I was watching some rafters when i went camping last summer and it was beyond me
By SpitFire179
@SpitFire179 (2536)
Canada
January 3, 2007 5:41am CST
I couldn't believe the way they seemed not to care what they were doing... they had arms raised, equipment on wrong and everything.... Nothing like they should be... A day later i saw another bunch, brought by a school, they were great, there was a lecture first, the instructors checked them after they dressed and made proper changes and everything, but on the water they were kind of insane too... Looked pretty fun but i'm wondering, why do they get so wild on the water? And when you get into the wild water what's the risk of death and what not? Is it really safe with all that gear or is it still a good chance that you can end up in hospital or worse? Any stories, go for it, I'm up to read all.
Thanx.
2 people like this
8 responses
@patootie (3592)
•
3 Jan 07
Being terrified of water I am unlikely to ever go white water rafting .. but .. if I were ever to try something like this I would want to be properly coached in the safety risks and how to behave correctly .. and I'd want every piece of safety equipment known to man ...
Extreme sports can be fun .. but they are 'extreme' so it's obvious the risks are high ... to participate in them you need to take reasonable precautions .. not just for yourself but to save rescuers the job of having to get you out of difficulties that wouldn't have happened had you prepared correctly first ...
1 person likes this
@Khokhonut (702)
• United States
4 Jan 07
It can be a dangerous sport, as with many things that we do everyday.
I think you stand a better chance if you are in a 'class' so to speak with an instructor and the proper equipment.
@katprice (805)
• United States
3 Jan 07
I have been rafting in Richmond, VA - the only city with Class 5 rapids in the downtown area - and it was fun but really scary. I fell out once and someone yelled, "Look out for that rock!" and luckily the current carried me around it. I had to remember also to keep my feet elevated in the water, because if you put them down, chances are they will get wedged between the rocks and you'll be dragged under and drown.
I have also heard of rafters who get the straps on their life vests caught up on logs and trees in the water, and they can't break free. For me, I think the risks far outweigh the benefits. It was fun going rafting but I probably won't ever do it again.
@royrules1 (180)
• India
3 Jan 07
I HAVE NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO DO THAT I WISH I COULD GET A CHANCE IN FUTURE !
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