Rapid Descents

What is Whitewater Rafting?
Fun, action, excitement, thrills and spills.......
Whitewater rafting involves coming down rapids on a river in an inflatable raft - hence the name Rapid Descents. We use a variety of sizes of inflatable rafts which can seat from 4 to 8 people. Rafting is heaps of fun and suitable for almost anyone. No previous experience is required on any of our trips. Each raft is steered by a qualified river guide and everyone in the raft paddles under the guide's instruction. Whitewater rafting is becoming one of Australia's most popular outdoor adventure activities, not only because of the thrills and spills, but also because it provides a unique way to look at some of the country's most inaccessible wilderness.

How Safe is Rafting?
If you go with a registered commercial whitewater rafting operator - rafting is very safe. As with all adventure activities there is an element of risk, from bushwalking through to skydiving. Rapid Descents Whitewater Rafting has an impeccable safety record. This is due to our planning and delivery of trips, our equipment is of highest quality and our river guides are trained professionals. Falling out of the raft is a possibility and part of the fun. You will be wearing a high flotation PFD (personal flotation device) more commonly known as a lifejacket. We brief you prior to departure and before getting into the raft on all information and instruction that is required for your safety. We are a registered commercial whitewater rafting operator with the Waterways Authority. All this means an enjoyable and safe rafting experience.

River and Rapid Grading System
We use the International Whitewater Grading System which is on a scale of 1 to 6. Grade 1 is moving water or swiftwater, and Grade 6 is not commercially raftable. To give examples: the Shotover River in New Zealand is Grade 4-5; the Zambezi River in Africa is Grade 5; the Tully River in North Queensland is Grade 4; and the Upper Murray River is Grade 3-4. Grade 3-4 is medium to challenging which is suited for beginners as well as rafters with prior experience. The grading system is more an indication of the level of excitement rather than the experience required.

Our Rafting Season
As the snow melts in the high country and seasonal rains feed the alpine rivers and streams - it is time to go whitewater rafting. The smaller streams of the Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps combine to form some excellent rivers like the Murray, Mitta Mitta, Swampy Plains and Snowy Rivers. We operate during Spring and Summer, commencing the first weekend of September and raft to the end of January.

Where we Operate
whitewater

Upper Murray River
Mitta Mitta River
Swampy Plains River
Snowy River

The variety of rivers enable a wide range of rafting adventures to be offered, from a relaxed introductory trip, a trip where you can guide your own small raft, to an exciting action packed raft trip. Our whitewater rafting tours are mostly located in the Kosciuszko National Park and the Alpine National Park.
Our rafting base is located in Khancoban (NSW), which is situated at the base of the Western side of the Snowy Mountains. The following is an approximation of distance from prominent cities and towns:

Sydney via Gundagai	6 hours	Melbourne	5.5 hours
Sydney via Jindabyne	7 hours	Albury/Wodonga	2 hours
Canberra	4 hours
Jindabyne	2 hours
Thredbo	1.5 hours

There is a difference between Spring Rafting and Summer rafting, and both are fantastic. The rivers we raft here in the high country are natural flow and not controlled by dam released water (except the Snowy River). This means that water levels are influenced by rain and snow melt. Spring - the river tends to be average to high water, more action, and faster paced. Summer - the river tends to be average to low water, still plenty of action (as we drop our raft size), with more swimming time. I myself prefer summer rafting whilst my partner prefers spring rafting. Come and try both because it's like rafting a different river every time!