When most people contemplate canoeing or kayaking, the scene is gentle and relaxing: a slow-moving, scenic way of performing rather mild card. Then, there are those people who think that a day spent on the water is wasted unless there is the risk of serious injury.
White water is formed when a river foams and froths as a result of hidden disturbances or turbulent changes in the flow. These rapids not only make for striking holiday snaps, but also lend a degree of excitement to those who take to the white water on inflatable rubber rafts.
White water rafting is considered an extreme sport: being an activity that contains certain inherent dangers. While travelling at break-neck speeds through waters churned by unseen obstacles may seem terrifying, it is possible for Sydney-siders to recreate such experiences in moderately controlled contexts.
Penrith Whitewater offers both guided and self-guided rafting experiences in the
Penrith Whitewater Stadium, which featured heavily in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Guiding rafting is an introductory course of 90 minutes, at a rate of $89 per person.
Self-guided rafting is more appropriate for experienced rafters with strong swimming skills. These booking will also last for 90 minutes at a rate of $89 per person.
For those of you who do not approve of the artificiality of using a man-made course, it is possible to travel slightly south of Sydney to the
Shoalhaven River.
Bushsports offers white water rafting days, starting with a safety talk and morning tea, before two sessions on the river. The days end with a BBQ at 4pm, and life jackets, wetsuits, and polar fleeces are supplied, along with the food. The more extensive itinerary costs $240, for a minimum group of 10 people.
