History of Rafting
The first Indo-US uttar Ganga Expedition which by 1976 was launched with the help of department of tourism Govt of india, followed by 1984 indo –US expedition with Ken Warren and sent a few young first trained Indians like Yousef Zaheer,Pawan Sher singh and Ajit Bajaj to learn proper Professional guiding system in usa mainly with ken Warren and Ottawa White Water Rafting Company in Canada.With the assistance from Mathew Swan,Ken Warren ,Ben Webster and Colin Broadway they were repeatedly invited through Govt of India to plan White whater Rafting System in India and the lead was done by Mr Avinash Kohli ji and established Indian River Runner Association which helped to do the first descent on many new river including Indus,Chenab,Beas,Tong.India the experts confirmed has the best white water Rivers of the world and Ganga of course was the most beautiful with possibilities for Grade 1 to Grade V Rapids in which Expeditions from 10 days to a day trip are now being organized.
Brahampuri or club house to Nim Beach.( 9 Km)
Grade- 1
Aprox Time- 1 – 2 hours
Rapids-Initiation, double trouble, Hiltron, Terminator.
Shivpuri- Nim Beach (16 km )
Grade-I-II
Aprox Time-2 -3 hours
Rapids- Return to Sender, Roller coaster, Tea off ,Golf course, club house, cash flow.
Marine Drive to Rishikesh (26 km)
Grade-II- III
Time- 3 – 4 Hours
Rapids-The Wall, Three blind mice, crossfire, Rollar coaster, Golf Course, Clubhouse, Initiation, Double Trouble, Hilton, Terminator.
Things to do during rafting in rishikesh.
1-Wear Light: Please wear light, airy and quick drying garments like shorts, T-Shirt and sandos it make rafting expedition more thrilling.bring extra pair of cloths that you need to wear after rafting.
2-Wear a Life Jacket: it is a mandate for all who undertake the expedition. Make sure the jacket is snug and buckled throughout.
3-Wear a Helmet and all the safety equipment provided.
4-Wear Proper Shoes:Do not wear flip flops and slippers. Old Sneakers ,water shoes or sandals with ankle straps are the best type for water raftings.
5-Pay attention to the instructor: Listen to your instructor’s safety precautions carefully as they are going to keep you safe.
6-Do not drink or bring alcohol during trip. It is dangerous as you may feel drowsy.it is harmful for all.
Things to Carry while Rafting
1-Bathing Suit or Shorts, T-shirt or Sandos.
2-Swimming Goggles, sunglasses. woolen clothes(during winters),Quick drying shorts or swimming costume, Towel and extra undergarments, Plastic Bags (for wet things)
3-Sunscreen lotion, antiseptic cream and sunglasses.
River rafting in rishikesh is fit for the people of all age groups except the minors. Rafting can be enjoyed from 14 years to 65 years old in some selected rafting zones only with Grade I and Grade II rapids.
From Mid September till end of June. During monsoons it is not allowed to raft in the Ganges as the level of the river rises and is unsafe for rafting.
Yes, Under wight and overweight tourists are not allowed for rafting due to safety reasons. The minimum weight for rafting is 45 kg and maximum weight is 100 kgs.
yes Knowledge of swimming is not necessary for rafting. you can enjoy rafting if you do not how to swim. you will be provided the life jacket during river rafting activity it will help you to float for hours. Non swimmers equally enjoy the rafting.
No Above 60 years old even if they are physical fit are not allowed to rafting in rishikesh as per Govt Rule.
Yes winters (November, December, January, February) is the best time of the year for white water rafting on ganges. The water will be crystal clear, with more rapids due to low level of water. There is a common myth ,that during winters the water level of ganga river will be very cold but it does not. With bright sunny days, you will enjoy the rafting in winters.
it is good that you do not bring your expensive jewelry with you while rafting trip but if you have carried so hand over your valuable to your instructor he will keep them in its dry bag