Riverboarding
Why not challenge yourself with safe and fun things? Let me tell you about one of the most enjoyable “extreme sports” I have ever guided.
What is River Boading about?
It is a fun water activity where the participants lies on the boards with fins on their feet for propulsion and turns, going downstream on rivers. This sport is also known as hydrospeed in Europe and white-water sledging in New Zealand.The modality is believed to be started in the late 70s in France and was quickly spread out in different continents in the world. Due to media exposure, it has grown fast in North America.
The equipment
Despite of the river boards provide excellent buoyancy, Personal Flotation Devices (lifejackets) is also recommended for extra flotation. Fins are essential to easily move on negative current; shin pads and helmets are important on shallow rivers for protection from possible impacts on objects such as rocks and branches as examples. Wetsuits are relevant in terms of cold-water rivers.
River boarding around the world
According to a research on google, several companies operate riverboarding or sledging excursions in New Zealand near Queenstown, Wanaka, and Rotorua. Several companies also operate guided riverboard trips in the United States near Missoula, Montana; Sacramento, California; Bend, Oregon, and eastern Tennessee. In South America, river boarding is popular on the Rio Fonce in San Gil, Colombia. One company based in Voss, Norway, offers riverboarding in several rivers in the area. In Europe the Soca river in Slovenia is a notable location with more extreme options available for more experienced riders. In Canada, the Lachine rapids, on the Saint-Lawrence river near Montreal, boarding is also offered.Â
Curiosity
The American Mike McVey currently holds the record for the tallest waterfall riverboarded with his descent of the 31-meters (101 ft) tall Metlako falls on Eagle Creek in Oregon. Mike Horn previously held the record for the tallest waterfall riverboarded with his descent of a 22-meter (72 ft) tall waterfall on the upper reaches of the Pacuare River at Costa Rica.
River boarding in Australia
A commercial riverboarding operation commenced on the Tully River in Queensland, Australia, in 2014 and later at Barron River â Cairns. Nowadays, the only company which runs commercial trips in Down Under Land is called Rapid Boarders, part of Cairns Canyoning PTY settled in Cairns FNQ and there are two trips in different locations. The half day trip is at Barron River, about 30 minutes from Cairns CBD and a full day trip is at Tully river, nearby Mission Beach Village, 2 hours south of Cairns CBD.
Why should you try it?
The trips both, provide beautifully views deep in the valleys. The sensation of drifting the board downstream into the rapids, around rocks is indescribable. If you have a good sense of adventure, you must try surfing into hydraulics which is basically a hole where any floating device can stay in. Sometimes, people end up upside down while surfing. Creatures such as birds, freshwater turtles and eels, are often shown in these environments.
Is it safe?
Totally! All guides in adventure industry have high qualifications and skills, such as white-water rescue, remote area first aid certificates, been able to provide the right amount of adrenaline for different skilled people by teaching how to manoeuvre boards and covering all potential hazards. Moreover, safe gear such as Fluid Anvil River Boards, Helmets, Lifejackets, Knees and Shin Guards, Wetsuits and Fins are provided.
Who can participate on these trips?
Families, friends or anybody over 12 years of age due to Australian regulations, presenting minimum swimming ability, some fitness level to be able to carry your own equipment in and out of rainforest river and, desire of fun day.
Are you ready for it?
You can find more information on the following websites.
MĂĄrcio Garbuio