I think we all crave a little danger. It is a break from our boring, everyday, run-of-the-mill way of life. Maybe that is why we seek activities that can sometimes be classified as “reckless.” That is not to say that we are reckless for liking these activities, we just crave a little excitement. This could be the reason why so many of us like to go raft racing! For those of you who have never been, it’s a blast. On the other hand, it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Is Raft Racing Dangerous?
It is hard to name any physical activity that is not dangerous. If you’re going to get out there and live your life, then you have to be willing to take a bit of a chance. That being said, yes…raft racing is dangerous. This is a sport that has claimed a number of lives. I don’t tell you this to steer you away from raft racing. I tell you this because you have a right to know (if you didn’t already). I wish I could say that everyone who has died when raft racing simply did not know what they were doing. However, that is not the case. There have even been expert raft racers that have turned up dead after challenging some of the world’s toughest rivers.
The good news is, you do have a bit of control over how much danger you put yourself into. For example, if it is your first time raft racing, you may not want to jump right into a level 4 river. Work your way up to it. Maybe take a guide with you the first time you go out. Learn the ins and outs of raft racing before you dive in headfirst! To put it simply, play it smart! You’re not going to skydive without having any idea of how to do it…so show raft racing the same respect!
Learn the Technique
When checking out reviews on raft racing, there are a few things you are going to notice right away. Most people come back complain about sore or sprained muscles. This is to be expected. Raft racing is a very physical sport. Ranging water cannot be controlled so simply. You have to work together with your team to fight back against this powerful force of nature.
Of course, there are certain things that you can do to save yourself from blowing out a shoulder or something like that. Look online for exercise that focus on rebuilding just a few muscles. Also, when rafting be sure to rotate your shoulders to help increase your paddle reach. This needs to be done without leaning forward from the waist. This will help reduce strain on your arm muscles. Believe me when I say you will want to reduce as much strain on your muscles as possible. This goes double if you’re racing a long course.
Navigators Wanted
Look, I’ll be honest with you. When you’re raft racing, there is no easy job. There is no one in that raft that is just “along for the ride.” Case and point would be the navigator. This person has one of the hardest and possibly most important jobs out of everyone on the raft. He has to be able to navigate the team. He will be asked very often if they are “nearing the checkpoint.” Pretty much, he needs to know where the team is at all times. This is why it is important to have at least one navigator, if not more. For example, you may need a navigator, but you may also need someone who is a route finder.
The truth of the matter is simple. Raft racing is a lot of fun, but it is also a dangerous sport. If you’re looking for something easy to pick up and learn, raft racing is NOT for you. However, if you’re looking to get out there and experience life a bit, and are up for a challenge, then give it a go. Just remember, your team is only as strong as your weakest link!
How many of you have been raft racing? Got any tips for beginners?
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