Have you ever fallen out of a boat rafting? Riverboarding is the closest one can get to whitewater without swimming. Think maximum adrenaline – riding on your stomach inches above the water’s surface on a board magnifies the whole whitewater experience. Sounds dangerous? Looks can be deceiving; with the proper equipment and training one can safely experience whitewater at face level.
My addiction to riverboarding began with my very first trip. As I plunged into the first rapid and punched through a wall of water I was reminded of previous rafting trips. See I managed to fall out of the boat and experience the washing machine effect of a whitewater hydraulic. This was similar as I felt the tremendous power of the water but different; I was floating on top of this powerful force almost a part of it not underneath it. My heart was pounding yet a calm sense developed inside me as I approached the next rapid, this was awesome. That was eight years ago and each Spring/Summer I witness the same experience repeatedly as I teach people the sport of riverboarding.
How To
Rule number one is hold onto the board, nice and tight to your chest. The powerful force of rapids will pry the board away from your chest without a firm grip. Momentum also reduces the prying effect of rapids and is sustained by using a flutter or freestyle kick. Unlike rafting or kayaking, there is no paddle; instead fins provide control. So as you enter a rapid, keep your legs kicking, your chest tight to the board and your mouth closed (unless thirsty). If the board comes loose from your grip, swim after it, grab it and pull yourself back on top of it. The board is your friend, don’t let it go.
For turning, a breaststroke or frog kick with one leg works best with the board balanced in the water. This is rule number two keep the board flat. Tipping or leaning the board to one side is not an effective way of turning. Maintaining contact between the surface of the water and the bottom of the board will result in maximum control. If the board rocks to one side or the other; counterbalance this tipping motion by applying additional weight with the opposing forearm. Balancing the board and turning with fins comes with practice, a flat section of water is an ideal place to learn this technique. Most people master turning and balancing the board within a half hour of practicing. You’ll know you have mastered it once you can turn the board 90 degrees with just one kick.
The Gear
A helmet, pfd (personal flotation device), fins, booties and full body wetsuit with extra padding in the knees and lower leg are necessary. Thickness of the wetsuit will vary with water temperature; 4-5mm is adequate for most rivers. The most critical piece of equipment is the board. Boogie boards and body boards are not designed for hazards found in whitewater. They will break not to mention the abuse your body will suffer. Save yourself the pain and get a plastic style board, some people say they look like a kayak cut in half. For more information on this type of board see the Gear Section of Collegian T&A.
Where To Go
For starters, a Class II or mellow Class III section of whitewater is recommended for riverboarding. Typically whitewater parks offer such whitewater as the number of parks continues to increase across the country. Don’t confuse these parks with amusement parks. Whitewater parks are natural rivers and creeks with engineered stream and bank improvements resulting in consistent rapids. For a listing of whitewater parks and additional information visit www.ripboard.com.
If a park is not convenient, ask your local paddling shop for beginner kayak runs on rivers in your area. Unlike the long learning curve of kayaking, you can get started riverboarding today. For me and many others, riverboarding is an adrenaline pumping alternative to rafting or kayaking. |
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