What Makes Rafting Through the Arizona Mountains an Unforgettable Experience?

Arizona is such a huge place where you can discover a lot of attraction sites and natural wonders. More importantly, it is also a place where you can find strong rapids to do rafting. The place is home to White Mountains, which is the second highest peak within the state. The long range of mountain is dotted with streams and lakes where you can try different activities such as fishing, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and, yes, rafting.    

Rafting through the mountains is undeniably a must-try activity because it will give you an experience that you will never forget. Here is a short list of the reasons why: 

Availability of Rafting Options

You may not have experienced rafting yet but is very eager to try it. However, you may have concerns like the high level of difficulty of the activity. Well, you don’t have to worry because there are other options that are highly recommended for first-timers. One of the options is kayaking, which can be done in parts of the river that don’t have strong currents. Another option is motor rafting, which does not require rafters to exert effort in paddling just to keep the boat moving. For rafters who have already experienced handling strong currents, they can bravely do the oar rafting or paddle rafting.  

With kayaking or boating, you can have all the time to enjoy all of the beauty around you. On the other hand, you can enjoy the force of nature when you choose to do paddle rafting. Challenging the strong rush and flow of rapids is such an amazing experience. 

Rare Beauty and Wonder 

Though the rapids are what matter when it comes to rafting, there is still a huge difference when you do the activity in a place that offers out of this world beauty. The towering and literally grand canyon alone is enough to make you feel like you are in another world. Being able to raft through the Arizona Mountains and canyon will make you feel like you are far stronger than those who have not tried rafting yet. After every rafting trip, you can just enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the setting sun as almost everything around you turns into different shades of orange and red.  

Aside from these, you can also try camping and experience the spectacular beauty of the sky during night time. Rafting during the day and camping during the night is definitely going to be an unforgettable experience.

Also read my previous post - Give the Gift of Adventure this Christmas

Give the Gift of Adventure this Christmas

It’s right about time to go shopping for Christmas gifts. It can really be tricky thinking of something to buy for family members and friends that they will surely like. Of course, there is always something to buy at the store, but if you are the kind of person who likes to give unique presents, then maybe you should consider another route.

Some people already seem to have all they need, or already have stuff accumulating in the closet. Therefore, giving them more clothes or things just does not make sense. There are also people who love being outdoors, who have the spirit of adventure. These are people who value experiences more than physical items. If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for someone like this, then why not buy him or her a certificate for a rafting trip this year?

Why would anyone consider giving a certificate?

1. It Will Be More Memorable

Although material things do make us happy, no one will remember that shirt that you gave them after a few years, even if they did love it at the time. However, a first-time rafting experience will be remembered for the rest of the life. So if you want a gift that will be enjoyed and be etched in their memory for a long time after, then this might be the perfect option for you.

2. They Might Never Buy It For Themselves

Most people tend to save money instead of splurging on traveling and other adventures, preferring to save their money or buy other things they need or want at this time. Therefore, you are sure that your gift is unique and that they do not have it nor will possibly buy it for themselves anytime soon. At the same time, if one of their goals was to actually do try whitewater rafting at least once in their lives, then you have also managed to make one of their dreams come true!

3. You Can Enjoy It Together

Some people would like to try out something but don’t know anyone who will go with them willingly (and pay for it themselves). Therefore, you can buy a gift certificate for the two of you to enjoy together, and have the time of your lives! Again, if experience is such a valuable gift, then why not pamper yourselves as well? Not only can you have fun together, but you can build memories as a couple or family that you will cherish forever.

In fact, buying a gift certificate might not end up costing you much more than an expensive watch or even gadgets. But in terms of worth, you might give what is definitely the most special and exhilarating gift they have ever received!

Also read my previous post - Fun Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Trips 

Fun Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Thinking about the Advantage Grand Canyon rafting trips and what they have to offer? Do you want to participate in one of these trips and have the time of your life? Well, this is the number one choice to go with if that is the case. Let's take a glance at why this is the way to go.

Beautiful Sights

The sights that are present will matter a lot to those who are hoping to have a good time. You want to be able to enjoy the sights and you will on this great trip. You are going to see the Grand Canyon from all angles and that is what it is all about.


Proper Arrangements

The arrangements are going to matter to those who are looking to get things into place in an organized manner. You will not want to be left stranded in a poor situation where you are not going to know what to do and how to do it. This is when you will be able to meet the organizers of this trip and ensure things are going ahead as needed.

It is this professionalism that will let you get the most out of the trip and what it has to offer.

Excellent Accommodations

These trips are all about enjoying the sights and being able to remember the good moments for a long time to come. You don't want to stay in a location where everything is untidy, and you are not able to have as much fun as you would like. This is the number one option for those who want to get a great solution and want to have a good time at the same time.

These are the accommodations you are going to crave when you are going for a trip.

When it comes to these Advantage Grand Canyon rafting trips, you are not going to find a better solution. You are going to meet people who are knowledgeable and are going to show you around. They will give you the ins and outs of this experience as much as possible.

It does not get better than this for those who want quality and want to have fun. You are going to soak in everything and enjoy it for a long time to come. This is what a rafting trip is all about. Why go anywhere else when you can come to this location?

Also read my previous post - A Summary Of Whitewater Rafting Vs Kayaking

A Summary Of Whitewater Rafting Vs Kayaking

If you would like to take a trip down a local river, you may have to choose between the option of rafting or kayaking. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but in reality, they are very different and require different skills to be proficient. Either one of these will allow you to experience how it feels to go down the river, even if you are heading Whitewater rapids. The following information will give you a basic overview of how each of them differs, how they work, finally clearing up the difference between Whitewater rafting vs kayaking.

What Is Rafting?

Rafting is an outdoor activity, one that is typically conducted in what is called an inflatable raft. It is usually done in waters that are somewhat rough, although participants may opt for a calm river which is done basically for sightseeing. There are often more than one person in a raft, usually a group of four or more. Those that do Whitewater rafting will participate in areas that are divided up into classes scaled from 1 to 6. A class one rafting trip will be the easiest, and class 6 are considered to be the most dangerous. This is much more different than kayaking, though you will still achieve the same objective.

What Is Kayaking?

Kayaking is a sport that is very similar to canoeing, something that was created by the  Inuit or Eskimos. It made it very easy for them to go out on the water fishing which is how they were able to survive, and it has since become a sport that many people enjoy. The main difference between canoeing and kayaking is that with a kayak, your legs are situated directly in front of you, with you inside a very small flotation device. A canoe can actually hold more than one person, whereas a kayak typically is designed for one with a closed deck.

Whitewater Rafting Vs Kayaking

The main difference between the two of these has to do with the flotation device and the number of people in each one. Whitewater rafting typically has multiple people in a rubber inflatable raft, whereas kayaking involves one or two people that are in a fiberglass boat that is propelled by a double bladed. Otherwise, the sports are very similar, although a person on a kayak has a lot more maneuverability. They can actually go underwater and come back up, and also spin backwards, making it much more fun for those that are adventurous on the Whitewater rapids.

Now that you know the difference between the two, you can find a rental company, or one that can give you tours, so that you can go out on one of your favorite rivers that you have wanted to see. It's a great way to experience scenery around you, especially down a beautiful river on either a raft or kayak.

A Closer Look at Whitewater Rafts for Your Grand Canyon Adventures

One of the most important equipment you will ever require whenever you go on a Grand Canyon adventure is the whitewater raft. However, just as there are different kinds of cars for different purposes, there are also a variety of whitewater rafts depending on the kind of Grand Canyon adventures you want to experience. Here’s a look at some of them.

• Kayak - This whitewater raft is preferred by extreme athletes who want to really shoot the rapids. It is also the most famous of all whitewater rafts. Its highly streamlined body allows it to slice through water and is primarily designed for speed. Its lightweight construction also allow excellent maneuverability and stability even in very turbulent waters. Unfortunately, if you are just a beginner, this is not the raft for you.

• Canoe - Many confuse a canoe for a kayak. The canoe typically resembles a boat but with the shape and some of the characteristics of a kayak. These are excellent for whitewater rafters who want to explore the calmer waters of the Grand Canyon. While lightweight, it is quite tricky to return to its normal upright position once overturned. The kayak, on the other hand, is very easy to correct.

• Rafts - These whitewater rafts are the mainstay of most Grand Canyon adventure trips as it can hold up to 10 people at a time. These can be motorized or non-motorized. These are flat-bottomed providing excellent stability at the expense of maneuverability, however. Rafts are made of high-strength and highly durable fabric that has been duly coated with industrial grade neoprene, urethane, and PVC. There are rafts that are powered by oars and there are those that require paddles. Oars are connected to the side of the raft while paddlers are freely-held by the rafters. There is another type of inflatable raft that combines the use of oars and a paddle. The whitewater river guide is the one who holds the paddle while the passengers take charge of the oars.

• Catarafts- A cross between a raft and two kayaks, with the latter forming a pontoon for the raft. These are generally used in calmer waters as it is quite difficult to maneuver. It is excellent for people who don’t are only there for the ride and don’t want to break a sweat paddling the cataraft. An oarsman is the one who steers and propels the craft on the water.

• Dory - The dory is technically not classified as a whitewater raft but its maneuverability make it an ideal raft to navigate turbulent waters in rivers. Additionally, its load capacity allows it to be used for fishing in calmer waters to provide a variety of Grand Canyon adventures. Its tough hull makes it perfect for crashing through river obstacles and other water features.

• C1s - These whitewater rafts resemble a kayak except that, instead of you sitting, you will be kneeling to propel it across the water. These are typically longer than a kayak but definitely shorter than a canoe.

These are some of the most common whitewater rafts you can see and use on your Grand Canyon adventures. Regardless of your choice, you still have to take every safety precaution you can whenever you get into the river.

Understanding the Different Types of Rafting Boats

A rafting trip will not be complete without the correct rafting boat. There are many types of rafting boats often depending on the number of passengers, the skill level of the passenger, and the general purpose of taking a rafting trip. Here are some of the different types of rafting boats you just might encounter in your rafting trip.

• Motorized Rafts – These types of rafts are attached with an outboard motor for ease of navigation along whitewater rivers. These are perfect for individuals who may want to take a leisurely ride down the river without the need to paddle on their own.

• Oar-Powered Rafts – These are similar to motorized rafts except that they do not have an outboard motor. For propulsion, oars are attached to pivot connectors on the sides of the raft. Individual rafters use this to glide over water.

• Paddle-Powered Rafts – This type of rafting boat is similar to an oar-powered raft. The only difference is that the paddle is held by individual rafters as these are not permanent fixtures on the raft. Some individuals prefer a paddle than an oar because they can get to find a position on the raft that will be more convenient for them.

• Hybrid Rafts – This type of whitewater river rafting boat is a combination of a paddle-powered and an oar-powered raft. The individuals’ rafters will be using oars while the trip leader or river guide, some call as the helmsman, will be using the paddle in pretty much the same way as the helmsman of a ship steers the ship’s rudders. This allows the rafters to synchronize their rowing efforts while the river guide will be the one to drive or steer the craft.

• Catarafts – A combination of a pontoon or catamaran and a raft, catarafts provide one of the most stable platforms on the river. They often vary in length and capacity but generally not more than 5 individuals at a time. The best way to enjoy a cataraft is to take on a solo journey in the river.

                      

• Rigs – An oversized cataraft, the rig is essentially made up of two long and large pontoons with a large metal frame and platform between them. These types of rafting boats are the largest in the river and can easily accommodate up to 20 people at a time, some even up to 30. Because of its size, it is quite a challenge to maneuver. Nevertheless, it would be fun to have a party on board while cruising down the river.

• Ories – A dory is actually a boat with double hulls. Some would liken it to a canoe although the dory will have a shallower draft. Technically, a dory is not a raft but rather a boat. However, because it is highly maneuverable and can accommodate up to 4 people at a time, it is being increasingly used in whitewater rafting trips.

• Kayaks – These ultra-lightweight rafts can slice through rapids with the raw efficiency of a hot knife slicing through butter. They provide the most maneuverability and speed in any of the rafting boats mentioned in this list. However, they are only for one person; although there are 2-person kayaks but are relatively more expensive.

There are other types of rafting boats but these are generally the more common ones.