cords underwater, the knife can be used to cut yourself free. Beyond that, a knife is one of the most crucial items to have as its overall versatility and potential uses are endless. Bug Netting: When in a survival situation, any annoyance is going to be heightened and made worse. For most people, bugs make the top of the list for annoyances outdoors. A proper bug net will shield you from these pesky critters at time when your nerves are already going to be shot. Candle: If you can help avoid sitting in the dark, you will surely be happier. They are also useful for keeping a flame going in case you dont have much dry material around you to use. Metal Cup: Your going to want something to boil water in, and a metal cup is the best option for that without having to carry bulky pots. Hot water will raise your spirits if your cold, as well as your body temperature. You can also steep pine needles and other edible plants to receive a few extra vitamins and calories. Boiled water is also one of the best ways to kill bacteria in water that would otherwise make you sick. Dried Food: Dried food is good for a long time as it doesn’t spoil, and for that purpose is perfect to take in a survival kit of any sort. Duct Tape: If anything in the world breaks, it can be fixed, fastened, or wrapped up in duct tape. Its uses are endless, and you should always have some of it with you. Fire-Starting Device: Magnesium strips and flint, friction starters, or anything really is better than nothing. Even a basic lighter will make you extremely happy when you want to start a fire. Tinder: Tinder of any sort is extremely useful when everything around you is damp or wet. It will be needed to start the base of a fire so that a larger one can be built up on top of that. Even picking up things along the way as you find them is a useful habit to get into. Dry wood chips, moss, pine needles, and the like will all do the trick. First Aid Kit: Should be pretty self-explanatory. An entire article could be devoted to this item alone, and as such, you should research what is best needed for a first aid kit, as often times, they are dictated by the region and climate you will be in. Fishing Equipment: Anything helps when trying to scavenge for and find food. Fishing lines, hooks, lures, and lead weights will all come in handy. The pole itself is not necessary, and if truly wanted, could be fashioned in the field. Flares: No better way to signal for help in the night. Best used if you know a party is nearby or that you hear a plane or helicopter overhead. Flashlight: Again, no one likes being beholden to the dark. Can also be used to flag down emergency responders at night. Wire Saw: Folding saws, hatchets, and any other number of sawing instruments would work. But mainly these are needed for either making shelter, or some other form of device such as a hauling sled or raft. A wire saw though is lightweight, flexible, and gets the same job done in the end without having to worry over carrying a sharp saw in your otherwise waterproof bag. Orange Garbage Bags: Bright colors are best in daytime for allowing emergency personnel the best chance to spot you. You can tied one to the top of a stick and carry that around as you walk as a sort of flag. Garbage bags themselves also have a great number of other uses that make them worthy of being included in this list. GPS Unit: A functioning GPS will be your best friend for telling you exactly how lost you are. It will tell you where you need to go, as well as geographical formations to avoid, such as steep mountains, or sheer ravines. Makes trekking out yourself quite a bit easier. Map & Compass: If you don’t have a GPS, or the one you had has failed you, it’s time to rely on what
5 Things To Avoid When White Water Rafting
At Wilderness Aware Rafting, safety is our foremost and most important concern. Whether you are Salt River Rafting in Arizona near Phoenix, Horseback Riding down one of Colorado’s beautiful trails, or doing a little 4×4 on some scenic jeep trails, we are dedicated to making sure everything goes over smoothly. If you are interested in booking a guided trip with us, be sure to contact us and find out what upcoming events are available. 5 Things Every Person White Water Rafting Should Avoid Doing It’s pretty difficult to have a bad time rafting, in fact you actually have to try pretty hard in order for that to work. But there are a few things that can be done to drastically increase the chance of a bad time being had. If you are thinking of going white water rafting, be sure to avoid the following 5 things. They can either directly put you into harms way, or simply make your experience overall significantly worse. Rafting Drunk Or On Drugs “I can do that. Here, hold my beer…” Few things decrease your attention and coordination skills more than drugs and/or alcohol. As such, it is paramount that you avoid consuming anything that limits your reasoning skills, physical capabilities, and judgement as all three of those are quite necessary in ensuring your trip goes over safely. Liquid courage does not equate into real courage by any means, and it is important for everyone to remember this. You also don’t have to be wasted to enjoy yourself, there is plenty pleasure to be had doing it sober… so don’t be a fool. Failing To Wear Safety Equipment “Wear a helmet… what for bro? I hit the water harder than it hits me!” Your life jacket is to protect you from drowning, and it does a pretty good job at that. Your helmet is to protect you from hitting your noggin on all the hazardous things there are under water, and that as well does a good job. Rocks, logs, and countless other things threaten your pretty little head under the water. It’s not “cool” to forego wearing safety equipment, and that should be remembered. Even if it is lame, it’s better to be lame than dead or seriously injured. Being Concerned With Your Tan “No I’m not paddling. Can’t you see? I’m getting my bronze on, I don’t want tan lines.” For starters, the last thing you should be trying to do while rafting is working on your tan. That is the fastest way to become burnt and dehydrated. After long trips you can even fall stricken to sun strokes or heat exhaustion, neither of which will make that awesome tan worth it. But then there is the concern that while worrying over your tan, you are not paying attention to the river and potential hazards that lay there within. By worrying over your looks, you’re putting both yourself as well as your rafting companions at risk. Not Knowing The Lay Of The River Or The Surrounding Land “No man, don’t worry. It’s going to be easy. My uncle rafted this river back in the 60’s.” Before going anywhere you’ve never been, it’s a good rule of life to try and memorize as much of the intended area as possible. Sure nowadays we have iPhones and GPS, but batteries die and technology can fail. You would hate to be left lost because you were relying on Google maps to get you out of any trouble you might come across, only to realize you don’t have service or any idea where you are. Being lost in the wilderness is not fun for anyone and so knowing the path of the river through the land is crucial. Beyond that, the river itself should be known as certain sections could be more difficult or have specific hazards you should be aware of to avoid. Knowledge is power… so make sure you know the lay of the land and river. Being A Downer Debby Or Sour Stew “No, this is terrible. Between the rain, the heat, and the cold, I can’t imagine why anyone does this.” Any situation, whether good or bad, can quickly be made worse by a downer Debby or sour Stew. Most people understand that weather changes, or that you can become sore or tired from rafting, or any other number of less positive things. But… there is no such thing as bad weather. Just varying degrees of good weather. While most people enjoy pushing themselves, or exerting themselves in a fun activity. Most likely, these Debby’s and Stew’s knew what was in store, and none of what happens should be much of a surprise to them. So rather than bring everyone down to your level, why not try elevating yourself to theirs. In the least, you wont annoy your companions and you might actually find yourself having a good time. No matter the heat, cold, being tired or wet.
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,
