Wet and Wild in the Philippines

For tourists in love with water adventures, the Philippines is a perfect destination. Its more than 7,100 islands surrounded by many bodies of water make sure that lovers of water sports and activities can still enjoy their favorites. Tourists in the Philippines should be happy to know that these are now offered in the country and may be experienced the way they should be – with utmost fun, fun, fun!

One popular activity perfect for group and family bonding is whitewater rafting.

Whitewater Rafting, anyone?

Whitewater rafting, or simply rafting, is one of the more adrenaline-rushing water sports. It is a challenging recreational outdoor activity or leisure sport that became known in the '70s. Its main feature or requirement is a large inflatable raft (ergo, “rafting”) meant to navigate rivers and other bodies of water until they reach an intended destination. It carries individuals or, mostly, groups over various degrees of rough water. The sole purpose? For the whole thrill of it, of course!

Rafting excites even the most passive of souls. They bounce, tumble over each other at times, and the lucky passenger gets to be thrown overboard by the impact of raft on water (though luck depends on how the passenger exactly perceives the experience). Guests do team up in the rafts and are assisted by at least one guide. Everyone paddles, no exemptions and according to instructions given during the requisite short training talks pre-rafting. No one is expected to be a professional at it and is therefore considered a novice. An adult, then, could be as new to it as a kid. Companies do have specific trips designed to suit kids.

Rafting is one of the most exciting outdoor activities, a great way to share weekend excursions with friends and loved ones. Not just a wonderful adventure, it is also a great conversation topic as most people who have experienced whitewater rafting certainly have lots of stories to reminisce on or tell other friends about.

And, oh, one can also get a thrill from nature as well. There are often great views of the sceneries to be gotten from a river ride. This maybe enjoyed as the raft passes calm stretches. Passengers, especially families, may also opt instead for calm river floats rather than the seemingly fast and perilous “white water.” No need to be thrown overboard as well as guests may sometimes be allowed to dip into water as they float along.

There is one major requirement, though: that passengers know how to swim.

What to Expect on a Rafting Adventure

(a) More time should be alloted for it, from half-day trips to overnight adventures. For one, passengers will have to take shuttle bus rides to get to the wooded areas with limited road access. The ride may take longer than expect. It should not be assumed that one can go home as early as he wants to. Besides, most who try rafting tend to want to try it again.

So passengers should visit the bathroom already before the trip, bring snacks and drinks to counter possible hunger on the way, and bring a towel and dry clothes.

(b) People will be wet. Nah. Soaked. So if that is in one's no-no list, then better sack any plans of pushing through with it. Getting wet is one sure thing that must be expected.

(c) It could be cold out there, regardless if it's in the middle of the summer month. It's water everywhere, not too mention that mountains are everywhere as well, adding to the cold breeze. It is advisable then to wear wetsuits, personal or rented. Advisable, too, are wool socks, polypropylene long underwear, windbreakers, and protective footwear.

(d) Oh, and there will be total exposure to the sun. No use hiding from it.

(e) The raft can probably only hold people, first aid kits and a cooler to keep the food in. Any thing that must be carried with them, the adventurers should be able to put and fit in their life jackets. Things will get wet and may even be lost (accidentally thrown off the raft) or damaged. It is better to pack light, so to speak.

(f) There will be a sure whitewater training before the rafting proper. This is for everyone's safety.
Where to Go for That Great Rafting Experience

The Philippines! That's where! The country has a lot of water to dip into and ride through. In fact, anywhere in the Philippines, all over the country – whether in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – one can surely find places that offer rafting, What's best about the Philippines is that it is a tropical country. It may get cold during rafting, but not as much as in countries where winter or melting snow may affect the temperature.

The sport started in the Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City, securing a spot for the city in the list of best places to go whitewater rafting in. Other known locations are in Davao and Sagada.

Some places to go to are the Chico River in the Kalinga Province, Quezon Province River, Ibulao River in Ifugao, Twin River in Apayao, Tibiao River in Antique, Calbiga River in Samar, White Rafting in Cagayan de Oro, Kabula River in Baungon, Bukidnon, and Davao River in Davao.

When it comes to the ultimate water sports experience, tourists should have the Philippines at the top of their destinations. Whether it is as exciting as the actual whitewater rafting or as calming as river floats, rest assured that this trip is one they will treasure for a lifetime.

Sources:
www.raftingphilippines.com
www.travelwithkids.about.com