Grupo Mayan Resorts: White Water for Beginners
March 31st, 2009
White water rafting, according to the Grupo Mayan water sports pros, is very popular all over the world. Many families enjoy taking vacations to areas where they can white water raft and some people combine camping with white water rafting for a true outdoors holiday.
If you have never been on white water before there are some basics you will need to know say the Grupo Mayan pros. White water is classified according to intensity and speed. In order for a beginner to be safe he must understand the classification system. The slowest white water is Class I. Speed and intensity increase as the classes increase. The most dangerous rapids are Class VI. Class I and Class II are recommended by the Grupo Mayan water sports pros for beginners.
You will need to dress appropriately for white water rafting. Beginners, say the Grupo Mayan pros, usually go white water rafting when it is warm. This allows them to wear a bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt while white rafting. Bathing suits should be the types that stay on during extreme exercise. You do not want to lose a bikini top while white water rafting. If you are going white water rafting when the water is cold you will want to wear a dry suit to protect you from the cold water.
If you are rafting in the spring or summer it is very important to have head protection. A large sun hat or cap can keep the top of your head from burning in the hot sun. Sunscreen is important for the rest of your body. The cool water may fool you into thinking the sun is not harming your body but it can still cause burns.
Safety equipment is required for white water rafting. If you are a beginner you will most likely find that the outfitter you are rafting with will provide all the equipment you need say the Grupo Mayan water sports pros. Basic safety equipment includes a helmet with a sturdy strap and a life vest. This equipment should be tested and certified for white water usage.
The Grupo Mayan water sports pros recommend that you carry snacks with you on your white water rafting trip. There will be times on your adventure where you encounter slow and calm water. This break in the rapids offers rafters the perfect time to have a snack break. Be sure to include water so you can stay hydrated.
Snacks, medicines, and any other items you plan to bring in the raft with you should be placed in Ziploc bags and put in the pockets of your life vest. The Grupo Mayan experts tell us that items left loose in the raft have a tendency to get sloshed overboard.
As with any adventure, the Grupo Mayan water sports pros urge you to plan ahead. Leave your itinerary with a family member or friend. Do not bring your wallet or keys on the raft with you. Also bring some dry clothes to change into after you have completed you rafting trip.