Whitewater rafting

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Originally uploaded by theslaad.

We went white water rafting today on the Rangitaiki river just outside of Taupo. Chris has been rafting twice before but I've never been so I was quite nervous. Wasn't really sure how bumpy it would be or how likely I was to fall in. Turned out that it was Awesome!! (officially kiwi term btw).

We were picked up from our campsite and drove an hour or so up to the river where they have a permanent building. We were kitted out with wetsuits, life jackets and helmets and then drove a bit further up to the start of the rafting area.

We had a quick saftey briefing which did nothing to allieve my fears so I sat at the back next to the guide whilst two guys who were quite experienced got the front seats. We mossied along for a few minutes before going into a huge rapid. I instantly forgot everything we'd been told about paddling and just held on! We all got very wet but no one fell in. The second big rapid was the biggest of the day and bashed us around a fair bit, we paddled, held on and ducked down. We got drenched but it was fun.

The rest of the trip was good fun with lots of rapids and one long calm part. We played in one bit of rapid called 'the flush'. One lucky person - Chris, got to sit in between the guys at the front whilst we all paddled into the rapid. The result of which is lots of water flowing over us and we spun around!

We had a great time. No one fell in and we all paddled in the right direction and stuff when he told us to. It's about as extreme as I've ever got so am quite proud of myself. Chris wants to do bigger rapids!!!