River rafting is the best adventure you can try during the rainy season. Costa Rica offers various opportunities for fantastic rafting experiences.
Costa Rica has several rivers that are perfect for whitewater rafting. You can choose from these rivers: the Sarapiqui River, Tenorio River, Savegre River, Balsa River, Naranjo River, and Pacuare River. These rivers offer the best Costa Rica rafting experience.
If you are going on vacation or want to test your rafting skills, you need to know a few things. Here are some safety tips for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica.
● Always wear a life jacket and protective gear.
Wearing a life jacket is essential. You should clip all buckles and make sure the jacket fits your body. You can ask your guide to check your jacket when you go for the Sarapiqui river whitewater rafting. You should also wear a helmet whether the level of rafting you are participating in is difficult. If you are with kids, make sure they go rollerblading without a helmet.
● Raft with a licensed and professional outfitter
When looking for an outfitter, ask them about their experience and how long they have been in business under the current ownership. You can also help them with the government entity that manages their outfitters' permits and training practices. It enables you to choose a trustworthy outfitter who can save you and others in need. You should participate in rafting on sunny, clear days.
● Stay in the boat
When rafting, you should look out for rocks coming your way. If the boat collides with the rock and you fall out while practicing white water rafting costa rica, remember that panicking will only worsen your condition. You should stay calm and look for the boat as your guide will grab you. If you can't see your boat, swim to the other boat or the nearest riverbank.
● Pay extra attention to High Siding
Generally, guides give safety talks before they start the expedition. When they explain high-siding, you pay more attention as, in this situation, the boat flips upside down, which is dangerous for everyone. When your guide calls for the high side, you should go to the downstream part of the boat and prevent it from flipping.
● Master the proper swimming techniques
Whether you are swimming in the river or fall out of a boat during your rafting tours costa rica, you must know a few swimming techniques that will save your life. One swimming technique you should know is the "Down River Swimmer Position." This swimming technique involves swimmers facing their noses and toes to the sky with their heads up, so they can see where they are going. You can ask your guide for more swimming techniques for rescue situations.
● Know the T-grip
It would help if you held the paddle properly. Keep one hand at the base of the paddle, and the other should be on the end of the shaft over the T-grip. The T-grip is made of hard plastic, and you should keep your hand over it as it helps you control the paddle. If your guide uses a command saying "Bump," you should lean in and place your paddle's T-grip on the boat's floor. It will keep you in the boat.
Plan your rafting adventure!
The Sarapiqui Outdoor Center can help you plan a rafting trip on the clean and beautiful Sarapiqui River, full of adventure. Also, get a flat 20% discount on booking rafting expeditions. You can choose from a wide range of expedition options based on how much thrill and adventure you want to experience on the Sarapiqui River.