Davao Adventure: White Water Rafting (Day 4)

White Water Rafting does not have a white colored water. What makes it white is when the water hits the rocks - the water splashes are white.

Each raft requires minimum of 5 participants + the guide. Otherwise, it would be too light.

Reservation would be needed for such activity and of course briefing on what to do and not to do.

Raechelle, I and Abby getting ready for the splashes

Another important thing is cooperation and teamwork. Each of the participant must be willing to make their own share in the activity especially when there are rocks coming on the way.

We had our briefing on what to do, what key instructions will be given for us to execute which acts. We had to do our trial off the raft drill as well. We intentionally dropped ourselves out of the raft.

When out of the raft, this should be the position of the legs, slightly bent.

The legs must be the one in front of you following the flow of the water. You must not go against the water flow. The legs serve as your support when there are rocks in front of you.

The guide would ask whether the team would be up for more exciting white water adventure or just a still ride. When the team is up for it, everyone has to work for it.

Some of the falls in the river

When the guide said paddle, everyone has to paddle. Otherwise, there might be a possibility of capsizing. The excitement of the experience all depends on the team.

Our team!

And I am thankful for my team! =)

Our life saver saving another participant and the paddle fell off from his hands.

Since our team has always been up to the challenge, whenever there were other rafts capsizing or participants felling off from the raft, we were the ones helping out reaching out for the floating paddles, etc.

We almost fell off many times but were able to balance it out. However, it seems like there is no fun when you don't get to fall... (at least my opinion). We wanted to go further.

We survived! =)

 Not until the last wave, when our raft went on top of the rocks and the weight was all on me. I freed up my feet and intentionally made myself fell off the raft. Although once you get to the water, you don't get to control anything anymore.

After the drop. You get your partners out of the water.

I know we would be safe with the life vest and helmet. However, after my fall, it seems like it took so long for me to float! And I just realized the raft is on top of me.... :) That explains it.

Each of us were assigned a partner. So we get to save ourselves in case anyone fell off. And yes, it was a challenge to bring out someone from the water. You carry the weight of the person plus the water.

But to sum everything up, it was a great challenge and adventure! =)

This occurred in Davao River. It took us around 3 hours for the whole stretch of 12km. But it seems like just few minutes of your life.

From the city, you will go to the White Water Rafting area with your White Water Rafting Coordinator along with other participants through a jeep hired by the coordinator. The travel from the city to the area would be around 1 hour.

It would be best to use rash guard for your top and a short that would not be absorbing water. During the 3 hours, it would be hot, and it would really be nice to dip in the water! =)

Fee for this activity would be P1,500 per participant inclusive of the gears, guide, transportation to and fro the city and the activity area, life saver, photos.

For more information about the activity, feel free to drop me a message.