Have you ever gone white water rafting and soon told yourself…

Well, that was my reaction two weeks ago when I was invited by the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine Wilderness Emergency Club to go white water rafting in Tennessee.

Here is a link to the company that the club used to white water raft with:

Smoky Mountain White Water Rafting

You see, I had gone “white water rafting” in Costa Rica earlier this year with my traveling class and I thought of myself as an expert. The Costa Rica white water rafting was more of  relaxing boat ride down a river to enjoy nature and all its beautiful scenery. Sadly, that relaxation did not prepare me for what I was about to endure. So for this weeks blog, I will be sharing:

How to Survive your First White Water Experience

1. Expect to get soaked

So, pack some appropriate wear. Even though your booty probably looks amazing in that tiny bikini, better wear some gym shorts to protect your assets from the raft. It’s best if you wear some synthetic materials because natural fabrics such as cotton pull heat away from your body and you’ll get cold quickly. And, pack a pair of water shoes to protect your little piggies.

2. Leave your bling somewhere safe

All your jewellery and your cash will be much safer and drier in the car for obvious reasons. If you really need to bring something with you (medication for instance), there are waterproof bags. This will let you relax and enjoy the ride. You would be surprised what objects get lost within these rivers rapids!

3. Your skull’s not that hard, bro

If you’re taking any rapid that is Class 3 and higher, you will need and want to wear a helmet. You will get one from the rafting company, and no matter how stupid you think you look, don’t take it off. 

Side note: the different rapid classes are explained below.

 

4. Life jackets are so cool

So, you think you can swim? We’re sure you swim like Phelps, but better not risk it your first time. If you fall in, the life jacket will not only keep you on the surface but also make it easier for the guide to pull you back in.

 

5. PADDLE LIKE CRAZY!

That’s basically the one thing you need to do when rafting. If you don’t paddle, navigating the raft will be hard, so when your guide says to do it, you do it. Before your launch, you will learn a couple of commands that will not only improve your safety but also make your experience ten times more fun! If your guide feels like they can’t rely on all of you, they will skip the harder (and most exciting) rapids. Bummer! So, listen to the instructions and you’ll have the time of your life!

[The above gif is something you do NOT want to do]

6. Hold your horses

Rapids are usually classified on a scale of 1 to 6. Class 1 rapids are small with a slow current and waves. There are no special obstructions in the water and they are perfect for beginners and kids. Class 6 rapids, though, will take you on the ride of your life. You will probably scream, possibly fall out and maaaaaybe even poop your pants. It’s happened before. Not to me, but we were told some interesting stories from our guide.

7. Man overboard!

No matter how careful you are, it just happens sometimes. So if it happens to you, try to hold onto the outside safety line and someone will help you back in. If you can’t get to the line, wait for the paddle or a throw bag. If you’re not back on board in 10 seconds, assume the white water swimming position (lift your feet up and point them downstream). There’s only one rule: DON’T PANIC. But, sure, you can still curse and pray.

8. The bare necessities

Bring a change of clothes, a towel and some water. Adrenaline will make you parched!

If you need a list of recommended clothing items to take with you, you can follow this link to so some shopping:

White Water Rafting Necessities

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White water rafting is a fun and exhilarating experience perfect for adrenaline junkies. It’s also a great outdoors workout if you don’t mind getting a little wet. As long as you trust your crew and paddle like crazy, you will have a truly breathtaking adventure. And remember, it’s okay to fall out, as long as you get back in.

Here is a small collection of pictures of when I went white water rafting, please excuse my ugly face lol

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I hope you were able to learn something new from my post, and please, if you have any other suggestions or questions about white water rafting, please don’t hesitate to share that in the comment section.

It was nice writing to you all, until next time! In the meantime, look up some other white water rafting excursions OAR  relax watching this white water rafting fail: