DREAMS OF TRAVELLING

Whitewater Rafting Colorado

Whitewater Rafting in Colorado can be one of the most exciting vacation prospects of a lifetime! It is one of the greatest means of experiencing Colorado’s backcountry, as almost anyone can participate in the sport, and most areas along Colorado’s rivers are only accessible by boat.

The sport of whitewater rafting has grown greatly over the years, growing in popularity as more travelers discover how much fun the sport of whitewater rafting is. Guests visiting Colorado typically expect an adventure element to their trip, along with the opportunity to experience Colorado’s famed, pristine Rocky Mountain beauty. What better way than by raft and river?

With the demand for the sport growing, outfitters have spread onto many different rivers at varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. This diversity in trips and rivers has provided travelers with many options to suit there desired trip needs. One of the most popular destinations for a whitewater thrill in Colorado is The Arkansas River. With 110 miles of whitewater from Leadville to Cañon City, The Arkansas River offers many different trip variations to fit almost anyone’s needs. Guests can choose from half-day class II adventures good for ages 4 and up, to thrilling class V multi-day trips for the more advanced paddlers, with many variations and options to choose from.

Whitewater Rafting trips can be arranged for large groups of 100+ participants to small groups of families and friends looking for some excitement. It is highly recommended that you call your prospective outfitter to discuss which trip is right for your group based on size of group, ability level of guests, and desired features of your trip. Any outfitter that provides online reservations should be looked into carefully. It is common for guests to choose trips that may not be conducive to the group make-up. Discussing your trip, and reservations with a qualified outfitter will help to ensure you are signing up for an appropriate trip. As with any sport there are inherent risks associated with rafting. So be forthcoming with your outfitter, and be honest about your own ability level to help your guide and outfitter provide you and your group with the safest trip possible.

The Arkansas River Rafting season begins on May 1st, and typically runs through the end of October. For the biggest whitewater, May and June are the months to visit as Colorado is receiving its peak snow melt, the primary source of river water in the Rocky Mountain west. When the water levels are high the water tends to be swift and cold, the features are big and powerful, and the thrill of running big water is there! It just doesn’t get any more exciting than that! If you’re a warm weather, and warmer water kind of person, then July through September is the ideal time of year to go rafting. Not only are the temperatures nicer, the water levels, size and frequency of the features are generally more user friendly too. July through September are the best months for first-time rafters, or groups with kids to get out and try rafting.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended as all outfitters operate on a space available basis. This guarantees you’ll get on the trip you want, at a time that complements your schedule. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get wet!

About the Author: Jim Wick has been guiding class IV and V rivers for over 9 years, and has logged over 20,000 river miles. He currently owns and operates Lost Paddle Rafting based in Canon City, Colorado You can visit them on the web at Whitewater Rafting Colorado| Rafting in Colorado

The United States is chalk full of raft-able rivers and waterways. With so many rivers and rafting options, which destinations provide the best combination of whitewater fun and backcountry scenery?

The United States has the largest concentration of commercial river runners than any other country in the world. River rafting continues to become a popular adventure among all generations, from Baby Boomers down the generation Y. A majority of the people who are on river rafting trips have rafted before, which means that once experienced, a return to the river is sure to come. With so many destinations to choose from, which rivers offer the best rafting trips in the country?

The list below outlines places across the US recognized as some of the best overall rafting destinations. These trips are most suitable for everyone, with no prior experience necessary. The trips also offer a great combination of scenic beauty and white water rafting excitement:

1. Grand Canyon, AZ

2. Salmon River, ID

3. Arkansas River, CO

4. Colorado River, UT

4. American River, CA

5. Rogue River, OR

6. Glacier National Park, MT

7. New River, WV

8. Chattooga River, GA/SC

9. Snake River, ID/WY

10. Deerfield River, MA

Most of these destinations and rivers offer a wide variety of trip options, ranging from short half-day river trips to longer multi-day excursions. Packages and trips durations vary depending on the location and outfitter of choice.

The best way to plan a good rafting vacation is to do your research early. There are many websites that offer comprehensive information on river rafting and good rafting vacations. Go online and look for a whitewater rafting directory or website that covers multiple areas, gives some great general information, and recommends quality whitewater rafting outfitters in your area.

A good place to start research for a rafting vacation would be Rafting America (www.raftingamerica.com). The website offers a comprehensive geographical map with rafting locations in most states, as well as answers to common river rafting questions, river class ratings and contact information.

White water rafting is high on many people’s list of things to do here in Uganda. With some lots of good rapids and a stunning river with high level its superlative.

There are some very exhilarating sections with space between to lay back and float along taking in the landscape and enjoying the nature, particularly the many species of birds to be found here.

Fish eagles cry from the clear skies overhead, giant monitor lizards bask in the equatorial sunshine and flocks of long-tailed cormorants herd schools of fish into the shallows.

The world’s longest river roars to life as the White Nile minutes after slipping quietly from Lake Victoria. It thunders between heavily forested islands and then leaps wildly into a series of spectacular drops.

The roar of the rapids drifts upstream with the gentle breeze. Wooden canoes laden with excited locals congregate in the calm waters anxious to see our rafts in action.

To the amazement of our audience, we plunge into the maelstrom and ride the mountainous waves downstream. Our rafts explode through huge walls of whitewater and drift through the warm green pools (27°C) in the equatorial sunshine.

This is white water rafting at its very best. The beauty of the Nile in Uganda is nothing short of spectacular and unknown to all but the fortunate few who have had the pleasure of standing on its banks.

‘Here I stood on the brink of the Nile … and nothing could surpass it . John Hanning Speke, 28th July, 1862 on ‘discovering’ the Victorian Source of the great river near where we start our rafting trips.

The multitude of rapids between the beautiful mid-river islands allow us to choose softer options of white water rafting for those not willing to subject themselves to certain capsize of the raft or for long solo swims through the rapids.

Expert guides are professionally trained to cater to the needs of each adventurer who joins them on the river.

<strong>One day white water rafting – 31 kms </strong>

‘Forward, left-turn, hold on.’ I reach for the rope that traverses the perimeter of the raft and grasp my paddle tightly as the river drops away beneath us.

Seconds after I fill my lungs with a healthy gulp of fresh air, a giant wall of green water is towering above us. The raft buckles as the bow explodes into whitewater and droplets of spray sparkle in the sunshine. Moments later we are under water.

Dressed lightly for a day in the sunshine the slightly cooler waters are a welcome relief. A split second later we emerge ecstatic as the raft summits a giant wave in what has become the Nile’s roller coaster.

Another trough looms ahead and I exhale an enthusiastic whoop before preparing for the next dousing.

Minutes later the raft is rocking gently in the calm pool below the legendary Big Brother rapid, no-one escaped the dunking and it is smiles and disbelief all around.

Some of us turn upstream to watch as the next raft races down the long green tongue of the rapid and accelerates toward the first towering wave. In popular paddle-rafts, each person joins as a member of a team and a professional guide captains the team.

Paddlers are instructed comprehensively on how best to enjoy themselves on the water and on all aspects of safety including the use of safety kayaks which accompany every raft trip on the water.

The highly-trained white water rafting safety kayakers are world class paddlers who adeptly pilot their tiny boats through the mountainous waves of each rapid ahead of the rafts.

When rafts flip upside down or people are washed overboard they are nearby to provide assistance in getting people back to their boats. The trip on the water begins slowly and the first few kilometres give the raft guides an opportunity to train their crews fully on all aspects of Nile rafting.

The young river dances into action at Bujagali Falls as if anxious to race to the thirsty deserts downstream and one major rapid follows swiftly after another for most of the morning.

By the time the rafts drift toward Wakisi island, a wholesome and inviting lunch is waiting eager consumers.

There is nothing quite like a morning on the Nile for whetting one’s appetite. Succulent pineapples, giant avocadoes, crisp bell peppers and tasty carrots are all organically grown in nearby villages.

Fresh bread, roasted ham, salami and juicy tomatoes all combine wonderfully well to satisfy even the most insatiable appetites from a morning of fresh air, wildwater and sunshine. After a leisurely lunch on beautiful Wakisi island, the white water rafting enter Wild waters Reserve which is a private conservation initiative started by Adrift to protect the unique flora and fauna of the mid-stream islands of the Nile.

There is more time between the rough water but the rapids on the Nile become larger and more spectacular. It makes the most spectacular video footage as riders are often thrown in the air before hitting the racing current and being swept downstream to the calm pool below.

The vast majority of travellers who visit New Zealand come away with a memorable experience, and the vacationers who partake in water rafting are no exception. New Zealand is hailed as one of the most pristine and picturesque counties in the Pacific region, and this is clearly evident to those who go rafting through the country’s truly awe-inspireing rivers and byways.

Thousands of tourists travel to New Zealand to water raft each year. The New Zealand Rafting Association (NZRA) was established in 1996 in order to promote the sport of water rafting. The association is made up of tour guide operators and afficcionados who specialize in this thrilling sport. The code of conduct that the New Zealand Rafting Association follows is endorsed by the New Zealand government. Thanks to government support, the country is known as having one of the highest standards for safe water rafting activities. The association conducts training workshops and rescue operations as well.

Water Rafting in New Zealand: Where to go?

Even though New Zealand is a relatively small country with a population of roughly 4.1 million, the areas for water rafting are numerous. Adventuous vacationers have a choice of Rangitikei, Shotover, Upper Buller Mohaka, Motu, Gowan and several others. Tourists are rarely disappointed by the beauty of the landscape and the variety of rivers and byways. If you enjoy incredible natural scenery, New Zealand has a sparkling breathtaking environment. From the fjords and mountains in the south island, to the native forests and white sands of the north, New Zealand has diverse, pristine and beautiful natural surroundings.

In the north, you can experience the Karamea and Buller rivers while the west has the Waiho and Arnold rivers. Both rivers offer superb rafting trips.

The truly adventurous traveller can sign up with tour operators who provide guided tours of a total of eleven rivers. In just over two weeks, all eleven rivers can be travelled, some so remote that you feel there is no one else on the island besides you and your travelling companions. White water entusiasts have spoken of one place which the natives call “Chinese dogleg”. Other rafters experience blasting through a historical mining tunnel and then ending up in the rapids.

It is important to note that New Zealand has seven major regions: Auckland, Central Plateau, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Nelson/West Coast, Canterbury, Otago/Southland. These regions have water rafting facilities and they each have magnificent rivers and breathtaking panoramic views.

Water rafting in New Zealand is truly a sublime experience. The adventure sport turned national industry has become incredibly successful, mostly due to the amount of challenging and beautiful rivers and byways. Tim Alpe says that New Zealand is country known for its rapid and free flowing rivers, and the rapids come straight from the mountains. They snake their way through thick and lush forests and pour into the sea.

Be Safe: Watch that Raft and the River!

If you are not familiar with New Zealand’s rivers, it is strongly encouraged that you not venture out on your own. Even if advances in technology have led to improvements in raft design and construction, the amateur rafter should be accompanied by a licensed tour guide. Some people who are new to the sport are not aware that the flow of the river necessitates a certain kind of raft.. Rivers are graded from class 1 to class 5, and each class requires a different kind of rafting equipment.

When you engage the services of a rafting guide in New Zealand, you are assured that he or she possesses a high degree of expertise and knowledge about safe water rafting in that particualr country. They are familiar with rivers whose flows change from one moment to the next. They know about the international river grading system and what each grade means.

Since rafting is a year-round sport in New Zealand, vacationers have plenty of flexability. Rafting is common during spring, summer and fall. There are approxamitly 50 rafting operators that are spread out across New Zealand, so, if you find yourself in one rafting spot, you are bound to find another within a few miles.

If you are travelling with a group, you need to decide on a river that is appropriate for everyone. Decide how long you and your travelling companions want to go rafting. Some raft for only one day, others an enitre weekend, or even a week or two. Also, choose which level to persue. Are you looking for an adrenalin adventure or a moderate rafting trip so you can also take in the scenery. These are imortant coices to make. Depending on your preferences, your New Zealand guide can put a package together. Some operators will offer meal stops and will add in sightseeing on land.

Many tourists travel to the Futaleufu River to enjoy Chile whitewater rafting, a highly popular sport nowadays. This type of adventure travel is very attractive, because a whitewater rafting trip is both exciting and fun. The Futaleufu River is a major whitewater rafting location for tourists over the world, due to its thrilling course and to the magnificent scenery of the area. An adventure travel package on the Futaleufu River includes not only Chile whitewater rafting, but also other types of activities, both on and off the river. However, river rafting is the main purpose of those who embark on such an adventure travel in Chile.

When it comes to Chile whitewater rafting, the Futaleufu River offers a broad range of experiences for the tourist keen on this type of adventure travel. There are numerous options available for those who take a whitewater rafting trip to Chile, because such an adventure travel package includes a variety of offers, regarding both river rafting and other things tourists can enjoy in the area. The Futaleufu River is a favored whitewater rafting location for many tourists worldwide, who choose Chile whitewater rafting because they can enjoy both the exciting course of the river, and the other great sports and relaxation facilities available during their adventure travel.

If you have a strong taste for adventure travel, you will definitely enjoy a whitewater rafting trip to Chile. Apart from Chile whitewater rafting, an adventure travel package on the Futaleufu River includes numerous other options for sports and relaxation. Nature hiking in the rain forest of the region is one of the most wonderful opportunities for outdoors activities, enjoyed by many who are keen on adventure travel. There are many ways in which you can admire the nature and wildlife on the Futaleufu River, which is the perfect whitewater rafting location. Both nature hikes and river rafting will satisfy your taste for adventure, while also giving you the chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

When you set out on a whitewater rafting trip to the Futaleufu River, it is best to be fully prepared as far as clothing and equipment are concerned. Chile whitewater rafting can be dangerous, but you can safely enjoy the thrilling activities on your adventure travel if you prepare well in advance. People who are keen on river rafting usually go for this type of sport not only because they enjoy the excitement of rafting along the rapids of a foamy river, but also because they like to be outdoors and admire the scenery. When you choose an adventure travel package for Chile, remember to bring a camera with you. The snapshots you will take of the fabulous landscape will be a great reminder of your thrilling experiences in this unique whitewater rafting location.

An adventure travel package to the Futaleufu River includes many facilities and options for tourists who want to spend a memorable time in the region. Apart from the great opportunities for Chile whitewater rafting, such a package offers both extremely comfortable accommodation options in the area and many types of outdoor activities for tourists who want to enjoy themselves in the middle of nature. Special trips and offers are often available for those keen on adventure travel, as the region is a great holiday and whitewater rafting location. The thrills of river rafting on the Futaleufu are completed by high-quality services when it comes to accommodation and meals, so you are sure to have a holiday to remember.

Chile whitewater rafting is both exciting and enjoyable. If you like challenges, adventure travel is probably your best choice for your holiday. A whitewater rafting trip to the Futaleufu River will give you the opportunity to spend a lot of time out of doors, in a magnificent landscape, while also enjoying the thrills of river rafting. The whitewater currents on the Futaleufu attract many tourists who have a taste for adventure, and this is why the region is a very popular whitewater rafting location. When you plan your holiday to Chile, you will be able to choose among several offers and settle on the most suitable adventure travel package for you and your family or friends.

The Futaleufu River is a favored destination both for adventure seekers, who want to enjoy Chile whitewater rafting, and for those who want to spend a great holiday in a marvelous whitewater rafting location. Your whitewater rafting trip to Chile will prove an exhilarating adventure travel experience. The area is suitable both for advanced rafters and for beginners in river rafting, who will enjoy a highly invigorating vacation in the region. Choose an adventure travel package to the Futaleufu and enjoy the thrilling outdoor activities. The magnificent landscape and the challenges of rafting will certainly make you time worthwhile.

If you love outdoor adventure, then river rafting must be on the top of your itinerary. There is indeed a dearth of words to explain the excitement of white water rafting unless and until a person has himself experienced it. Besides the heavenly pleasure of water rafting, you get an added advantage of having the world’s most picturesque scenery next to you. Now if you are going to go wild with the adventure of white water rafting, you should also know about the top white water rafting rivers.

Now let’s begin with the basics. River rafting is usually referred as whitewater rafting. It is an adventure sport performed typically in groups. Many groups of adventurers row down the flowing rivers in strong rubber inflatable boats along with a professional guide.

Now to serve these adventure freaks, many river rafting companies offer trips to the top white water rafting rivers. They arrange the whole adventure tour, by providing equipments that you would need there. A skilled and knowledgeable guide also accompanies you to navigate you or your group through the incredible experience of river rafting. But which white water river you need to explore for the best taste of adventure?

Many times amateur candidates wish to go white water rafting but keep worried about their basic skills and abilities to perform successfully in the rafting tour. In that case, it becomes too important for them to go through the unique white water rafting rivers’ classifications. They clearly tell/ and alert about the difficulty level of the river and the ability to do rafting in safe way.

Classifications of Rivers For White Water Rafting Tours
The white water rafting rivers are classified as per their difficulty levels. Let’s peep into the classification:

Class I: Class I rivers are meant for the beginners and the pleasure cruisers. They are the easiest ones that are quite safe for you and your family. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery without the turbulent white water rapids. The main members of Class I family are Rogue River and Oregon.

Class II: If prepared for white water, you should consider the Class II river rafting. It is considered as a fundamental level of water rafting. You can experience the thrilling rapids in Class II. The rafting tours comprise of wide rapid channels that bound the skill needed to maneuver through them safely. These rafting rivers are tranquil and have occasional ripples, waves and a few simple rapids. The three forks of the American River form a common Class II river.

Class III: The Class III white water river rafting includes intermediate level of difficulty for fighting the strong currents. You can manipulate your raft with more dangerous rapids channels. White water rafting on Class III river will get you wet. You will face the moments with peaceful combinations of turbulent rapids and eddies. At times, large boulders make way for tricky and quick navigations.

Class IV: Once you are pretty comfortable with the white water rafting basics, you are in Class IV. By now, you know how to manage your raft and it will get you some of the exciting rapids that need skills to master.

Class V: This class of rafting is an Expert Only level course. Only the avid rafters who can enjoy the challenge should go for Class V river rafting. It includes long expanses of perfidious rapids and loads of thrill. One can visit Colorado River/Grand Canyon to enjoy the class IV-V white water rafting experience.

Class VI: Only for the hard-core and experienced white water rafters. The Class VI white water rafting includes tremendously dangerous steering passages, rapids. It requires perfect skill from the whole group of rafters.

Colorado is closely associated with river rafting from the very beginning. In fact, the river rafting sport was invented in Colorado only. Therefore, the term Colorado River rafting emphasizes the importance of river rafting Colorado. Undoubtedly, river rafting is one of the most popular pastimes of the people in Colorado and across the world. One can experience ultimate River Rafting in some of the greatest rivers of Colorado like Arkansas River, the Colorado River, and the Dolores River.

These rivers consist of several beautiful and famous sites including Royal Gorge and Big Horn Sheep Canyon. One of the most wonderful spot for Colorado River rafting is the Dolores River. This river is a 250-miles long tributary of the Colorado River. Running through the states of Colorado and Utah, Dolores River has Ponderosa Gorge that offers great rafting options. Dolores River is also known to be the most scenic parts of the country.

If we talk about the Colorado River then river rafting in about 1500 miles river is indeed a wonderful experience. Colorado River is known to be one of the most beautiful rivers of the world. Some of the wonderful sites present at the Colorado River include Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. One can see indefinite river rafting tours on the Colorado River.

People who have done river rafting on the Colorado River never forget their experience and remember it for the lifetime. There are many companies in Colorado and elsewhere which host Colorado River rafting tours, for the beginners or for professionals. In case you do not have any prior experience in river rafting then Colorado River rafting tour can provide you guidance regarding the rafting techniques and skills. However if you have good experience as a river rafter then you can also enhance your rafting adventure by taking a tour in Colorado. Colorado River rafting tours are generally of half-day or full-day trips, and one can find extended river rafting trips in Colorado. Some adventures last for even five days.

People love to try Colorado River rafting as this place is considered the hub of rafting sports. Every individual has his own reason behind going for river rafting.

Many people have misconceptions about river rafting that it is a difficult sport to get into. However, provided good training and guidance this sport can make you enjoy and thrilled with fun.  There are many companies that provide important and relevant information about Colorado River Rafting including www.realadventures.com.

We are the thrill providers. If you enjoy the rush of fear from a horror movie! If you enjoy the thrill of mountain biking or running… that rush of exhilaration, whitewater rafting is another way to get it. If you enjoy mountain climbing it has a rush of adrenaline. If you enjoy skiing your getting adrenaline rushes. With Colorado River rafting you are getting those rushes every second as the water changes your movement and your mind adjusts to the roller coaster ride sliding you through the water’s path.

Have you ever experienced whitewater rafting anywhere? If you have experienced Colorado River Rafting or whitewater rafting anywhere in the world we are looking for your stories to publish in blogs. We want the raw experience that can only be told by you from you and your group. How long you were in the water. Where you were. Who you were outfitting with. What was the memory of thrill after thrill.

I can remember my first time experiencing the ride that seems like yesterday as we were a raft of 4 thrown down the whitewater blasting against rocks, over rocks, past rocks… through waterfalls. At points it was like looking over the top of nothing like on a roller coaster looking out as you are on top of the climb before you can see the track and all you can see is open sky and you know you are about to drop. That feeling of adrenaline in your mind flowing into your head, throat, chest, and stomach reacting with your whole body of controlled bottled fear about to explode into an experience of exhilaration. You start going down the drop and you finally see a track of water and your gushing down shot fast as you free-fall with the water running into a flat plane of water dropping fifty feet … what a rush and experience! Reply your experience to this article about your memories of exhilaration in Colorado River rafting or any whitewater trip around the world you have experienced. You may win a trip for your entry of your memorable ride!

Someone asked us this question in their search for rafts. “I am looking for advice on the purchase of a cataraft or maybe a raft, but not sure if its ideal or not?? Does anyone have any input on cats or rafts??  Answer: Cats are for maneuverability-small loads and is ideal for whitewater rafting and fishing.  A raft is for large loads and more people so it is up to your trip details that determine a cat or a raft.

Cats are far more maneuverable than self bailers but carry less weight. They’re the sports cars of a Breckenridge Rafting trip. And like sports cars, they carry fewer passengers, but provide a lot of fun for the driver. If you’re new to rafting, you would be well advised to consider buying a cataraft as your first raft. Their maneuverability will help you recover when you misjudge a rapid, and of course they are just plain fun. When you plan a Breckenridge Rafting trip, a cataraft is the ideal raft for a day trip. And cats are also ideal for high water or extreme multi-day trips when each participant will row their own raft. There is a unique description to know when sizes of cats are discussed. Sizes of catarafts are described as pairs of dimensions separated by “X”, like “12X20″, “16X24″. The first number is the length in feet, and the second number is the diameter of the pontoons in inches. So a cat that is 12X20 is 12 feet long with pontoons or “tubes” as they are referred to that are 20 inches in diameter.

Rafting is one of the earliest means of transportation, used as a means for shipping people, hunting, and transferring food. Now it is one of our forms of outdoor adventure and entertainment. Rafts were originally the simplest form of man’s transportation in water and were then made of several logs, planks or reeds which were fastened together. Nowadays, inflatable boats are used as rafts. This type of boat has been adopted by the military for beach assaults. It consists of very durable, multi-layered rubberized or vinyl fabrics with several independent air chambers. Colorado whitewater rafting should be thankful to the military for their utilization of the multi-chamber raft to prevent deflation. Many chambers prevented the whole raft from losing its pressure to stay afloat. So now you have the history of whitewater rafting beginning. If you can answer a tough question as to who has on record the first outdoor escape to rent these rafts on whitewater you know the beginning of the whitewater rafting trend that set many a company on the rivers around the world to have an outdoor activity like Colorado whitewater rafting for fun and exploration. Just to name a short list of whitewater rafting opportunities from around the world for top spots to rush through a river is in Colorado and one is Breckenridge Rafting. There are different types of whitewater rafting so choose wisely. Here they are for an education in whitewater rafting…

Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)

Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require maneuvering.(Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)

Class 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering.(Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills)

Class 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)

Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)

Class 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous as to be effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, and/or substantial drops that will impart severe impacts beyond the structural capacities and impact ratings of almost all Colorado whitewater rafting equipment. Traveling a Class 6 rapid has a dramatically increased likelihood of ending in serious injury or death compared to lesser classes. (Skill Level: Successful completion of a Class 6 rapid without serious injury or death is widely considered to be a matter of great luck or extreme skill)