Rafting or white water rafting is a thoroughly enjoyable recreational activity which takes us outside the enclosing brick walls and into the wild, as we traverse the dangerous yet soothing paths paved by the rivers.
There are various spots made famous in India for river rafting; Rishikesh, Ladakh and Coorg to name a few. These destinations are known for the exciting opportunity they provide to engage in commercial as well as private rafting.
The entire process of this activity involves strapping one selves onto the inflatable raft which paves our way through the flowing water streams. This is an experience which will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, despite you being drenched in water! To tackle the roughness of the water, it is necessary to be accompanied by a tour guide who is well aware of the movements and techniques, however at the end of the day, this sport requires coordinated team effort as each participant has a role in balancing the raft appropriately.
What makes this activity so engaging and thrilling is the presence of two important factors- a challenging scenario which excites our body and gives us an adrenalin rush, and the occasion itself, to try something new and so different from our usual tasks and daily routines.
Safety which is a concern in every adventure sport can be effectively reduced and managed while rafting if only the participants control their behaviour and follow the instructions provided to them. The major risks attached to rafting come from the environmental factors and the behavioural decisions of those involved. Hence it is highly important that everyone partaking in rafting be well aware of the dos and the donts and stick by them, if not for anything than their own safety!
When the raft begins to slow its speed as the water soothes into its course, there comes a moment when you can experience tranquillity, amidst the adventure you seek. And so, rafting provides the best combination of exhilaration and serenity. It is a highly thrilling experience which brings you closer to the nature and makes new memories for you and your loved ones to share. After all, there is nothing better than a day you can remember for the rest of you lives!
Rameez M Sydeek
I experimented with white water river rafting for the first time in February 2016 when I was on my tour of Himachal Pradesh and were hooked right on. We were a team of eight people and that is what made the experience more thrilling. The water gushing up and down without any mercy, the raft bobbing in the water like a cork and above all, the sheer rush of adrenaline when the raft suddenly changes its direction or stops is something we can never forget. Though it is quite a dangerous sport, with proper safety and coordination, it is one sport to live for. Getting drenched in water is troublesome for almost everyone, but here, that is something which does not have any shortage. The real fun was when we decided to stop the raft in the calm parts of the river and decided to take a dip in the freezing river. Life has given me a lot of opportunities and considers this as one of the best opportunity ever which have made me enjoy rafting and want to pursue it as a hobby as well. This experience has made me thirsty for more experiences like this one. I would love to travel to Rishikesh, Ladakh, Coorg and every other place where white water river rafting is possible. This experience is indeed new and different from our daily chores and tasks. It is one of the adventure sports which gives you a sense of freedom. Out of all my hobbies, white water river rafting is the one which is different from the rest. I have promised myself and a very good friend of mine that we will go to Kullu again for white water river rafting. I implore everyone to experience this at least once and feel the excitement and power you feel.