White Water Rafting and Kayaking

There is nothing like the thrill of white water rafting to get your adrenaline pumping and your heart racing. It is also a great group experience and due to the amount of teamwork required it has been used for many team-building activities. Once you have been kitted out in all the required safety gear you will be let lose to tackle some of the UK's fastest natural white water rapids whilst taking in (if you get chance) some fantastic scenery! Negotiate around the rocks, sudden drops and powerful currents whilst shouting at the top of your voice over the deafening noise. Just be prepared to get very wet! If you fancy something a bit calmer then try a kayaking experience. Still great fun whilst at the same time being active, only it is much quieter!

All the below rafting and kayaking experiences begin with a group safety lesson normally held on dry land or in shallow water following the issuing of safety equipment such as life jackets, wetsuits and helmets.

You will be taught how to control the raft or kayak and what to do in the event of it capsizing. Regarding rafting, you will also learn how to react to and follow orders given by the instructor when out on the rapids.

Important information

Duration

These activities normally last around two to three hours depending on package and location.

Are spectators welcome

Most venues allow spectators to watch however views may be restricted the further you travel once on the water.

Are these experiences weather dependent?

Both rafting and kayaking can be affected by severe conditions. Please contact the venue prior to departing for your experience when in doubt.

All man made rapid activities can be cancelled at short notice due to local authorities. If you have booked a venue that uses man made rapids, please contact the venue a day or two before to check your experience will go ahead. If not it will be rearranged for another day.

Other information

Max weight limits apply, normally between fifteen and sixteen stone.

Age limits also apply and can vary dependent on activity and location. Under eighteens may need to be joined by a paying adult.

Rafting activities will include up to eight others in the raft once out on the water. If you have purchased an experience for one or two people then other participants will take the other places. Kayaking is normally one person per kayak, although others will be present on the day. Some kayaks may be designed for two people, and again if you have bought an activity for one then another participant will take the other place.

Please note for rafting glasses are not permitted due to the nature of the activity. Contact lenses are allowed however must be worn at your own risk in case lost.

Although no experience is required, all participants must be confident in the water, in good health and able to climb and fit into the rafts and kayaks. Buoyancy aids will be provided.

You must take your own swimwear, towels and a change of dry clothes.

Rafting activities usually begin at the start of the spring season until late autumn. They may not be suitable for anyone who has suffered skeletal or respiratory problems or who are pregnant.

“ Had an excellent day out, everything about the experience was great. It was challenging but good fun. The instructors were great and everyone got along. Managed to stay dry until the very end then all of a sudden our raft dropped, I felt my stomach go up and the result was a very big splash! A lot better than theme park rapids! ”

Tom Bannister - White Water Rafting Adventure, Redletterdays.co.uk

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