As a person with a disability, you live with certain limitations. Whitewater rafting doesn’t have to be one of them, though. Rafting aficionados from around the nation agree that with just a few extra steps, you too can safely ride the rapids. Read on to find out how.
Bertie Cowan
Bertie Cowan, founder of Effortless Outdoor, loves to enjoy wilderness activities such as camping, hiking, and backpacking. He loves to write everything related to outdoor adventures.
Plan Ahead
Before exploring white river rafting, contact the adventure company to check what the person with disabilities can and cannot do. Know that white river rafting is possible for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. Call the company ahead of booking the trip so that they can accommodate your needs perfectly.
Important information to keep in mind:
All Rafters must pass the float test while wearing a life jacket.
The adventure company will be able to advise disabled individuals on the degree of difficulty they should begin with.
If the individual is on any medications, they must ensure that they have their medication with them while they are on the water.
Raft Safety Depends on You
1. Pay Attention to Your Guide
This is probably the most important thing to remember, especially if you have disabilities. Usually, before the expedition heads out, the guide will talk to the whole group about what safety tips you need to follow. You need to pay extra attention to what is being said and even after you get on the raft, don’t get distracted. Pay attention to any instructions they give out. They will tell you exactly how to paddle, what you need to do to keep the raft balanced, and what to do in case you end up falling out of the raft.
2. Keep Your Life Jacket and Helmet On
You must keep these on at all times. Make sure that they feel comfortable and that they are secured. If you need help fitting them on due to your disability, then make sure to ask for assistance from one of the guides in ensuring that the equipment is securely fitted.
3. Keep Your Hands on the T-Grip
The end of your paddle is what most guides call the T-grip. You must always maintain a good hold over it, because if you don’t, there is a chance that you could end up injuring another rafter with it when you go through a rapid.
4. Learn the Rafting Commands
When your guide is instructing the rafting expedition, there are usually a few instruction commands that they may give out, like high-siding, which is used to help rafters balance the boat in the right way to help keep it from capsizing. These commands can also be customized to help disabled people if they are in distress and need help being adjusted within the raft. Make sure to [listen to] the guides just to be safe.
5. Don’t Panic
This is a very common problem that many inexperienced rafters go through and can be a serious concern, especially when dealing with disabled rafters. You must try to remain calm no matter what the situation, because there are times when the rafting experiences throw some bad surprises your way. In such cases, always try to remain calm, this will help you make wiser decisions to help you get out of whatever predicament you may be in.
Rafting Is Risky
I think all you have to do is to enjoy and don’t forget to bring protective gear and also your medical maintenance if in case of emergency.
Rafting, even with a reputable company, is inherently dangerous. Accidents happen, so make sure you listen during the safety briefs and make sure your 14-year-old understands that people have died doing exactly what you all are doing. It’s not a scare tactic, it’s just real talk. Southern West Virginia whitewater is legit.
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