After receiving a letter from Chris Jordan, the father of Emily Jordan, an English tourist who drowned in the Kawarau River in April 2008, the Prime Minister John Key ordered the review.

After a review exposed potentially fatal gaps, Labor Minister Kate Wilkinson said some adventure tourism operators were likely to be shut because of planned new safety checks. With no checks or controls, Ms Wilkinson said it was "scary" that adventure tourism companies could start up, and she warned that a compulsory register and mandatory safety tests were likely to see some closed or stopped from opening.

She said, "To be honest, if they're operating unsafely, they should be shut down until they can operate safely,"

Excluding white-water rafting and jetboating companies, all operators would need to be registered with a yet-to-be-created control body and submit a safety plan, said the report, which was released yesterday. Yet to be implemented is a rule covering jetboating, rafting and adventure aviation, but will cover safety requirements for these industries. A high variance in safety guidelines was found in the review and accepted practice industry wide.

It found under-reporting of accidents occurred and it also uncovered weaknesses in safety controls. A lack of any overall system to identify safety gaps was highlighted. The report found, new companies were able to start and operate below generally accepted safe practices, although developing safety systems was healthy and proactive.

Not every river and path is the same. Some rivers are certainly much more difficult to navigate than others. There are rivers that are more pleasant for beginners, and there are other rivers that are for those people that like to flirt with danger.
The rating of the difficulty of each river is graded from Class 1 rapids to Class 6 rapids. Class one rapids are considered to be just small disturbances in the water. A passenger of the raft may need to move the raft slightly to make the ride more pleasurable. Class 6 rapids are considered to be too dangerous to navigate in a reliable, safe manner. There will be rocks, waves, white water and falls in the path in a class 6 rapid.

The sport’s popularity has grown a lot since the mid-1970’s, when the sport really started to catch people’s attention. Though popularity grew in the 70’s and 80’s, the activity has been present for a long time. It was one of the first forms of transportation for people and food. In 1840’s the rubber river raft was invented by John Fremont to survey the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains.

Rafting has been included in the Olympics a few times in history, but has not been present at every Olympics through the years.

Thousands of tourists travel to New Zealand to water raft each year. The New Zealand Rafting Association (NZRA) was established in 1996 in order to promote the sport of water rafting. The association is made up of tour guide operators and afficcionados who specialize in this thrilling sport. The code of conduct that the New Zealand Rafting Association follows is endorsed by the New Zealand government. Thanks to government support, the country is known as having one of the highest standards for safe water rafting activities. The association conducts training workshops and rescue operations as well.

Water Rafting in New Zealand: Where to go?

Even though New Zealand is a relatively small country with a population of roughly 4.1 million, the areas for water rafting are numerous. Adventuous vacationers have a choice of Rangitikei, Shotover, Upper Buller Mohaka, Motu, Gowan and several others. Tourists are rarely disappointed by the beauty of the landscape and the variety of rivers and byways. If you enjoy incredible natural scenery, New Zealand has a sparkling breathtaking environment. From the fjords and mountains in the south island, to the native forests and white sands of the north, New Zealand has diverse, pristine and beautiful natural surroundings.

In the north, you can experience the Karamea and Buller rivers while the west has the Waiho and Arnold rivers. Both rivers offer superb rafting trips.

The truly adventurous traveller can sign up with tour operators who provide guided tours of a total of eleven rivers. In just over two weeks, all eleven rivers can be travelled, some so remote that you feel there is no one else on the island besides you and your travelling companions. White water entusiasts have spoken of one place which the natives call "Chinese dogleg". Other rafters experience blasting through a historical mining tunnel and then ending up in the rapids.

It is important to note that New Zealand has seven major regions: Auckland, Central Plateau, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Nelson/West Coast, Canterbury, Otago/Southland. These regions have water rafting facilities and they each have magnificent rivers and breathtaking panoramic views.

Water rafting in New Zealand is truly a sublime experience. The adventure sport turned national industry has become incredibly successful, mostly due to the amount of challenging and beautiful rivers and byways. Tim Alpe says that New Zealand is country known for its rapid and free flowing rivers, and the rapids come straight from the mountains. They snake their way through thick and lush forests and pour into the sea.

Be Safe: Watch that Raft and the River!

If you are not familiar with New Zealand's rivers, it is strongly encouraged that you not venture out on your own. Even if advances in technology have led to improvements in raft design and construction, the amateur rafter should be accompanied by a licensed tour guide. Some people who are new to the sport are not aware that the flow of the river necessitates a certain kind of raft.. Rivers are graded from class 1 to class 5, and each class requires a different kind of rafting equipment.

When you engage the services of a rafting guide in New Zealand, you are assured that he or she possesses a high degree of expertise and knowledge about safe water rafting in that particualr country. They are familiar with rivers whose flows change from one moment to the next. They know about the international river grading system and what each grade means.

Since rafting is a year-round sport in New Zealand, vacationers have plenty of flexability. Rafting is common during spring, summer and fall. There are approxamitly 50 rafting operators that are spread out across New Zealand, so, if you find yourself in one rafting spot, you are bound to find another within a few miles.

If you are travelling with a group, you need to decide on a river that is appropriate for everyone. Decide how long you and your travelling companions want to go rafting. Some raft for only one day, others an enitre weekend, or even a week or two. Also, choose which level to persue. Are you looking for an adrenalin adventure or a moderate rafting trip so you can also take in the scenery. These are imortant coices to make. Depending on your preferences, your New Zealand guide can put a package together. Some operators will offer meal stops and will add in sightseeing on land.

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These rivers consist of several beautiful and famous sites including Royal Gorge and Big Horn Sheep Canyon. One of the most wonderful spot for Colorado River rafting is the Dolores River. This river is a 250-miles long tributary of the Colorado River. Running through the states of Colorado and Utah, Dolores River has Ponderosa Gorge that offers great rafting options. Dolores River is also known to be the most scenic parts of the country.

If we talk about the Colorado River then river rafting in about 1500 miles river is indeed a wonderful experience. Colorado River is known to be one of the most beautiful rivers of the world. Some of the wonderful sites present at the Colorado River include Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. One can see indefinite river rafting tours on the Colorado River.

People who have done river rafting on the Colorado River never forget their experience and remember it for the lifetime. There are many companies in Colorado and elsewhere which host Colorado River rafting tours, for the beginners or for professionals. In case you do not have any prior experience in river rafting then Colorado River rafting tour can provide you guidance regarding the rafting techniques and skills. However if you have good experience as a river rafter then you can also enhance your rafting adventure by taking a tour in Colorado. Colorado River rafting tours are generally of half-day or full-day trips, and one can find extended river rafting trips in Colorado. Some adventures last for even five days.

People love to try Colorado River rafting as this place is considered the hub of rafting sports. Every individual has his own reason behind going for river rafting.

Many people have misconceptions about river rafting that it is a difficult sport to get into. However, provided good training and guidance this sport can make you enjoy and thrilled with fun.  There are many companies that provide important and relevant information about Colorado River Rafting including www.realadventures.com.

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The True Experience

You can't just go on a river rafting tour with no experience and no education and expect to get the true experience. You have to be shown what to do, how to use the equipment, you need to learn the names of the equipment and how they work, and you need to learn how to be as safe as possible. That includes knowing what first aid techniques are important during a river rafting tour. How do you learn all of this? You can learn all this and more by listening to your guide when you show up to the river rafting tour.

All Included

When you sign up for a river rafting tour, you'll be assigned a raft and a tour guide. There will usually be several others in the raft with you. The guide will go over all the equipment, will show you how to use it all and will kind of break down what the entire river rafting tour entails. All of the equipment is usually provided, including life jackets, the raft and oars as well as any safety and first aid equipment. You won't have to worry about anything other than enjoying yourself.

Working Together

The best part about river rafting tours is that you're working with the others in your raft towards a common goal. It's a great way to experience teamwork first hand. Make sure you listen to your guide and ask any questions if you don't understand. Before you go on your river rafting tour, you'll be quizzed on how to use the equipment so that there aren't any surprises once you're out there.

After your first time, and each additional time you go, you'll get better at river rafting tours and someday you'll be able to go without a guide. To get the ultimate experience, however, and to truly see why river rafting is so popular, go with a guide your first few times you go so that you get the true experience.

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There are some very exhilarating sections with space between to lay back and float along taking in the landscape and enjoying the nature, particularly the many species of birds to be found here.

Fish eagles cry from the clear skies overhead, giant monitor lizards bask in the equatorial sunshine and flocks of long-tailed cormorants herd schools of fish into the shallows.

The world’s longest river roars to life as the White Nile minutes after slipping quietly from Lake Victoria. It thunders between heavily forested islands and then leaps wildly into a series of spectacular drops.

The roar of the rapids drifts upstream with the gentle breeze. Wooden canoes laden with excited locals congregate in the calm waters anxious to see our rafts in action.

To the amazement of our audience, we plunge into the maelstrom and ride the mountainous waves downstream. Our rafts explode through huge walls of whitewater and drift through the warm green pools (27°C) in the equatorial sunshine.

This is white water rafting at its very best. The beauty of the Nile in Uganda is nothing short of spectacular and unknown to all but the fortunate few who have had the pleasure of standing on its banks.

‘Here I stood on the brink of the Nile ... and nothing could surpass it . John Hanning Speke, 28th July, 1862 on ‘discovering’ the Victorian Source of the great river near where we start our rafting trips.

The multitude of rapids between the beautiful mid-river islands allow us to choose softer options of white water rafting for those not willing to subject themselves to certain capsize of the raft or for long solo swims through the rapids.

Expert guides are professionally trained to cater to the needs of each adventurer who joins them on the river.

One day white water rafting – 31 kms

‘Forward, left-turn, hold on.’ I reach for the rope that traverses the perimeter of the raft and grasp my paddle tightly as the river drops away beneath us.

Seconds after I fill my lungs with a healthy gulp of fresh air, a giant wall of green water is towering above us. The raft buckles as the bow explodes into whitewater and droplets of spray sparkle in the sunshine. Moments later we are under water.

Dressed lightly for a day in the sunshine the slightly cooler waters are a welcome relief. A split second later we emerge ecstatic as the raft summits a giant wave in what has become the Nile’s roller coaster.

Another trough looms ahead and I exhale an enthusiastic whoop before preparing for the next dousing.

Minutes later the raft is rocking gently in the calm pool below the legendary Big Brother rapid, no-one escaped the dunking and it is smiles and disbelief all around.

Some of us turn upstream to watch as the next raft races down the long green tongue of the rapid and accelerates toward the first towering wave. In popular paddle-rafts, each person joins as a member of a team and a professional guide captains the team.

Paddlers are instructed comprehensively on how best to enjoy themselves on the water and on all aspects of safety including the use of safety kayaks which accompany every raft trip on the water.

The highly-trained white water rafting safety kayakers are world class paddlers who adeptly pilot their tiny boats through the mountainous waves of each rapid ahead of the rafts.

When rafts flip upside down or people are washed overboard they are nearby to provide assistance in getting people back to their boats. The trip on the water begins slowly and the first few kilometres give the raft guides an opportunity to train their crews fully on all aspects of Nile rafting.

The young river dances into action at Bujagali Falls as if anxious to race to the thirsty deserts downstream and one major rapid follows swiftly after another for most of the morning.

By the time the rafts drift toward Wakisi island, a wholesome and inviting lunch is waiting eager consumers.

There is nothing quite like a morning on the Nile for whetting one’s appetite. Succulent pineapples, giant avocadoes, crisp bell peppers and tasty carrots are all organically grown in nearby villages.

Fresh bread, roasted ham, salami and juicy tomatoes all combine wonderfully well to satisfy even the most insatiable appetites from a morning of fresh air, wildwater and sunshine. After a leisurely lunch on beautiful Wakisi island, the white water rafting enter Wild waters Reserve which is a private conservation initiative started by Adrift to protect the unique flora and fauna of the mid-stream islands of the Nile.

There is more time between the rough water but the rapids on the Nile become larger and more spectacular. It makes the most spectacular video footage as riders are often thrown in the air before hitting the racing current and being swept downstream to the calm pool below.

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There are six different whitewater classifications that range from easy to nearly impossible. Class one is, obviously, the easiest. It has no obstacles, only small ripples, and a slow current. Class two is considered moderately difficult with occasional obstacles and a medium current with waves. Classes one and two are ideal for younger and inexperienced people to run on. Class three is difficult with longer rapids and strong currents that are irregular, and class four is very difficult, longer with numerous waves, and has steeper drops. These two classes, three and four, are considered okay for more experienced groups to take. Class five is extremely difficult, has very big drops, is very swift, and heavily obstructed with obstacles, which is considered an amateur class. Then there is class six. This class is nearly impossible and extremely dangerous. It should only be run by expert teams, with all precautions taken and close studies completed.

Maine has three rivers that are usually used for whitewater rafting. These are the Kennebec River, Penobscot River, and the Dead River. Each one of the these rivers are different and unique in their own way, but you are sure to get the thrill and excitement that you seek for your adventure on at least one of these rivers. The Kennebec River has a twelve mile trip that begins on Indian Pond at Harris Station. It then flows through the Kennebec Gorge, which ends at The Forks. This twelve mile trip can be classified anywhere between a class two and a class four, because in sections of the river there are all of the traits that these classifications have. Next, is the Penobscot River, and this river has a fourteen mile long trip. For the first two miles, it descends from McKay Station through Ripogenus Gorge. The other twelve miles of rapids will take you on a journey that will end near Pockwockamus Falls. This river has all the traits of a class three to class four rapids. Last, but not least, is the Dead River, which has the longest stretch of continuous rapids at sixteen miles. Your trip will begin at Grand Falls and will end at The Forks. The Dead River has a classification of classes four and five and should only be run by experienced whitewater rafters.

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In this free whitewater rafting safetyvideo lesson an expert will discuss the best way to organize a trip and pick your group of rafters. Expert: Kevin McMillan Contact: www.kayaklesson.com Bio: Kevin McMillan has been with Zoar Outdoor since 1992, as an experiential educator & technical specialist with corporate programs. He is ACA certified in river rescue & whitewater kayaking. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

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Whitewater rafting down the Tully River Australia
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