Bali Rafting Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Bali rafting is one of the most popular tourist activities on the Island of the Gods that offers an exciting experience of wading through rivers with swift currents using an inflatable boat. This activity allows tourists to enjoy Bali’s unspoiled natural beauty while feeling the adrenaline rush of challenging rapids. Several rivers commonly used for white-water adventures in Bali include the Ayung River flowing through Ubud and the Telaga Waja River situated in Karangasem.

Rafting in Bali is suitable for various levels of experience, from beginners to professionals. Although it is relatively safe because it is always accompanied by a licensed guide, there are still some common mistakes that tourists often make when participating in this activity. Here are some of those mistakes and how to avoid them to make your Bali rafting experience more enjoyable and safe.

Common Mistakes During a Rafting Trip

Many tourists don’t prepare well before Bali rafting, making their experience less than optimal. Here are some common mistakes that often occur:

1. Choosing the wrong rafting package that does not suit your abilities.
2. Ignoring the safety briefing before going down to the river.
3. Wearing clothes that are uncomfortable or inappropriate for rafting activities.
4. Panicking when falling off the boat, even though there are certain techniques to stay safe.
5. Not preparing stamina so that you get tired quickly in the middle of the trip.

To make rafting in Bali a fun and safe experience, it is important to understand and avoid these mistakes. Here’s a further explanation of each mistake and how to overcome them.

Read More: Bali Adventure Rafting: An Exciting Adventure on the River!

1. Choosing the Wrong Rafting Package: Recognize the Difficulty Level Before Booking

Not all rivers in Bali have the same level of difficulty. Some tourists choose a rafting package based solely on price or location without considering the difficulty level of the path to be traveled.

• Ayung River has lighter rapids and is suitable for beginners and families with children.
• The Telaga Waja River has heavier currents with some steep descents, suitable for those looking for an extreme challenge.

How to avoid mistakes choosing a package:

• Make sure to read the rafting package description before booking.
• Consult with the rafting operator about the difficulty level of the course that suits your ability.
• If it’s your first time, it’s best to choose an easier route before trying something more extreme.

2. Ignoring the Safety Briefing: Why Is It So Important?

Before the Bali rafting begins, each participant will get a safety briefing from a professional instructor. Unfortunately, many take this session for granted and don’t pay close attention to the instructions.

Why is this briefing important?

• Explains how to hold the paddle correctly.
• Teaches body position when going through rapids to stay stable.
• Give instructions on how to save yourself if you fall off the boat.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Listen carefully to the instructions from the guide before starting the trip.
• Do not be shy to ask questions if something is not clear.
• Follow the guide’s every command during the trip to stay safe.

3. Wearing the Wrong Clothes: What to Avoid?

Some Bali rafting participants come with inappropriate clothing, such as jeans or thick clothes that are difficult to dry. This can make movement restricted and uncomfortable during the trip.

Clothes that should be avoided:

• Jeans as they are heavy when wet.
• Cotton clothes that absorb a lot of water.
• Flip-flops that slip off easily in water.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Wear lightweight clothing such as dry-fit or sportswear.
• Wear mountain sandals or special rafting shoes that have straps to prevent them from slipping off easily.
• Bring a change of clothes and a towel to use after rafting.

4. Panic when you fall off the boat: How to Stay Calm and Survive

Despite following the guide’s directions, sometimes rafting participants can fall into the river, especially if the current is strong enough. The biggest mistake that often occurs is panicking, which can actually make the situation more dangerous.

How to stay safe if you fall:

• Stay calm and don’t panic.
• Float with your feet pointing forward to avoid rocks in the river.
• Raise your hands if you need help, the guide will help immediately.
• Follow the river current until you find a safe point to get back into the boat.

By understanding these safety techniques, you can stay safe and enjoy the rafting experience without excessive fear.

5. Not Preparing Stamina: The Impact When Exploring the River

Rafting requires energy to paddle and maintain body balance during the trip. Many participants do not prepare their stamina well, so they get tired quickly in the middle of the trip.

Impact of lack of stamina:

• Difficult to control the paddle when going through rapids.
• Get tired quickly and can’t fully enjoy the ride.
• May experience cramps or dangerous fatigue.
• How to avoid this mistake:

Ensure adequate rest before rafting.

• Have a light but nutritious breakfast before starting the trip.
• Do a little stretching before going down to the river to reduce the risk of muscle cramps.

Additional Tips to Make Bali Rafting More Fun

In addition to avoiding the mistakes above, there are some additional tips that can help make the rafting experience more exciting and safe:

1. Choose an Experienced Rafting Operator – Make sure to choose a reputable rafting operator that uses quality safety equipment, such as Ayung Dewata Rafting.
2. Bring a Change of Clothes – After rafting, you will definitely get wet. Bringing a change of clothes will make you more comfortable after you’re done playing in the water.
3. Use Sunscreen – Sun exposure while rafting can be quite intense, so make sure to use sunscreen to avoid burning your skin.
4. Don’t Carry Valuables – Leave valuables like wallets, cell phones, or cameras that are not waterproof in a safe place.
5. Enjoy the Ride – Don’t focus too much on the challenges on the river. Take time to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

With proper preparation and an understanding of the mistakes to avoid, your Bali rafting experience will be an unforgettable adventure!

Conclusion

Rafting in Bali is an exciting and challenging experience, but some common mistakes can make the trip less enjoyable or even dangerous. By understanding and avoiding mistakes such as choosing the wrong package, ignoring safety briefings, wearing improper clothing, panicking when falling, and lack of stamina, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable rafting trip.

Prepare yourself well, follow the guide’s directions, and enjoy the thrill of rafting in Bali!