by Natasha Jervis The Thrill of Your Life Whitewater rafting is a world-class sport, enjoyed by adrenaline junkies and beginners from all over the globe. Now primarily a recreational activity, whitewater rafting was, in the past, merely a means of transportation, a way to navigate watercraft through choppy terrain. With alternate transport now readily available, whitewater rafting is now the domain of thrill jockeys and adventure seekers. But while the sport may look intimidating to beginners, rafting can range from easy to difficult depending on the nature of the water and rapids. If you know the basics and you have a good guide, your first trip will be exciting enough to satisfy your thirst for adventure but not so dangerous that you'll be scared to go again.

Unlike some other adventure sports pursuits, like mountain biking or canoing, whitewater rafting requires that a professional or experienced rafter lead you through the learning process. Safety precautions differ from location to location, and only a guide will know the particular challenges for your rafting destination of choice. That said, there are some general tips and how-to's that apply to every beginning rafter's journey. Can You Handle It? Whitewater rafting isn't a pleasure cruise — it's a seriously powerful boat ride in rapid, often cold currents! This certainly isn't a sit-back-and-watch type of experience: your guide and fellow rafters depend on you, just as you do on them. They will need your energy for navigating, and so you cannot get lazy when the going gets tough. It's good that you know what you are getting yourself into beforehand, and that you come prepared to work. Troubled Waters? Water currents can be much quicker that they seem on the surface, and many rafting routes can be very unpredictable. Indeed,.most experienced whitewater rafters have had a run-in with strong currents that they didn't expect. Beginners must know that the water will travel at a very high speeds, and the current and waves can get rough. There is the looming possibility of jagged rocks, submerged branches and river detritus, and also the possibility that you might crash, or end up going into the water. Don't panic, though! Start off with easy trips, and know that millions have successfully navigated rapids before you. And remember, the element of danger is what makes whitewater rafting so exhilarating. When you finish a particularly difficult session or section, your hard work will be rewarded with life-affirming adrenaline — you will have courted danger and survived! Your professional guide will teach you everything you need to have an enjoyable, safe trip, from how to turn and lift your boat, to how to hold and position your paddle to avoid hazards. They will also teach you how to control your speed, how to stop, and what to do if you fall out of the raft (it does happen, and any good guide will prepare you with a course of action should you end up taking a swim.). A Guiding Force Usually when you book a trip with a rafting company, they will provide you with the gear you need: paddles or oars, wetsuits, helmets and lifejackets. The guide will also bring along a patch kit in the event of the raft being damaged, an air pump and a throw rope for when rafters go overboard. The guide should also have emergency and first aid equipment with them. As you will be relying so heavily on your guide for your first trip, make sure you check their credentials and qualifications. Ask friends, checkout online communities and read books by trusted whitewater rafting experts. Knowing what to do in the event of a serious emergency is extremely important and you want to make sure that your guide is teaching you the right techniques. Hot Spots in Cold Water So there's the scary bits – once you've informed yourself and know what you're getting into, you'll be ready to take on this exhilarating sport. Here are some great companies who cater to beginners. Colorado and Arizona River Rafting Adventure Vacations is a perfect beginner rafting getaway experience, specializing in tours of the Arkansas, Colorado, Dolores, Gunnison, and North Platte Rivers. Many trips require no previous experience in river rafting, and you will be taught safety precautions as well as rafting skills. With breathtaking scenery and a variety of destinations and skill levels to choose from, you'll be sure to find something you'll enjoy. Gaulley River in West Virginia is a great spot for beginners and those looking for spectacular views. You can enjoy some Class III-V rapids which are broken up by calm pools, meaning your trip will be exciting but jnot overly-strenuous. Trips also includes stops at some ghost towns, swimming and rock jumping along the river. Magpie River in Quebec, Canada is a famous spot for adrenaline junkies. This thrilling river can have you viewing grizzly bears and glaciers as your careen over rapids, offering a double hit of beauty and excitement. You'll begin your adventure by taking a float plane into Magpie Lake, before rafting pristine waters, flying around obstacles such as the 80 foot high Magpie Falls. Cherry Creek/Upper Tuolumne in California is a great destination for challenge- seekers and experienced rafters. Some people say it is the most challenging and difficult rafting run in the US! Beginners should try this one when they have experienced quite a few runs and feel confident in their skills.. This adventure will knock your socks off and you will encounter some of the biggest and strongest rapids around. Are you game?