Is rafting dangerous?

Vademecum of safe rafting

“Is rafting dangerous?"...is the most common question people ask us when they ask about the sport. The answer is simple. If you are not prepared, if the equipment is inadequate, if the guides are inexperienced,...if you have been drinking or taking anything else before the descent, "Yes it is dangerous!"Searching on the Internet for 'rafting in Italy or similar', at least 30 different sites come up and apparently all offer the same thing. How to untangle this maze of information and what to look for? Although I am the director of a rafting centre, I would like to write this post super partes. I would like it to be a small Vademecum of safe raftingwhere things to look for and to know about rafting with a smile are indicated.

Check that it is a centre recognised by the F.I.Raft.

F.I.Raft., the Italian Rafting Federation, has been working since 1987 to make the sport of rafting accessible to all. It is officially recognised by the F.I.C.K. (Italian Canoe and Kayak Federation) and from the C.O.N.I. (Italian National Olympic Committee). All F.I.Raft. guides are brought up through the same training process, which lasts a minimum of two to five years. Each guide must participate in mandatory updates. The training includes technical modules, modules of river rescue and a strong emphasis is placed on interpersonal skills and the management of groups and situations under stress. The F.I.Raft. is the only Italian body that provides for the assessment, training and issuing of qualifications and patents for rafting guides and instructors.

√ Check that it is a centre recognised by the F.I.Raft. 

 2) Guides should always be a minimum of two.

It can be two guides on the same raft, on two different rafts, or a raft and a safety kayak preceding the dinghy. On F.I.Raft technical regulations you will find the details. This also applies to other river activities, such as canyoning. If you are going down with a raft and a solo guide ask (and ask) yourself some questions.

√ Check that there are two guides

 3) Check the school's experience.

How long have you been operating, what experience do the guides have. Are they in the river 12 months of the year following the seasons around the world or only on summer weekends in Italy? Do they participate in, organise expeditions, international in other continents? Himalayas, Patagonia, Africa, Australia... Ask, they have to convince you!

√ Check the experience of those accompanying you.

4) The equipment must be TOP!

Even if you're not an insider, it's easy to tell the difference between a new or well-maintained dinghy and a sun-faded one with patches of various colours; just as it's easy to recognise if you've been given patched, discoloured wetsuits and boots and jackets with neoprene that looks like cardboard... Helmets and life jackets must be in accordance with (CE) standards and must all be adjustable and fit perfectly to your size. If you see well-maintained, hung, tidy, even a bit manicured equipment, it often means order and method even in the river...= safety.

√ Check that the equipment is TOP!

 5) It costs more...

Being able to offer security, good guides, top material and experience comes at a cost. Today it is no longer a secret, comparing prices is easy! If an operator has a higher price, there is often a reason, especially if they have been on the 'market' for many years.

If you think you are choosing a school because it costs less, stop for a moment.

Many operators offer discounts at well below market prices with offers, coupons and other forms of discounts.

 6) Efficient secretariat

A secretariat that responds immediately to emails, finds solutions for what you are looking for, gives unambiguous, clear and timely information is definitely a guarantee of a well-organised service. If it is well organised outside, there is a good chance it will be well organised in the river too!

√ An efficient secretariat is often synonymous with organisation also in the river = security

I hope this helps you to practice rafting intelligently and consciously.

See you in the River!

 Good descent