How to plan a route for rafting

First of all, it is important to think over the route in advance, because the sports orientation of your water trip requires special preparation, equipment and organization in general. This is the basis of successful rafting, as well as your safety and comfort.

Thinking over the route

First, let’s remember what a kayak is. It is a narrow rowing boat with a pointed bow, which requires a two-blade paddle. It is very light and maneuverable and has a fairly high speed. However, two- and three-person kayaks go faster than kayaks with one paddler.

Think in advance about the obstacles that may be encountered on the way during the rafting. These can be various rocks, debris, barrels, shafts and drains, which in large numbers form rapids and even cascades. They increase the danger of further progress through the water, so it is important to be aware of such obstacles to ensure a safe swim.

When organizing rafting you should decide on the season. Early spring is the opening of the rafting season, but you should remember that spring floods increase the current and therefore make it much more difficult to go and increase the risk of falling. It is necessary to approach this issue wisely, to be sure of the stability and quality of equipment and gear.

Before you go out on the water, consider the type of river. The more extreme the river, the more carefully you need to think your way, trying to foresee possible force majeure. It should be noted that for sports rafting ponds and man-made channels are often used. But most often they are difficult rivers with strong currents, funnels, steep rapids, where you can get on the way stones and trees, blocking the way, so from the kayaks require high maneuverability.

The next category of more difficult rivers is characterized by a large number of obstacles, dangerous rapids, drains and barrels at the same time. Extremely difficult rivers – these are often unpassed routes with many obstacles, underwater and surface stones, which can be overcome only by experienced athletes.

Stops are an essential part of rafting, because it is when the athlete can take a break before the next outing. For them you should choose an area with a flat bank, then it will be easier to make a stop. It should be a bank without thickets and obstacles, so you can rest before you go out on the water again. To reload fully, you should make a rest period of 2-3 hours after 4-5 hours of rafting to resume the movement with renewed vigor.

As for the distance that can pass the kayak, it will depend on the complexity of the route, the river and the preparedness of the athletes. The stronger, more experienced and endurance athlete, the greater the distance he will be able to pass. Average distance will vary from 150 km for 6 days to 190 km for 20 days (maximum difficulty).

Remember that well-designed rafting, no matter how difficult it is, is a safe and comfortable trip, after which you will have only the most positive emotions and vivid impressions!