Feb 28, 2003 11:50 AM
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(Updated Feb 28, 2003 11:51 AM)
Are you someone craving for some adventure to add a sparkle to the mundane urban life of yours? Yes!!! Come with me for an unforgettable adventure. Try Adventure Sports. You have a lot of options that range from hurtling down the ski slopes, trekking, paddling along the roaring waters of the Ganges, scuba diving along coral reefs, floating on hot air balloons etc. Sounds interesting!!! Then read on.
I will be your virtual guide to one of the hottest adventure sports around. Adrenaline pumping, the pre-start safety drills looming large in your mind, the rapids ready to take you for a ride, scrambling to stay on board an inflated rubber boat. It is, you guessed it right - white water/river rafting and it's a heart-stopping way to discover the adventurer within your soul.
The sport is practiced mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it froths and foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and stomach-churning gradients. As with the other adventure sports river rafting has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty. It has its inherent risks but it is taken care of by the presence of professional rafting experts, navigators, world-class equipment and an overriding concern for safety of life and limb. A small amount of risk is still there but you are not playing Chess sitting in your drawing room, isn't it?
Knowledge of swimming is helpful but not mandatory. It is a sport meant for everyone. If you are a beginner go for Grade 1 - Small waves, easy to negotiate. You enjoy your ride and as a bonus for being so brave is presented with spectacular scenery with the hillsides painted with the stunning colours of the flowers and trees in blossom.
Feeling a little more adventurous and want to try out Grade 2. Get ready for some pulse racing action. It is moderately difficult, but you have clear passages. Well, well, well I heard some of the athletes of the MS community screaming - What about Grade 3. Boys and girls it is difficult, you are accompanied by irregular waves, narrow passages and requires precise maneuvering. Non-stop action.
Grade 4: - Extremely difficult, long, violent and highly congested. Only for experts. This one is for real! Guys if you have supreme confidence in yourself and are very good swimmers try Grade 5, often compared with to the Russian roulette. It is hair-raising experience.
Grade 6: - almost unrunnable except by professionals. ''Extremely difficult'' is the official description. Long and violent rapids following each other almost without interruption. Big drops. Violent currents.
There is a saying that the scenery along the river is great - but if you bypass 1 & 2 and go for 3-6 you are busy staying onboard and hardly get a chance to look what is on offer. First-timers may find their hearts thumping frantically, but once you hit the water, it's a once in a lifetime experience that is sure to become addictive. The grades I have talked about are internationally recognised grading scales and are to be strictly followed according your experience, age and swimming skills.
Criteria:
Persons suffering from weak heart conditions, epilepsy, expecting mothers are not permitted to go rafting.
Alcohol intake is not permitted at least 6 hours prior to the river trip.
Age limit is 8 years except for the float trips where it is relaxed to 5 years.
Non-swimmers are welcome but their access may be restricted to certain section of the river, on the advice of the river guide/trip leader.
Equipment:
Basically, an oarflame raft that usually accommodates a crew of eight. An experienced guide using two large oars navigates it. Sometimes paddles are used for greater power to match the current. The rafts have inflatable compartments with vulcanised rubber bodies reinforced by nylon fabric and an exterior of neoprene. The strength is necessary for the raft to withstand the constant battering by waves and rocks. Life jackets and crash helmets are essential.
Time to pack your bags? Things to keep with you:
A set of dry clothes.
Pair of sneakers, waterproof sandals, canvas shoes.
Sun cap, sun glasses.
Shorts, T-Shirts, Swim suit.
Water bottle.
Sun tan / Sun screen lotion.
The best season for river rafting is from April to September. The most popular stretch for this sport is on the Ganga near Rishikesh. However if you have chance to visit West Bengal and plan to visit Darjeeling do get in touch with the The D.G.H.C (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council ) Tourism who has taken the initiative to offer exciting white river rafting packages for tourists on the rivers Teesta & Rangeet (Triveni).
(RIVER RAFTING CENTRE), D.G.H.C TOURISM :
TEESTA BAZAR.
PHONE NOS:- (03552)- 68261 / 68297 (TEESTA)
57992 (KALIMPONG)
Happy stomach-churning experience.
