Monday, March 16, 2015

Why Everyone Should Kayak Harpeth River

By Lena Stephenson


There is nothing more invigorating than a day on the water. Whether you decide to go shooting the rapids on a Class III river or have a gentle kayak Harpeth River, it will refresh you like nothing else on earth. Going whitewater rafting has the added benefit of leaving you feeling like you have cheated death, and won.

The build-up begins immediately after booking the trip. Preparing for a day on the river is almost as much fun as experiencing it. Planning what you are going to wear is important. If the weather is going to be cold, then a wetsuit may be in order. If the weather is fine, then it's shorts and a t-shirt. Don't forget to take a sweatshirt or kagool with you. You have to plan for after the adventure, as well. This may mean a long hike back to your take-in point.

Another advantage to whitewater rafting is the extra calories you are going to burn, lots of 'em! This is not the day to diet, you owe it to the other people who will be paddling the big rubber boat with you. This is the time to splurge on big sandwich rolls, thick with filling and extra mayo.

You may wish to take a thermos full of tea, coffee, soup, or hot chocolate. If there is one thing you can count on, you will definitely get wet! A hot drink on a shore-break can revive you and prepare you for the devil waters ahead. Whatever you take, make sure you put it in a waterproof container. This won't keep your sandwiches dry if you turn over in the boat, but there is every chance that this will not happen.

Don't take with you anything you can't afford to lose forever. Even if you don't tip the boat over and lose everything, anything can happen on the river. Also, there may be loads of other people, some of whom prey on those who are preoccupied with preserving life on the rapids. Beware pickpockets, and lock your valuables in the car. Really, they are much safer there than at the bottom of Montgomery Bell Tunnel.

Even if the day is generally cloudy, there may be the occasional burst of sunshine. This will create glare on the water and this will hurt your eyes. Do not bring your designer frames with the prescription lenses. If you need prescription lenses to see, then do your best to find a way to secure the glasses on your head.

At some point, someone will tell you to put on a life vest and a hard hat. Do this. If you fall out of the boat, these will save your life. Prevailing wisdom is to aim your feet downstream if you fall out so that if you crash into a rock, it won't be with your head. This is not always possible. If there is a store near where you enter the water, there will probably be a photograph of someone who did not listen to this advice. It will not be their best photograph.

After the ride, you will feel amazing. You probably won't be able to stop talking. This is great, because you and your companions will want to start planning your next trip right away.




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