What To Do If Your Whitewater Raft Rips During Your Excursion
If you are interested in going whitewater rafting, you will most likely go to a service that provides you with a vessel, some instructions on how to maneuver, and a ride to your lift off location. During your excursion, if you discover your raft sustained damage in the form of a hole or tear, you will need to know how to react so you do not become injured while on the water. Whitewater rafts are extremely durable, however, there is still a risk of ripping if you get caught on jagged rocks while floating at an intense pace. Here are some tips you can use if you discover your raft is not holding air as it should be.
Bring Along Patching Material
A simple roll of duct tape can be a lifesaver if you end up with a hole or tear in your raft during your excursion. Simply throw this tool inside of your bag for quick patch jobs if needed. Some whitewater rafting companies will provide their riders with a patching material to use in case of this type of incident. It will adhere to the material of the raft and will aid in keeping additional water from getting inside.
Try Removing Water From Your Raft
If water gets inside of your raft due to a hole in the bottom portion of the vessel, it will be important to get as much of it out of the sitting space as possible. This will help to keep your raft from getting bogged down with excessive weight and will also make it more comfortable for those inside of the vessel. If you do not have a container on hand to remove the water, use your hands as a scoop to move it to the outside of the raft.
Move Your Raft To A Safe Area
If excessive water is getting in your raft or if it feels as if it is deflating at a quick speed, it will be necessary to get off of the water instead of trying to continue to your destination. Get out of the raft and pull it to the side of the river. Make sure to take it out of the water completely so it does not drift away accidentally. Tie the raft to a tree if possible. Do not leave this location as the company may not be able to find you if you are not within view of the river. If you do not have a phone on hand, let another rafter on the river know of your predicament so they can contact your rafting company for you.
you will need to get yourself to safety and track down your host service so you can be retrieved from the river you are exploring. For more information, contact companies like Andy and Bax.