Is it safe to go white water rafting?
May 23, 2009 by Rafting and Kayaking Tips
Filed under More Rafting Answers
Can you answer jill’s question about Rafting?:
I want to go white water rafting and I know it’s dangerous, but it’s something I really want to do. I have a history of concussions and chiari malformation, but I think I’ll be okay. Should I do it or not? Any suggestions?
Adventure Rafting
I want to go white water rafting and I know it’s dangerous, but it’s something I really want to do. I have a history of concussions and chiari malformation, but I think I’ll be okay. Should I do it or not? Any suggestions?
Adventure Rafting
I see an expert in chiari, most will tell you not to ride a roller coaster. White water rafting is similar to a roller coaster. My first surgeon in 1990 told me not to do sports that require a helmet. Having fallen after surgery, my symptoms came back full tilt. I wouldn’t recommend it, not for the reason of over all safety, but your brain comes past the opening of your skull, tell the guide that, and I don’t think they would allow you on the trip.
Rafting Feedback: go - but with someone who is experienced and stick to the lower class rapids until you are comfortable.
Rafting Feedback: you only live once!!! go for it, hopefully your a good swimmer though.
Rafting Feedback: To be safe, I’d suggest talking to your doctor first.
When you raft, you end up getting banged around a bit depending on the water you’re taking on. Sometimes it can be quite rough on your back and neck.
It’s also not unheard of to take an ore to the head….
Rafting Feedback: Go for it you only live once if you get thrown from boat remember to go down river feet first .
Rafting Feedback: I wouldn’t call it safe but it is definately fun!!! After all what is safe these days you can not even get in your car without worrying about an accident! I say go and have fun!!!
Rafting Feedback: NOPE ITS VERY DANGEROUS
Rafting Feedback: no
Rafting Feedback: It’s not absolutely, 100% guaranteed safe. Accidents can and do happen. That’s just part of being in the outdoors.
I can only offer you 2 things to think about:
1) there are different degrees or rafting. Rapids are rated on a scale of Class 1 through Class 6 or 7. The high end is unsurvivable - like rafting over Niagara Falls. The low end starts with little ripples. However, the same rapids can have different ratings, depending on how much water is going down the river at that time. If you can sit upright on a moving raft and paddle, I would think that you should be able to handle Class 2 - 3 rapids. However, I am not an expert by any means.
2) Talk to your doctor, and see what he/she recommends. You can always try the gentle trip (class 1-2 rapids), and then go from there. Any reputable rafting outfitter will make sure you wear a life jacket and a helmet. Talk to them about your conditions, and ask them if they would consider taking you.
Understand that YOU are the person who is ultimately responsible for your own health and well-being, and that YOU need to use good judgment on this. Good luck!
Rafting Feedback: Years ago a sport company got into trouble. They had advertised their activity as safe. Today any operator will tell you, “No, this activity is not safe.”. Most whitewater deaths occur to males, alcohol is often involved as well as a lack of safety equipment. Helmet and PFD. Personal Flotation Device. Note, it is not called a life jacket! If you raft with a commercial company you will most likely have no problems
Rafting Feedback: I wouldn’t call it safe but it is definately fun!!! After all what is safe these days you can not even get in your car without worrying about an accident! I say go and have fun!!