Paddle or Die
… and you think you’re an outdoor person, ever heard of RAFTING?
We head out early driving on the NKVE to Gopeng at 7.30am sharp as we need to reach the toll at 9.30am where the rafting master is waiting for us with his cool van.
From the toll to the river, it takes us about 20mins drive on this one-lane kampung road.
Upon reaching, our river guide has got everything ready for the raft plus some last minute air check just to make sure it can support the 6 of us safely.
As a standard procedure safety briefing will be done before going down the river which covers the paddling commands, paddling skills, capsize drills, action when overboard of river rescue.
After 10-15 minutes of briefing by our professional river guide, King, we are now ready for our river rafting adventure.
Hey, wait. How come his life jacket is so small yet ours are so big?
Rafting is about getting wet and wild, therefore, avoid using denim jeans, thick cotton trousers and track suit. Just shorts or bermuda pants so it’s easier to move around. On the river you will have the thrills of tackling exciting rapids and floating down the clear water river amidst a lush rainforest. You will ride the continuous rapids graded from class 1 to 3 and continue down river passing by some old tin mining. You will have fun too during the rafting like do some body-rafting or even take a spin in the raft with your head in the water or just get to the traditional fun of water fight with your fellow rafters!
(Getting the inflatable raft in the river at the starting point)
IF you don’t believe in god, white-water rafting will change your mind very quickly. Caught up in the raging waters, begging for divine help seems to come naturally. A good opportunity to test out your river skills and go on an adrenaline rush as you ride through the 14 rapids.
(Raft got suck on the boulder and it just need some jumping to dislog it.)
Every rapids had their own name like Broken Ledge, Easy drop, snake rapid, Rajah Corner, Hyside Rapid, Slide Rapid, Enders Point, Chicken Run (yeah… got lots of rocks and it goes so bumpy) and Eddy point.
When the invitation to a white-water romp came, I didn’t know what to expect. But after rushing through the rapids and harsh boulders at blinding speed in an inflatable raft to the thundering sounds of pounding water, I was hooked to the game.
It could be the adrenalin rush but I have discovered a side of me that I hadn’t known existed before. A mean adventurous streak.
It’s like an episode of Fear Factor but with proper guidance and the right equipment, anyone can tame the raging river.
Would-be rafters must take a 20m “anything goes†turbulent glide in the raw — just you, the life-jacket and your guts against the might of the river. If something goes wrong, instructors will be ready downstream with a lifeline.
After the first big fall, the rest was easy though I could hardly feel my rear when it was all over. Conquering my fears felt really good.
The next time someone invites me to chill out in white-water again, I hope it’s a Class 4 or 5.
Good work team! We are safe and ALIVE!!! The thrills of white-water rafting are simply out of this world.
Got certificate somemore. Don’t play-play leh. Did you read that… “Bravely challenged”. For a moment I feel so proud of it.
athena said,
May 15, 2006 @ 11:34 am
so syiok la jang…next time, must bring me!!!!
kamkuey said,
May 15, 2006 @ 11:43 am
Wah.. cun leh… how come din invite me wan??? *frown*
kimmysia said,
May 15, 2006 @ 12:49 pm
That seems to be really fun… Jang, plan for a family trip there…please..
Who takes your photos? Nicely taken. I don’t think it is someone flying around with JetPack.
JC said,
May 15, 2006 @ 12:55 pm
Got cert summore… 🙂
Thanks for making me eager to go rafting…
Hijackqueen said,
May 15, 2006 @ 1:11 pm
Guys, just let me know when you are ready. I’m ever ready for another raft.
Alkapocino said,
May 15, 2006 @ 1:30 pm
I am ready!!!!
Allan said,
May 15, 2006 @ 1:59 pm
It was nice,but too bad that i dunno how to swim,i think i better stay away from water…Haha
Chris C said,
May 15, 2006 @ 2:29 pm
Good to see u having a great time…..rather an adventerous gal ah u…
Lil said,
May 15, 2006 @ 2:52 pm
HQ, i salut you for taking up this wonderful new challenge, and raring to go the next level up! adrenalin is a wonderful thing, isn’t it?
JC said,
May 16, 2006 @ 12:24 am
Lil said: adrenalin is a wonderful thing, isn’t it?
JC says: Not when it involves bungy jumping and sky-diving… *sick*
shiruikage said,
May 16, 2006 @ 12:25 am
one word…….SCARY!!!
Moo. said,
May 16, 2006 @ 10:53 am
wa… it looks so fun!
ah woei said,
May 16, 2006 @ 2:36 pm
You are always a very sporty lady…reminds me when you were young…very adventurous. Keep up the spirit. Next time, I will go also-hope not too old for me then 😉
icyfog said,
May 17, 2006 @ 1:11 am
Wow seems Fun
ghostie said,
May 17, 2006 @ 8:59 am
woohooo…………..
ah jang sure boleh……….
clap ~ clap ~ clap ~………..
Eden said,
May 17, 2006 @ 3:32 pm
aiyoh so so syok…But you always syok yourself never want to bring me along.
Hey dangerous ar? I think I sure very scare and “AH! AH! HELP..GOD HELP, MUMMY HELP” all the way..
Later I scare until jump into the river..will you fall? Wah can some more go up the batu..
Hijack Queen » Birthdays Are Meant for Mothers said,
May 24, 2006 @ 11:57 am
[…] Maybe this birthday of mine, I’ll do that (boil the soup) for my mom (co-incident I’m going back on that day). I’ll share with you (especially man!) another incident took place on Mother’s Day. As you know I just came home from my White Water Rafting trip and that morning busy like a bees washing and cleaning. I was outside the house hanging the washing when I overheard hubby asking the eldest if she wishes me “Happy Mother’s Day”. Spontanously I answer from the porch, “No need! If you want, come and help me with the hanging.” You won’t be surprise if any of them even volunter. Expected!!! […]
Hijack Queen » While I was away… said,
October 20, 2006 @ 9:16 am
[…] While I’m gone, you might want to read a few interesting stuff from my archieve. One of my all time favourite is White Water Rafting. […]
Bernard said,
October 22, 2006 @ 11:25 pm
Wah HQ, how did you take those photos ah? You bravely pegang the camera ah? Or strap it to your helmet ah?
Looks fun!!
The Queen says: We paid Rm200 for the pictures. There is someone in the lead paddling the kayak who took those pic for us.Â