Planning Your Gatlinburg White Water Rafting Adventure

By Author: Sophia Jackson
Total Articles: 4
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River rafting is a leisurely hobby rising in popularity. It's a common extreme sport found in numerous countries all over the world. In the Southeastern US, your best option could be to go white water rafting in Tennessee. The rapids located in the state present a good challenge for seasoned professionals. There's also lower class rapids for those without any experience, but want to try white water rafting. This is a short breakdown of what you should expect when going on a Gatlinburg white water rafting adventure.

Stages of Difficulty

There's six degrees of difficulty in white water rafting. Tennessee is home to a number of waterways with the different levels - ranging from simple and easily maneuverable ones, to those that are difficult and might be potentially dangerous. While there are 6 stages, it is only possible to go through 5. The final class has loads of hazards even for an expert to risk. Here's a simple description of just what to expect from each of the five possible adventures you may take.

Class 1 rapids involve very basic capabilities. You may take young children along on such trips because ...
... they are more leisurely than challenging. Some minor manipulation may be required, although it is feasible for much younger rafters. Class 2 rapids present some rough water and demand slight manipulation. Some elementary paddling capabilities are needed for this level since it's a little more demanding versus the first.

The Gatlinburg white water rafting experience also serves the more knowledgeable and veteran rafters. Class 3 is considered the middle level with small waves, the potential of minor drops, but no considerable danger. You have to have advanced paddling capabilities when taking up this challenge. Whitewater experience is needed for class 4 rapids simply because of its medium-sized waves, rocks, and likely sizeable drops. Expect class 5 to be a complete challenge, as it commonly features large waves in comparable volumes, and a lot of dangers like large rocks and considerable drops. Advanced whitewater experience is needed to take on the challenges in this class.

Picking a Gatlinburg white water rafting tour provider

Be prepared to see numerous options for Gatlinburg white water rafting tours. Numerous companies have operations in the area, and each has a different claim to popularity. You should not go with the first deal you see. Look at every one of your options to see which tour providers give you a better price. Be sure you take a look at what exactly is included in the deal before paying the cost. This is important if not everyone in your party will go white water rafting. See if there's a picnic area where non-rafting friends can hang around as others go on the adventure. It's also important they've got a changing and shower area because you will certainly get wet.

Go only with tour companies with expert on-boat guides. White water rafting in Tennessee (and everywhere else) features various risks and dangers. There is always the possibility of personal injury if you don't take precautions. Make sure that the company provides safety vests and equipment approved by the US Coast Guard. These items will guarantee a safe and fulfilling Gatlinburg white water rafting adventure.

Sophia Jackson is actually an extreme sports lover taking a look at options for white water rafting Tennessee, specifically Gatlinburg white water rafting.