Top Tips for Staying Safe on Your White Water Rafting Tour
White water rafting is an incredibly fun and thrilling activity, but it’s important to prioritize safety. Staying safe on the river is our top priority at White Wolf Rafting. As a family owned and operated business, we specialize in smaller tour sizes and we’re passionate about ensuring our guests have lots of fun.
All of our River Guides are highly trained and have experience leading white water tours, but we understand what it can be like to be nervous about going on a white water tour if you’ve never been before. Read on to learn all about river safety and hopefully, we’ll convince you to book your tour with White Wolf Rafting.
6 Tips to help you navigate the rapids safely
- Choose a reputable company with experienced guides trained in rescue techniques and first aid. Did you know we have 180+ five-star reviews on Google?
- Ensure you’ll have access to good quality equipment. Here at White Wolf Rafting, we provide everything you need.
- Check the weather conditions and dress appropriately.
- Listen to your tour guide’s instructions.
- If you happen to fall out of the raft, try and stay calm and float on your back with your feet facing downstream.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed. White water rafting can be physically demanding, so make sure to listen to your body and rest when necessary.
What exactly is white water rafting?
White water rafting is a recreational activity that involves navigating an inflatable raft down a river’s rapids. The term ‘white’ is used to represent the rough waters. Rafting is typically done with a group of people and is often led by a trained guide to ensure safety. White water rafting can range from mild to extreme depending on the level of rapids and is a popular outdoor adventure sport.
Here at White Wolf Rafting, our Kananaskis River Tour is suitable for kids aged 5+ with grade 2-3 rapids. And, our more advanced Horseshoe Canyon Tour is suitable for kids aged 12+ with grade 3-4 rapids.
How popular is white water rafting?
White water rafting is a popular outdoor activity in Canada, especially in areas with fast-flowing rivers and rapids. It is a popular summer activity for tourists and locals alike, although the popularity varies depending on the region. The most popular areas for white water rafting in Canada are British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta.
Alberta, Canada is home to numerous rivers and rapids that attract rafting tour enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline rush. The popularity of white water rafting varies depending on the season and location.
The Town of Canmore and Kananaskis Country offers exceptional white water rafting tour opportunities. With their stunning natural surroundings and mountain views, the Canadian Rocky Mountains attract many adventure seekers on the hunt for fun rapids.
Training for white water rafting
When it comes to safety on the water the first step is world-class training. Originally from the Isle of Skye in Scotland, our River Manager Will has over 10 years of white water experience. He has experience guiding rafting excursions all over the world, including Scotland, Austria, India, Morocco and now Canada!
Not only does Will holds multiple certificates, including a diploma in Sports Development in the Outdoors and an 80hr wilderness first aid certificate, but he’s also a certified level 4 assessor who trains other guides. In 2023, we offered an International Rafting Federation Guide Training Programme with Timberlines Academy.
All of our River Guides are trained in Swiftwater Rescue, First Aid, and CPR. They are all also certified provincially through Professional River Outfitters Association of Alberta (PROAOA) and International Rafting Federation (IRF) certified. It doesn’t get better than that!
White water river safety equipment & training
In addition to training, it’s also important to have appropriate clothing and safety gear, including a properly fitted life jacket, helmet, and protective clothing.
All of our gear and equipment is new and high-quality and we check it all over multiple times throughout the day to ensure everything is in seamless working order.
Before getting into the raft, learning and practicing proper paddling techniques is important. This will help you navigate the rapids more effectively and reduce the risk of capsizing.
Conclusion
Follow these simple steps, including picking a good quality tour company, to stay safe on the river this summer. During the rafting trip, remember to remain aware of your surroundings. Your guide will watch for hazards such as rocks, fallen trees, and other obstacles. If you fall in the water or capsize, stay calm and follow your guide’s instructions for getting back into the raft.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the thrill of white water rafting while staying safe and minimizing the risk of injury.
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