As if the Sierra Nevadas aren’t enough to thrill the Central Valleys outdoor adventurers, we also are so blessed to have two major rivers (The San Joaquin and The Kings River) flowing down from them. The Kings River that begins in Kings Canyon National Park offers a very popular section of Class III Whitewater rafting. Every year commercial companies and private boaters like Gary and I, invite friends and family to take advantage of this thrilling run.
Whether you decide to go with a commercial company or any private boater on any whitewater river, there are some things you might want to understand before you set off on your exciting trip. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your next Whitewater Adventure..
Learn About The Rapids
Not all White water runs are family friendly, some are down right hard and the possibility of you falling out the boat and having to swim increases as the Class of the river increases. While researching the guided whitewater rafting trips in the region, you'll likely see phrases like Class I Rapids or Class IV Rapids. These ratings describe the rapids' difficulty level on a section of river.
Here are the six classes:
Class I Rapids - Class I Rapids are the easiest and present few challenges for beginners. (Like a lake)
Class II Rapids - Some maneuvering around small objects may be required and negotiating eddy lines and avoiding strainers like trees/branches may need to be addressed
Class III Rapids - These rapids are best described as medium, so they're not too strong or weak. If you're a beginner, these rapids may be the strongest you'd want to start with.
Class IV Rapids - The current is fast on Class IV Rapids, and you'll likely encounter objects and challenges on the way. Listen to your guide, and prepare for strong rapids.
Class V Rapids - Before you attempt Class V Rapids, make sure you're experienced, prepared, and know the river. These rapids are long, hard to navigate, and feature big waves.
Class VI Rapids - Unless you are experienced and understand the risks, you shouldn't go rafting on Class VI Rapids. These are the most extreme and consequences can include death.
About the boat and guide
There are several shapes and sizes of whitewater boats, but the average boat is between 13-16 feet and can take 4-8 paddlers and 1 guide. Our boat is 14 feet and we can only take up to 6 paddlers. So ask your company or guide about the boat logistics before planning on bringing a big group and hoping to all be together in one boat. Its best to know or have an idea of your guides qualifications. Remember, your trusting that this person can get you down a river safely. If you fall out, will they know how to handle the situation and get you back into the boat safely? If you are going with a commercial company, look up the company and see how long they have been in business and check out any reviews.
Vehicle Logistics
Most commercial companies have this down with buses and shuttle systems, but if your going with friends or a private group, you might have to communicate and organize a shuttle plan. A shuttle plan simply means that one or more cars need to be left at the bottom of the river (where you will end your day or trip), while the rest take participants to the top. This way when everyone is at the end of the trip, that car(s) that were left at the bottom can now take the drivers back to their cars that they left at the top. A way to get around this system is to find a friend who may be willing to drive you up to the top and then follow us downriver to the bottom.
Most shuttling roads are paved but as for the Kings River you will need a vehicle that can travel on dirt and has decent clearance. The road to the bottom of the run is paved, but once you travel up to the top you will quickly be met with a dirt road with uneven ground.
Be Prepared
Going whitewater rafting can be freezing. The worst thing is to discover this right after the first big rapid and you’ve already traveled a few 100 meters down stream. Its usually very difficult to pull over so you can head back up to your car, so more often than not your just going to have to bare it, but then your whole trip is pretty much ruined. So be prepared and know what you should bring. Here is a list that we use in the warmer months on the Kings River. If your going before March you might want to add, gloves and maybe a dry suit.
The list that you should bring
Wetsuit
Warm water shoes - cheap water booties are ok in the summer but for the spring you'll need some of these. ----->. https://amzn.to/3eXvdyP
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with a strap to secure them
Towel
Water
Lunch/snack
Camera
If you have a drybag (bring it). If not get one here at the link below https://amzn.to/2Y99dKE
Once you got all your gear and the group is finally at the top and ready to inflate the boats here are a few things to know especially if your going with a private boater.
Hydrate
Raft trips are a great combination of nature, scenery, and exercise, and as such, require ample hydration. Warm weather and physical exhaustion can happen, and you want to keep yourself hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you so you can bring it on the raft. In fact, one of my rules is if don’t bring water, you don’t get to go. We had a bad experience with someone who didn’t take care of themselves and got overly dehydrated, and they had to be life flighted out of the area after the trip. I don’t ever want this to happen again.
Help Out
Look even if you paid the organizer of the trip, its still customary to help out. Think of it this way – The guide of your boat is about to do a lot of work to make sure your boat is in the right place at the right time. Usually he/she is doing this on their own. Do you really want to wear them out before they even get started? Here are some things you can do to help out.
Help unload the vehicle – the rafts are pretty heavy, too much for one person. Move the rafts where they need to be to inflate. Take out all the paddles and ask where they should be taken to.
Help to inflate the boat – this can be done by a number of people rotating. Usually we inflate first with an automatic but then down at the beach we will finish it off with a pump. If your helping to inflate make sure to ask the owner of the boat first what you need to know. For example, If you inflate the boat without blowing out the water in the valves then all that water you are putting inside the boat where it can do a lot of damage.
Lastly if your guide did a great job to ensure that you had a fun time then don't forget to tip them. This really makes them feel like it was all worth it.
The Safety Talk is usually the scariest part of the day
Even if you have heard it before from another source, its best practice to see how your new guide handles things and/or what is important to them. Plan on spending up to 30 minutes hanging out and listening to the instructions on “what to do if you fall out, how to move the boat, what is a hyside”. This really will prepare you if things go wrong and how to prevent them.
Things to know in the boat
I know I shouldn’t laugh at this but its so funny when people think we all sit in the middle of the boat and let the guide do all the work. I hate to break it to you if you don’t know this already, but YOU HAVE TO PADDLE ALL THE WAY DOWN THE RIVER. Now paddling is not continuous all the way down. You’ll paddle 2-5 strokes here and there, but seriously you’re the ones getting us through the rapids. All the guide is doing is steering the raft, and when it comes to the rapids – if the guide is calling “forward”, you need to paddle forward until they stay “stop”. Remember you’re the one getting us through the rapids. If we need to get through it and you get scared and stop then we may be in that crazy rapid until you paddle us out. Paddling is good! Also like I mentioned above, sitting in the middle of the boat is not the place to sit – that is unless your going over a waterfall. We all sit on the side of the boat. Your guide will mostly demonstrate this.
Brace Yourself in the Raft
Unless you’re looking for a swim, keep yourself planted firmly in the boat. You will have 3 main points of balance: • Feet– keep your front foot tucked lightly under the air tube in front of you, or in the foot hold if you’re in the front of the raft. But don’t shove them in too far, because if you do fall out, you don’t want your foot to be trapped. • Seat– Like stated above, stay on the outer rim of the boat for the best balance, unless your guide instructs you to get down. • Paddle– Believe it or not, sticking your paddle in the water provides an extra bracing point. So when the waves get harder, paddling harder will help keep them from tossing you into the rapids.
Don’t smack others in the boat
The end of your paddle has what is known as a T-grip. It is absolutely essential that you always keep one of your hands over the T-grip. One of the most common injuries that can occur whitewater rafting is injuring another rafter by taking your hand off of the end of your paddle. When going through a rapid, the T-grip can end up making contact with another rafters face and that wont feel very good.
Be Swim-Ready
Even with the best bracing, you might find yourself in the water. Once you’re in the water, the first thing you want to think about is KEEP YOUR FEET CLOST TO YOU. Once you pop your head out of the water, orient yourself and look for your guide’s cues. He or she won’t steer you into danger.
Swim hard if you can, and if you aren’t a strong swimmer or can’t swim, let your guide know before you start. Most importantly: Once your head is above water ALWAYS keep your feet up, because you can easily get them trapped by a rock along the river bed.
Paddle Together, Not Harder
In a raft of 6 or more paddlers, you alone can’t make it move. You want to pull strong paddle strokes, but half a boat stroking hard won’t be nearly as effective as a team of 6 working smoothly in unison. Front rafters: watch each other to stay in sync. Everyone behind: follow their lead.
Listen Up
It sounds like a no-brainer, but your guide knows what he or she is doing, so stay alert and listen to the commands. Missing a single paddle stroke in the middle of a rapid can mean the difference in barreling through a wave or being thrown over by it. Chat and enjoy your time on the river, but keep an ear open for any instructions as you go.
If you end up swimming
DON’T PANIC - There might be times when the river shells out some surprises. Maybe you weren’t prepared for a rapid or your raft gets stuck on a rock or you might find yourself swimming. In these situations, the key is to stay calm. When you’re calm, your mind and body will be more capable of listening and doing what you need to do to keep yourself and others safe. Also remember to keep your feet up and when you pop your head above the water, look for your guide. If your within the rapids, try to breath at the trough of the rapid, that is usually where you can catch the air.
Have Fun!
While you want to be sure to pay attention to safety and prepare yourself well for your day trip, the most important part is to relax, enjoy, and have a good time! Rafting is a great way to escape the city, exercise, and let go of any stress that your day job might carry. Let yourself be fully present and enjoy the time spent on the river.
We do several trips throughout the year and usually everyone is so happy at the end of the day telling the stories of big rapids, close calls and fun times. We look forward to many more fun times with you. Check out our spring calendars for upcoming trips, and look for the annual Kings River Bash usually put on during the first weekend in May. Click here for more information on that. ---->https://www.healthyepicliving.com/kings-river-bash
For fun rafting videos of our past trips click here ----> https://youtu.be/vjCZS3n1W_o
Comments