| When you think about your next vacation, | | | | and experienced guides ensure all this excitement |
| chances are you picture a relaxing trip to a | | | | occurs within safe parameters. In addition to |
| tropical beach, a golf get away, or a visit to a | | | | family trips, this type of adventure trip is a unique |
| new city. But why not break away from the | | | | choice for a guys' weekend, a bachelor or |
| ordinary and try a new adventure? While at first | | | | bachelorette party, or a couple's retreat. |
| blush, whitewater rafting may seem daunting, the | | | | Whitewater Rafting Skill Levels |
| reality is that a rafting trip exists for all ages and | | | | Guided trips are available for every skill level. |
| skill levels. | | | | Rivers are classed or graded numerically so that |
| You may not even realize how easily you can try | | | | you can select an appropriate location for your |
| this adventure activity. Whitewater rafting is | | | | trip. |
| available throughout the United States. Wherever | | | | 1. Generally, beginners will want to look for a Class |
| you live, chances are there's a rafting destination | | | | I or II river. Class I rivers are the easiest and |
| close by. This kind of adventure is the perfect | | | | safest waterways, an ideal pick for families or |
| choice for a family vacation, a getaway with your | | | | brand new rafters. Class I rivers will allow you to |
| significant over, a bonding trip with friends, an | | | | break into the experience and learn basic skills, |
| opportunity for team building with co-workers, or | | | | while enjoying a pleasurable trip. |
| students on break. | | | | 2. Class II rivers are slightly more challenging, but |
| Add an Element of Thrill to Your Vacation | | | | still appropriate for a basic skill level. Class II rivers |
| Whitewater rafting offers an element of thrill | | | | will include a few simple rapids. After you have |
| often missing from traditional vacation options. | | | | honed, your rafting skills, you may graduate to |
| Though there are certainly dangerous elements | | | | Class III and IV rivers. |
| present, knowledgeable guides can introduce you | | | | 3. Class III rivers require an intermediate skill level |
| to the sport and lead you through the challenge. | | | | and may challenge you to navigate some rougher |
| Guided trips are the perfect way to "put your toe | | | | rapids and boulders. |
| in the water," so to speak. | | | | 4. Class IV ups the challenge a bit more and |
| If you are planning a family vacation, there are | | | | should be attempted only after you have acquired |
| numerous companies that offer family-friendly | | | | an advanced skill set. |
| trips. While there may be variable age limits | | | | 5. Should you fall in love with this sport, you may |
| depending on the company's practices, many | | | | eventually move on to Class V and VI rivers. |
| times even elementary age children can | | | | These rivers are expert level terrain. The water |
| participate is in these excursions. | | | | on these rivers is tough, and once you are |
| What better way to get the family out of its | | | | capable of navigating these rapids you have |
| element and foster the type of close connection | | | | reached the pinnacle of the sport. |
| that family vacations are designed to promote? | | | | So, the next time you are planning a vacation, |
| Whitewater rafting brings the family closer as you | | | | consider whitewater rafting. You never know |
| learn a new activity, feel the thrill of adventure, | | | | where a ride on the water may lead you. You |
| and test your limits. Of course, tour companies | | | | may just discover a new passion in life. |