There's nothing like a day on the water to make a person feel both invigorated and tranquil at the same time. After a day of whitewater rafting, there is the satisfaction of cheating almost certain death against the rapids. A slow, gentle kayak Harpeth River leaves a person feeling refreshed in a different way. Gentle exercise, sunshine and being at one with nature leave you a whole new person.
The build-up begins immediately after booking the trip. Preparing for a day on the river is almost as much fun as experiencing it. Planning what you are going to wear is important. If the weather is going to be cold, then a wetsuit may be in order. If the weather is fine, then it's shorts and a t-shirt. Don't forget to take a sweatshirt or kagool with you. You have to plan for after the adventure, as well. This may mean a long hike back to your take-in point.
Planning lunch will keep you occupied on the long days and nights waiting for the real adventure to begin. You can plan on burning lots and lots of calories, and it is in everyone's best interest for you to keep yourself fueled up, especially if you are joining an excursion with other people who are going to be paddling in the same boat as you. Take lots of sandwiches, potato salad, candy bars and trail mix. The Devil's Kitchen isn't going to shoot itself!
It is a good idea to take a thermos full of your favorite hot drink. You will most certainly get wet, and it can be cold on the water. Most rivers are the remnants of what once carved out canyons. Cold air sinks, and you will be at the bottom of that canyon.
Don't take anything with you that you are not prepared to leave behind. If you are going on an organized trip with experienced guides, they will do their best to make sure you do not all end up tipped out into the water. This means watches, mobile phones, credit cards; leave them all in the glove box of your car with the alarm set. Nothing is certain in this world, and keeping dry on a rafting trip is one of those things.
Take sunglasses, but not your good ones. If it is a sunny day, the glare on the water will be unbearable. If you really must wear prescription lenses, make sure you can secure them on your head with a hat, scarf or one of those devices designed for the purpose.
When your guide tells you to put on a helmet and life jacket, please do so. People do fall out of boats and these objects can save a life. If you do fall out of the boat, aim your feet first so that if you encounter a rock, they find it first, instead of your head.
After the ride, you will feel amazing. You probably won't be able to stop talking. This is great, because you and your companions will want to start planning your next trip right away.
The build-up begins immediately after booking the trip. Preparing for a day on the river is almost as much fun as experiencing it. Planning what you are going to wear is important. If the weather is going to be cold, then a wetsuit may be in order. If the weather is fine, then it's shorts and a t-shirt. Don't forget to take a sweatshirt or kagool with you. You have to plan for after the adventure, as well. This may mean a long hike back to your take-in point.
Planning lunch will keep you occupied on the long days and nights waiting for the real adventure to begin. You can plan on burning lots and lots of calories, and it is in everyone's best interest for you to keep yourself fueled up, especially if you are joining an excursion with other people who are going to be paddling in the same boat as you. Take lots of sandwiches, potato salad, candy bars and trail mix. The Devil's Kitchen isn't going to shoot itself!
It is a good idea to take a thermos full of your favorite hot drink. You will most certainly get wet, and it can be cold on the water. Most rivers are the remnants of what once carved out canyons. Cold air sinks, and you will be at the bottom of that canyon.
Don't take anything with you that you are not prepared to leave behind. If you are going on an organized trip with experienced guides, they will do their best to make sure you do not all end up tipped out into the water. This means watches, mobile phones, credit cards; leave them all in the glove box of your car with the alarm set. Nothing is certain in this world, and keeping dry on a rafting trip is one of those things.
Take sunglasses, but not your good ones. If it is a sunny day, the glare on the water will be unbearable. If you really must wear prescription lenses, make sure you can secure them on your head with a hat, scarf or one of those devices designed for the purpose.
When your guide tells you to put on a helmet and life jacket, please do so. People do fall out of boats and these objects can save a life. If you do fall out of the boat, aim your feet first so that if you encounter a rock, they find it first, instead of your head.
After the ride, you will feel amazing. You probably won't be able to stop talking. This is great, because you and your companions will want to start planning your next trip right away.
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