How to survive your first time white water rafting experience
How to survive your first time white water rafting experience at the Nile is one of the tips you will need to get to know before you head for the white water rafting at Jinja Nile.
Uganda is one of the great destinations for white water rafting in Africa, where you experience an ultimate great white water rafting on the longest river across Africa.
While heading for a Uganda safari, end ever to include white water rafting at River Nile among the adventure activities you will be doing while on your Uganda Safaris.
If you’re going whitewater rafting for the first time, you probably have a few questions mixed in with all of your excitement for the rafting adventure at River Nile. What do you do if you fall out of the raft? What should you expect from your guide? Is whitewater rafting safe? Are the water waves dangerous? Are there no crocs or snakes?
Worry not, no death records or danger have been recorded, it’s just a matter of listening to your guide, and enjoy the most wired kind of experience that awaits your way.
White water rafting does not require you to be an expert swimmer, rafting or water sport person. Indeed, a big number of the clients who go for this adrenaline adventure, are doing it for the first time, and at the end of the rafting day, you’re an expert and would wish to do it over and over again.
The worst scenarios during the rafting time, turns out to be the most enjoyable experience after the rafting day. You will have some sweet memories to share, and often laugh out loud at your colleagues about what happened during the rafting.
Below are some of the tips on how to survive your first time white water rafting experience at the Nile River.
Dress appropriately.
One of the first things you’re probably wondering is what to wear whitewater rafting. For shoes, you’ll want something that stays on your feet–definitely no flip-flops. An old pair of sneakers, water shoes, or river sandals work well. Do not put on very heavy shoes, just a simple snicker is perfect for the day. For clothes, something that touches your body is perfect. Any sport dress or outfit is the best one. Feel free to dress in light clothes and shorts.
Keep the Life Jacket and helmet on.
Make sure you have the life jacket and helmet well tightened, and always on. Do not worry about sliding into the water, as the life jacket will always keep you safe and floating and make sure it does not pull over your head. The helmet will protect your head from any danger.
Trust your guide.
Your guide is just like your pilot. He has great knowledge on the way out. Listen to his stories and guiding, you will enjoy the rafting. He has done this, day in and day out. So do not worry about anything.
Your guides will give you an orientation before you get into the Nile River, which includes their paddling commands, what to do if you fall out of the raft, and other safety instructions. Pay attention to their instructions, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Your guide is a licensed expert, who has gone through extensive guide training, and wants you to have a safe–and fun–experience. Trust them, and get ready for a day of adrenaline and whitewater!
Hold the paddle properly.
Holding the paddle properly can be a huge safety concern. One hand should be at the base of the paddle on the shaft. The other hand should ALWAYS be on the end of the shaft over the “T” grip. The “T” grip is made of hard plastic and can blacken eyes and knock out teeth. Keeping your hand over the “T” grip will keep control of the paddle and cushion the blow if it should happen. Your guide will always remind you of this one.
Never Panic
You’re with a team of people, do not worry about anything. There is a safety boat, and your guide is there for you. It’s a waste of time.
Work as a Team
Every person in the raft will have to paddle. Make sure to use strong paddle strokes to take into account the position of all the other paddlers. Peddle like crazy!
Have Fun!
In a nutshell, while white water rafting is well known for the thrills and adrenaline rushes that it offers, it’s also a great opportunity to bond with friends, get an intense upper body workout and connect with nature. And contrary to popular belief, it’s not necessarily difficult. Practically anyone can have a good time white water rafting as they love the adventure. White water rafting is for any age group, and it’s perfect for family and group of people. Read our tips below to prepare for your first white water experience. At the end of the day, you went to have fun, not to meet your death.
Book a rafting trip to Uganda, with Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris, and enjoy an ultimate rafting moment. You can combine your rafting adventure with Uganda gorilla trekking safari, or hiking safari to Mount Rwenzori.
