::HOW
TO GET STARTED::
A minimum of three
persons is needed to stabilize a raft and two
professional, certified rafters always accompany
each group. The best time to raft is after the
rains when the water level rises and there are
some good rapids.
The rafting expeditions
usually take between 45 minutes to two hours depending
on the water level. Paddles, life jackets, safety
helmets, waterproof bags, life- lines, first aid
kits and rescue bags are all provided. The rafter
only needs comfortable clothing which does not
hinder movement.
::SEASONS::
The dry season is
a good time for rafting novices to get acquainted
with the sport without having to fight the currents.
Smaller rafts are
used in the dry season. Only the Padas River in
Sabah is recommended during the dry months, as
the water level is too low for rafting on the
Kiulu River.
East Malaysia usually
records high amounts of rainfall during the wet
season and for more skilled rafters, this is a
good time to ride the rapids as the rivers swell
and the current becomes more powerful.
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All
rafters will be given a safety briefing
before the ride and will be shown
basic backward and forward paddling
techniques. Always check that the
helmets and life jackets provided
fit you well and are not too tight
or too loose.
Your
life jacket will buoy you in the eventuality
of the raft overturning. If you've
overturned close to the river bank,
don't use your raft paddle, as you
may hit someone else. Do not attempt
to use the paddle as a lever against
rocks as you getting hit by it.
The
following are some points to remember:
- Bring
a change of clothes. A warm-up jacket
is also a good idea.
- Wear
well-fitting shoes or diving booties.
- Jewelry
which cannot be secured firmly should
not be worn while rafting.
- Those
wearing glasses are reminded to
use an elastic sports holder to
anchor their spectacles.
- Contact
lens users are advised to wear spectacles
instead, in order to cut down the
risk of their lenses getting contaminated
by river water.
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Pictures
and Information courtesy of Tourism Malaysia.
All information contained herein is correct at time of
production.
Tourism Malaysia and malaysiahotels.com.my cannot be held responsible
for any inaccuracy, ommission or alteration that may occur. |
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Water Rafting
