Rafting
Rafting is an exciting activity that ranks high on the list of extreme sports-loving adrenaline enthusiasts around the world. If you are one of those who love adventure and nature, you can experience this excitement by learning the sport of rafting.
What is rafting?
It is an extreme water sport that is done with boats called raft in rivers with high flow rate and flow rate. The name rafting comes from the English word “raft”, which means “raft”. The struggle against overturning or capsizing against rapidly flowing streams forms the basis of this sport.
Rafting is also done on rivers with hydroelectric dams. When the accumulated energy of the dams is released, the flow rate and flow rate of the stream increase incredibly, creating suitable conditions for rafting. Most rafting companies expect to take advantage of this surge in energy and harness this power. Extreme water sports enthusiasts especially wait for these periods and when the dam gates open, they grab their oars and jump on their inflatable boats.
In rafting, rivers are graded between 1 and 6 according to the difficulty level. Grade 6 defines the toughest tracks and grade 1 defines the easiest tracks.
What is White Water Rafting?
Whitewater rafting is done in the fast-flowing waters of a large river, on rocky river beds, often during challenging periods and conditions. It is a very exciting, but also dangerous type of sport, which is done by fighting against difficult waves in a river full of eddies and counter currents. While rafting is done in calmer waters; White water rafting is carried out in especially dangerous rivers. For this reason, white water rafting; In addition to being prepared, it requires expertise and advanced experience.
How is rafting done?
We can answer the question of how rafting is done as follows: It is a team game performed with a boat on the river bed under the leadership of a guide or instructor. Teams of at least 4 and maximum 12 people take their places on both sides of the boat and row. The guide directs this team and gives directions to the group to prevent the boat from colliding with the rocks by standing in the front. From the guides; They are expected to be well trained and know the rafting waterbed very well.
What Are Rafting Equipments?
Rafting is an adrenaline-charged and dangerous sport. In addition to good training, it is also very important to use quality and correct rafting equipment. It should never be done without a supervisor or guide, and it should be remembered that rafting is a team sport. Athletes typically use life jackets to feel safer in bubbling waters in case they capsize. He also carries a short paddle that allows them to move upstream to protect his boats from the danger of capsizing. Helmet is another equipment used for protection against the possibility of hitting the rocks in streams. All of these equipments are supplied to the athletes by the courses.
The materials required for rafting are as follows:
Rafting Boat
It is the basis of rafting. While the smallest size boats take 4 people, there are also boats that can take up to 12 people. The outer material of the boot is expected to be of high quality and resistant to impacts. river beds; The most important factor is that the rafting boat does not tear, as it contains things that can be penetrating, such as sharp rocks, stones and tree branches.
Rafting Shovel
It is the backbone of rafting sport. It is very important that it is of high quality and impact resistant, like a rafting boat. The shovels are 150-160 cm in length and consist of three parts: the T-handle, the shaft and the shovel blade. The width of the paddle blade determines the speed you get each time you row, but the larger the size, the greater the effort. Care should be taken to ensure that the shovel handle is ergonomic and robust.
Life vest
Every athlete wears a life jacket that will help them stay afloat even on the most dangerous waves. Life jackets must be worn to ensure safety in rafting. These vests, which are made of different materials, have models that support up to 120 kg of weight.
Helmet
Rafting is a dangerous water sport and the use of a helmet is as important as a life jacket. In order to protect the head, which is the most sensitive part of the human body, the athlete must use an ideal size rafting helmet. Professional help should be sought when choosing a helmet.
Neoprene Dress and Booties
Rafting is done in cold streams due to its nature. Athletes wear specially produced neoprene suits and booties for maximum exposure to cold and water. These special suits made of fabrics produced in 3, 5 and 7 mm thickness are also used by divers.
In addition to these special clothes, most athletes; sneakers, hiking shoes or a variety of shoes that protect from direct exposure to water and that can protect their feet against sharp rocks in the event of a capsize or fall.
When is rafting done?
The rafting period begins in early spring and lasts until mid-autumn. Rafting companies not only monitor the dam oscillation periods, but also wait for the large currents created by the melting of snow falling in winter months to subside. Otherwise, rivers can rise too high and flow too fast, creating extreme risks and dangers for athletes.