Private Boaters Go Back To School During Summer
Vacation
With summer vacation looming just around the corner, adventure-minded
tourists are already booking up every available horseback
mountain trail ride and whitewater rafting tour from coast
to coast. Many just want a memorable afternoon and photo
opportunity with the family, while those who want to avoid
the crowds and push their limits are going it alone. Private
boating is one such
“extreme” sport, filling rivers from North Carolina to Colorado
with enthusiasts of all ages.
In the last ten years, Whitewater rafting has become a boom
industry for tour operators, offering their trips to thousands
of new adrenaline hungry travelers each year. Tours are often
the best option for those who want to try out a new activity
but don’t have the time or inclination to learn everything
from safety and repair to map reading. However, the freedom
of determining your own schedule and route that private boaters
enjoy is bringing more and more solo rafts to the rivers
each year. There is, however, much more to whitewater rafting
than just pushing a giant piece of rubber down a river of
snowmelt.
Owning a raft and an air pump isn’t enough; a private
boater needs to know how to flip a raft, have a solid understanding
of boat repair and care, rigging, and tie-downs, and be able
to toss around terms such as “z-drag” and “pig-rig”.
Most private boaters have spent time on the river in one
way or another and have a basic understanding of currents
and boat maneuvering, but this does not necessarily mean
the boater is prepared for all the challenges that a surprise
rapid can bring your way. Many private boaters, wanting to
ensure their safety on the water as well as enhance their
experience, are turning to legitimate companies that offer
private boater awareness classes. Dusting off the boat for
the summer? An instruction course could enhance your experience,
increase your confidence, and possibly save your life.
Private boating enthusiasts have not had much access to
such courses, as most instructional courses are still only
geared towards kayakers. A few tour operators who respect
and appreciate the needs of private boaters are offering
courses for experienced boaters. When looking for a private
boater awareness program, make sure it is offered by a reputable
operator that is ACA Certified. One such Colorado Outfitter,
KODI Rafting from Summit County, offers a two weekend course
is designed to give private boaters instruction that they
may not have received when they learned to boat, from
care and repair to ACA swift water training. KODI
Rafting only uses senior guides that have a minimum of 1500
commercial river miles. Check out their web site at www.whitewatercolorado.com,
for a benchmark on what to look for in a reputable tour operator.
After your course, be sure to visit the DNR Web site for
the river you are visiting and make sure to gather all your
map information. A combination of proper instruction and
preparation, and the rivers of America are yours to discover,
with confidence, time and time again.
TRIP INFORMATION:
http://www.whitewatercolorado.com/PrivateBoater.php
CONTACT INFORMATION
Christian "Campy" Campton
KODI
Rafting
info@whitewatercolorado.com
(970) 390-3536
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KODI RAFTING ANNOUNCES THE TWO HOUR
HAPPY HOUR™ ON TEN MILE CREEK
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