WEST VIRGINIA: THE MOUNTAIN
STATE
BY CLAY LARROY
Traveling is great personal interests because it will make a more open-minded
person when it comes to inter acting with people. It also made it easier to
understanding as to why people act the way they do in their own society and in
a society as diverse as the U.S. It has long been said that travels “broadens
the mind”. Now new evidence proves that jumping on a plane will not only make
you smarter, but more open-minded. When you need to
plan a vacation contact me!
Whitewater
River Rafting West Virginia
About
White Water Rafting and History
White
water rafting is an exhilarating sport which became popular in the 1970's and
became widely known as a form of adventurous recreation in the decades to
follow. Canoeing became a popular recreation in the earlier years which was
adopted from Native American Indians who used canoes and early types of kayaks
extensively for transportation, fishing and other necessities of daily life.
This form of transportation was not limited to North America, but has been
utilized by natives all over the world throughout history. Although canoes,
kayaks and rafts have been used in various practical ways for hundreds of
years, it is likely that none would have imagined the adrenalized form of
recreation that is popular today.
This
form of extreme rafting is significantly different from canoeing or common
river rafting, which involves gentle and relaxed excursions down peaceful
streams or rivers. White water is a term derived from roaring rapids which have
a characteristic white color from the air bubbles trapped under water which
moves at a steady and consistent speed. Typically white water rapids are formed
when the water from a river originates in a high elevation then quickly
descends to a lower elevation. This causes the water to churn and agitate as it
crashes into stony river beds and rock covered banks.
Where
most seeking relaxation and the serene sights and sounds of a gentle flowing
river when taking a canoe trip; white water rafting requires that an individual
be prepared both mentally and physically for an extremely challenging physical
adventure. Most who endeavor to embark on a white water journey will seek a
professional guide who provides instruction before and during the trip down the
river. Utilizing a professional guide and participating with a group in a white
water trip does reduce the risk of danger. However, this does not eliminate the
fact that white water rafting can be dangerous if one is not prepared for the
raging waters.
Class
of White Water Rapids
Several
classes of rapids exist throughout many diverse rivers and locations. The most
popular white waters are located in mountainous states and originate in higher
elevations. It is advisable that beginners to this extreme form of recreation
study and plan which grade or class of rapid they are willing to attempt prior
to their first white water trip.
Consider
the below list of white water classes and their characteristics
(especially
when planning your first white water rafting trip)
Grade/Class
- Experience Level - Characteristics
1 -
[Skill: Beginner Basic] Smaller rough rapids, require some subtle maneuvers.
2 -
[Skill: Basic Paddling] Rougher waters, could involve rocks, does require
ability to move around obstacles.
3 -
[Skill: Some Experience] small sized rolling waves and some white waters,
slight dangers but not significant. More experienced maneuvers.
4 -
[Skill: Experienced White water] Considerable Whitewater, possible rocks,
medium size waves, higher drops, quick harder moves.
5 -
[Skill: Advanced Experience] Fast White water, bigger waves, significant rocks,
strong flowing, hazardous drops, precision maneuvers.
6 -
[Skill: Extremely Lucky] Highly dangerous serious white water, massive powerful
waves, considerable chance of death or injury.
White
Water Rafting Vessels
Canoes
One
of the least used types of flotation methods for white water is the canoe.
Although used at times for lower class river waters, canoes are not designed
for impact against sharp rocks and jagged edges. Wood crafted canoes can be
very expensive and significant damage can be sustained against vessels of such
craftsmanship. Fiberglass and plastic synthetic material canoes though more
flexible and forgiving upon impact may still suffer breach in faster more
powerful waters.
Kayaks
Fast
and maneuverable kayaks are the boat of choice among professional rafters who
have little to no fear of raging water. Designed for usually no more than one
or two occupants, a kayak provides the ability to turn quickly and sharply in
fast moving waters. This smaller vessels though quick and agile they provide
little impact protection and are less forgiving when a mistake is made. Kayaks
can withstand considerable impacts since the weight is much less than a canoe
and they are made with synthetic material that is pliable and rigid.
Rafts
Inflatable
rafts are certainly the most used vessel of choice for navigating dangerous
white waters. The reason for this is likely the ability of inflatable rafts to
absorb considerable impacts when fast moving waters force the boat into jagged rock
lined river banks. Though these boats are much more difficult to maneuver, they
can carry several occupants who routinely work together to guide the vessel
through the raging waters. Inflatable rafts designed for whitewater are rugged
and durable and can be quite expensive. Larger sized rafts are commonly used by
whitewater river rafting guides who bravely host group tours down various class
river rapids.
Whitewater
River Rafting in West Virginia
Popular
white water rafting destinations exist all over the world. Nearly a world away
New Zealand is one location that is highly prized for beautiful mountain
scenery, fast rushing waters and voluminous mountain rivers. The western United
States offers many white water river excursions to thrill seeking tourists from
Idaho to the Colorado river and the famous Grand Canyon. However, these
destinations are often too far for many who live on the eastern coast of the
US, and many will not consider white water rafting simply because of the
necessity to travel so far for a white water vacation.
Hidden
in the eastern Allegheny mountain state of West Virginia are some of the best
whitewater rapids offered anywhere in the world. West Virginia is known for the
frequent flooding and powerful raging waters that can cause devastation to
little towns and villages along smaller streams and rivers. West Virginia is
filled with many high elevation mountain tops and ridges which disperse water
during the heavy volume rainfalls this region receives each year. The heaviest
rainfalls occur in spring and late fall prior to the change to the winter
season. Since all water must flow downhill, West Virginia has many locations
where the high mountains naturally drop in a steep grade and subsequently the
water flows rapidly to streams, creeks and rivers below. This creates many
conducive environments for fast moving white water rapids, especially during
the rainy seasons of the mountain state.
Two
river of notable mention located in the heart of West Virginia are the New
River and the Gauley River. Both of these rivers offer some of the most dynamic
white water excursions found anywhere. While the New River can provide lower
class beginner tours, the Gauley is for more advanced serious whitewater thrill
seekers. The Gauley with names such as Heaven's gate and Pure Screaming Hell
rapids certainly should give an idea of what to expect. The New River is a
little more forgiving while offering class 2 through class 5 rapids and a much
longer scenic path through the mountains of West Virginia. The New River also
has a unique characteristic of flowing northward as is attributed to the
elevation in which it begins and the lower altitude in which it ends.
West
Virginia Adventure Vacation Equipment Store
Adventure Vacation Equipment store that can provide all your adventure needs and most of your wants! Thousands of discount products to choose from at less than retail prices. Whitewater river rafting equipment, camping equipment, hiking, hunting, fishing supplies and camera equipment to record your adventures in High Definition Video or High Resolution Photography.
Store.ForestWander.Com
Adventure Vacation Equipment store that can provide all your adventure needs and most of your wants! Thousands of discount products to choose from at less than retail prices. Whitewater river rafting equipment, camping equipment, hiking, hunting, fishing supplies and camera equipment to record your adventures in High Definition Video or High Resolution Photography.
Store.ForestWander.Com
The sun doesn't always shine in West Virginia, but
the people do.
Richard Ojeda
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