Description:

Like trekking I like rafting. Rafting is an adventure sport which use an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other body of water. I have done rafting in Rishikesh and Jayalgarh where the waters are a bit rough in some parts and it is difficult to maintain a stable raft. Normally rafting in Rishikesh takes about 3-4 hours which is about 30-35 kilometers. Rafting has always gotten me excited and I hope I never quit the sport.

Reflection:

LO 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

When first I got in the raft I was very confident about the adventure but it all faded away when I realized I was only good at applying energy onto the paddle. But my instructor told me to look at the person ahead of you and move the paddle in sync. Also how to arrange yourself in the raft so it’s balanced. I came to know that I was pretty good at rapids and I handled it very well.

LO 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

While the instructions were given about how to ride the raft I thought it will be a piece of cake. But it was when we were in the raft moving it forward then I realized it is very difficult to move the raft in a synchronized pattern. In thirty minutes I was tired and was feeling weak. But what got me through was our instructor, he was a well-experienced instructor who taught us how to work smarter not harder and to move your paddle in the same pattern. This helped us as a group to go faster and me personally to work efficiently. I still need to work on my paddle angle.

LO 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

I have done rafting 7-8 times over around 5 years of time. I love the activity and I wish I never stop rafting. Commitment is difficult for this CAS experience because of the city where I live, Surat there are no facilities for rafting. I am only able to do rafting when I am abroad or in other places in India. So whenever I go on a trip I always look for opportunities where I can do rafting.

LO 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

A raft cannot be operated by a single person. There are 9 people in the raft, one instructor who directs the raft and nine people who give energy to the raft. The main advantage of working together is you have more manpower and that helps the raft to move forward faster. It is difficult to coordinate at first but you get along in some time.

Final take away:

Rafting has been and will be one of the most enjoyable adventure sport for me. I will continue to do rafting no matter what because it gives me a thrill. I learned good team communication and teamwork.