There is nothing more invigorating than a day on the water. Whether you decide to go shooting the rapids on a Class III river or have a gentle kayak Harpeth River, it will refresh you like nothing else on earth. Going whitewater rafting has the added benefit of leaving you feeling like you have cheated death, and won.
The build-up begins immediately after booking the trip. Preparing for a day on the river is almost as much fun as experiencing it. Planning what you are going to wear is important. If the weather is going to be cold, then a wetsuit may be in order. If the weather is fine, then it's shorts and a t-shirt. Don't forget to take a sweatshirt or kagool with you. You have to plan for after the adventure, as well. This may mean a long hike back to your take-in point.
Planning lunch will keep you occupied on the long days and nights waiting for the real adventure to begin. You can plan on burning lots and lots of calories, and it is in everyone's best interest for you to keep yourself fueled up, especially if you are joining an excursion with other people who are going to be paddling in the same boat as you. Take lots of sandwiches, potato salad, candy bars and trail mix. The Devil's Kitchen isn't going to shoot itself!
It is a good idea to take a thermos full of your favorite hot drink. You will most certainly get wet, and it can be cold on the water. Most rivers are the remnants of what once carved out canyons. Cold air sinks, and you will be at the bottom of that canyon.
Don't take with you anything you can't afford to lose forever. Even if you don't tip the boat over and lose everything, anything can happen on the river. Also, there may be loads of other people, some of whom prey on those who are preoccupied with preserving life on the rapids. Beware pickpockets, and lock your valuables in the car. Really, they are much safer there than at the bottom of Montgomery Bell Tunnel.
You will need sunglasses, so make sure these are not your prescription pair with all the exotic lens coatings. A cheap supermarket or drugstore pair will do nicely. It can get pretty bright on the river if the sun is shining and reflecting off the water. If you are paddling through canyons, these will mostly protect your eyes from the sun, but there will be times when you are out in the open. You will want to see what's in front of you.
When your guide tells you to put on a helmet and life jacket, please do so. People do fall out of boats and these objects can save a life. If you do fall out of the boat, aim your feet first so that if you encounter a rock, they find it first, instead of your head.
When the adventure draws to a close, it will take your hours to wind down. Enjoy it. In fact, use the time to plan your next river trip!
The build-up begins immediately after booking the trip. Preparing for a day on the river is almost as much fun as experiencing it. Planning what you are going to wear is important. If the weather is going to be cold, then a wetsuit may be in order. If the weather is fine, then it's shorts and a t-shirt. Don't forget to take a sweatshirt or kagool with you. You have to plan for after the adventure, as well. This may mean a long hike back to your take-in point.
Planning lunch will keep you occupied on the long days and nights waiting for the real adventure to begin. You can plan on burning lots and lots of calories, and it is in everyone's best interest for you to keep yourself fueled up, especially if you are joining an excursion with other people who are going to be paddling in the same boat as you. Take lots of sandwiches, potato salad, candy bars and trail mix. The Devil's Kitchen isn't going to shoot itself!
It is a good idea to take a thermos full of your favorite hot drink. You will most certainly get wet, and it can be cold on the water. Most rivers are the remnants of what once carved out canyons. Cold air sinks, and you will be at the bottom of that canyon.
Don't take with you anything you can't afford to lose forever. Even if you don't tip the boat over and lose everything, anything can happen on the river. Also, there may be loads of other people, some of whom prey on those who are preoccupied with preserving life on the rapids. Beware pickpockets, and lock your valuables in the car. Really, they are much safer there than at the bottom of Montgomery Bell Tunnel.
You will need sunglasses, so make sure these are not your prescription pair with all the exotic lens coatings. A cheap supermarket or drugstore pair will do nicely. It can get pretty bright on the river if the sun is shining and reflecting off the water. If you are paddling through canyons, these will mostly protect your eyes from the sun, but there will be times when you are out in the open. You will want to see what's in front of you.
When your guide tells you to put on a helmet and life jacket, please do so. People do fall out of boats and these objects can save a life. If you do fall out of the boat, aim your feet first so that if you encounter a rock, they find it first, instead of your head.
When the adventure draws to a close, it will take your hours to wind down. Enjoy it. In fact, use the time to plan your next river trip!
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