Whitewater rafting is an activity to explore the flow of the river, using specific vehicle. Definition of vehicle in river rafting is equipment that consists of inflatable boats, kayaks, canoes and paddles. The purpose rafting can be seen from the side of sport, recreation and expedition. So thus we can define that sport Rafting (Bali Rafting) is a wading river rafting sports, with the use of rubber boats, kayaks, canoes and paddle with recreational purposes or expedition.
Rafting as sports groups, rely heavily on the overall cohesiveness of the team. Integrated cooperation and understanding in-depth inter-crew boat, it can be said as the main factors that support success through various obstacles in the river. Undeniable that rafting is a sport full of risk (high risk sports). However, each person is able to do it – as long as he is in a state of “good”; both in terms of technical understanding, the ability to read terrain cognitively, and physically and mentally healthy.
So, whitewater rafting is a sport that requires skill. For that desperately need time to develop. Progression towards achieving the ability of the prime, is possible only if willing to study the properties of the river, and are willing to train yourself in the place. Unless the need to develop knowledge about the properties of the river, must also practice the paddle, paddle in the river. The implication need to develop physical skills, in order to always achieve optimum conditions. Another thing to remember, is to practice ways of dealing with emergencies on the river. It is important to train the readiness, ability and confidence, when it must deal with it.
According to the American Whitewater Affiliation’s (AWA), there are six classes based on degree of difficulty of the river seen from the large-small cascade.
Class I, is easy. Water flow fast with a small cascade. There is a hitch here and there, but in principle easily be forded with a little practice.
Class II, novice. There is little cascade as well as a wide hallway and straight. At certain places required maneuvers, but a small cascade and rocks up easily traversed by well-trained rowers.
Class III, intermediate. Cascade flow with moderate and irregular which may be difficult to avoid. Water that could flood the boat going. Since must perform a complex maneuver in the swift current, need to control the ship by
rowers qualified. Large waves and waves of rapids could arise, but can be avoided. Examples of this class is the Ayung River in Bali and Citarik in Sukabumi, West Java, although there is a judge going to class III plus.
Class IV, advanced. Beriam very quickly with holes and rocks, but his behavior is predictable. Special control is needed especially in the whirlpool. Maneuver is done very quickly, and passengers must be prepared under pressure. Examples for this class is Sa’dang River in South Sulawesi.
Class V, expert. This river has long rapids and large waves and holes that can not be avoided. River class is very risky for dibisniskan. “If it was allowed, its equipment must be completely safe for passengers,” added Lody.
Class VI, is the highest grade, extreme. Very dangerous and rescue teams should be prepared. This class is specifically for only truly expert. Article by Rafting in Bali, the most challenging adventure in Bali.