White Water Rafting-The Ultimate Guide

White Water Rafting Trips

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Still, Iceland's rivers demand respect and expertise, though only the safest of spots are ever chosen for river rafting trips. It is fortuitous, however, that these crescendos are dispersed between long stretches of calm, leaving you to sit back for a moment and appreciate the incredible scenery; the deep, volcanic valleys and surrounding mountainscapes.

Actually witnessing all sides of the glacier—its frozen ice sheets and glacial run offs —is an incredible and unique experience in itself, and provides a deeper insight into their ever-changing nature. River rafting in Iceland is also a highly popular activity amongst the local population.

So too will corporations and businesses looking to provide both a team-building exercise and a welcome escape from the In that light, if you do decide to go river rafting here, you're in good and authentic company. People have taken to river rafting since as early as when a group of early thrill seekers and explorers set about navigating the Snake River in Wyoming. Unfortunately, they lacked sufficient training, experience and equipment, meaning the first attempt at river rafting was a resounding failure. The first successful run of the river would happen over a century later in In the s, the first inflatable rubber raft was manufactured by Union officer and one-day Presidential candidate, Lt.

Alongside factory owner and designer, Horace Day, a new and successful method for navigating rough water had been achieved and Fremont's dream of pushing further into western North America was a step closer.

This design would later be improved by British boat designer, Peter Halkett. The man responsible for its sudden success, albeit removed, is something of a surprise This resort would eventually begin offering 'float trips' on 27ft long rafts. Despite people's initial reluctance to engage in the sport only people went on a 'float trip' that first year demand quickly increased.

The rapids themselves are caused when the riverbed steepens in gradient, creating an increased acceleration in the water.

This is why river rafting often includes steep drops, dramatic twists and turns and layered waterfalls. Rafting requires a number of techniques, the names of which are not overly necessary for newcomers to the sport but, just in case your guide starts using lingo foreign to you, it might be best to run over a handful of terms.

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If someone riding an adjacent boat shouts across to you, "Nice looking rubber," they're not being salacious, just complimenting your raft. If the guide yells "Wild Thing ", they're ordering the rafters to bounce and jump around in hope that they'll dislodge their boat from the shallows. If you hear the words "Threesome Raft" , that's not an erotic invite—oh no, but three rafts joined together.

You get the idea, but if you want to come off as a true expert, you can see a more dedicated rafting dictionary here. The International Scale of River Difficulty categorises different types of rivers in regards to the experience, skill and prowess required of the boatman. Below are the different categories:. Luckily, there are no Class 5 rivers in Iceland lucky, of course, unless you happen to be an expert rafter.

For those of you concerned about safety or a lack of personal experience; fear not! River rafting guides across Iceland are all highly qualified and experienced, working in unison with one another to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Naturally, there can be no saving any of you from getting wet or, potentially drenched. If you take to the East Glacial River, it is guaranteed that you will be dunked at some point. This southern Class 2 river, located close to the Golden Circle , is the only option for river rafting this side of the country; its relatively gentle currents, accessibility to the capital and stunning natural scenery all point to this being both one of the most action packed and family oriented activities in Iceland.

For those looking for a challenge, this Class 4 river—often referred to as the "Beast of the East"—will offer you a great number of feats to overcome, including turbulent white water, steep drops and the need for efficient manoeuvrability. This river requires you to paddle for much of the duration, and if you do happen to fall into the water, the rapids can quickly tire you out.

Because of these reasons, a good level of physical fitness is required, and the minimum age is usually 18 years old. For added safety, extra guides will accompany the main raft in kayaks or canoes.

Type of travel

This river is classified as Class 2 river, meaning it is the perfect option for novices and experienced professionals alike. Steaming hot springs , for instance, line parts of the riverbank, whilst enormous rock gorges raise up from the earth to create magnificent canyons. Despite the reality that rivers are almost forever transient in the make-up and ecology, rafting operators abroad have been known to make reckless changes in order to improve the quality of the activity.

This has included dredging and blasting the river bed in order to nullify dangerous objects such as upturned trees and large rocks, or alternatively, to artificially create features that lend itself to increasing the turbulence of the white water. Conservationists have been quick to point out that this has a damaging and sometimes irreversible effect on the ecosystem of the river, whilst proponents argue these changes make little difference to an environment constantly in motion. In many respects, white water rafting itself acts as a positive force for environmentalists; outdoor activities such as this tend to create a sense of responsibility and belonging amidst guests to Iceland and keeps in their mind the natural and untouched beauty of the landscape.

Guides are particularly important to this line of thinking; through their education and personal passion for the environment in which they work, almost every customer leaving their care should go away with newfound knowledge and a deep reverence for nature. Find a tour Rent a car Find accommodation. You will always find the best deals and prices on Guide to Iceland.

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We are certain that our marketplace will always provide you with the best possible prices at any given time. If you find a better price elsewhere, we will refund you the difference. Guide to Iceland is the world's largest marketplace for Icelandic travel services. We offer more than 5, tours and packages that have been tried and tested for quality. Book with us to secure an authentic local experience and find the popular and unique attractions in Iceland. We follow the easiest booking and cancellation policies in Iceland.

Add multiple services to your cart or book a package in a single checkout. You can book and cancel day tours and rental cars up to 24 hours before departure, or change your booking as often as you require. Knees knackered from years of trekking? Want to try a mellower raft down a river with fantastic scenery and culture? If you like camping, great food meeting new people you can find that rafting trips don't have to be too extreme. Every white water river trip offers something unique, but if you would like to know how you would spend a typical day on your river rafting journey we have put together some info of a typical day's rafting experience from sunrise to sundown!

Plan your adventure. How about the Zambezi , a classic with our international river crew. Check out the trips to Canada. Karnali in the 'wild west' or the Tamur River. Chat with us about joining us in Papua New Guinea , extra date added! Our Rafting trips aren't just about fun, excitement and the adventure of white water rafting. You will experience the best white water rivers in the world most scenic, most exciting, or both as well as "5 star" campsites or we prefer to say "one million stars" delicious food accompanied by apres-rafting drinks, and entertaining professional raft guides.

We take you on a different kind of rafting journey There is just the rhythm of the river, the soothing sound of the water to send you off to sleep, and the warm sun to kiss you awake in the morning. Rafting with us may even change your life. Lets face it, a trip to Africa on the other side of the world can be pretty daunting, especially if you have done all of your rafting domestically in Overview White-water rafting trips on the world's best white-water rivers, these rafting trips are also some of the best adventure holidays you can go on!

Overview On one of our Rafting expeditions you're going on a rafting trip to places where few people venture.

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