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i was encouraging my nephew to come rafting down the rapids with me. but he's scared because he's not much of a swimmer. and i was telling him not to worry because it's not much of an issue as long as he's comfortable in the water.
got any more words of encouragement for this kid? haha 
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That's right, he should not be bothered if he's not a good swimmer. As long as he's comfortable in the water, he'd be fine rafting down the rapids.. He'll wear his PFD anyway, so just encourage him to go with the flow & work his way down.. Swimming skills aren't much required..
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If he isn't a good swimmer - chances are he is AFRAID of the water. People who are afraid of the water can and do usually panic. Yes, A PFD does protect you but if you are extremely afraid you can do something really wrong - like go under that strainer instead of over it. Or be pushed into an undercut. And it has been known for people to come out of their PFD in a hydraulic.
He needs to spend some time in low water conditions or Class I-II rapids floating with his feet first until he is comfortable.
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white water rafting is seriously challenging, but then if he is in a good physical condition, he'll be fine. some people who actually try the sport do not really know how to swim! the danger remains, but if one follows the rules, he'll be fine. all he has to do is to follow and listen to his guide. no need to paddle or to swim beyond his skills...  
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Same thing: Don't be to concerned and scared. Just wear your life
jacket all the time and all throughout the river raftting session. Then
all you should worry about is how to work on you rafting equipment, how
to go with the flow, then to work your way through the shore. No need
for professional swimming skills.
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well..yeah..that makes sense..but whats most imprtant is that he feels confident about it. There are things such as panic and loss of composure. So all he got to do is be relaxed and things come down to that pint..he should just float aroun, let his vest do the job, stay calm and keep his arms alert for rocks to hold on to !
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ggeneroso
MultiDay Packer
Posts 164
Points 164
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Rafting without the skill of swimming is not a joke man. Its dangerous. Despite the advancement of water sports gears, I don't think its safe to do rafting without knowing how to swim. You can't just escape fromt those big boulders/rocks lying ahead of you. What if the water crashed you towards it. Well probably you won't lose your life but then, the aftermath would be scars and wounds.
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