Tips And Preparation Before Ayung Rafting: What To Know?

Ayung Rafting is one of the most popular rafting activities in Bali. The Ayung River in Ubud offers a combination of challenging rapids, beautiful tropical forest scenery, refreshing small waterfalls and unique rock reliefs along the river banks. To make the rafting experience more enjoyable and safe, here is a complete guide that you need to know.

Various rafting packages are available to meet the needs of travelers, from beginners to experienced ones. usually offer complete facilities, including safety equipment, professional Ayung rafting operators guides, and lunch after the adventure. This activity not only presents the challenge of river currents, but also provides an unforgettable nature tourism experience, making it an ideal choice for adventure lovers and families who want to enjoy a vacation in a different way.

In addition, Ayung Rafting is suitable for all ages, provided they are in good physical condition. Many travelers choose rafting as a way to de-stress while enjoying Bali’s natural beauty from a different perspective. With a combination of exciting adventure and relaxation, rafting on the Ayung River has become one of the must-do activities for anyone visiting the Island of the Gods.

Read More: Trying Rafting In Ayung River Is A Great Choice!

1. Preparation Before Rafting

Good preparation will help you enjoy your Ayung rafting experience more optimally. Start by choosing the right clothing, bringing the necessary equipment, and making sure your physical condition is in top shape. With proper preparation, you can avoid various obstacles that may occur during your trip down the Ayung River.

a. Suitable Clothing

• Use lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable clothing such as sports shirts and shorts.
• Avoid jeans or thick cotton clothes as they are difficult to dry and can feel heavy when wet.
• Wear mountain sandals, water shoes or non-slip footwear to avoid slipping off easily when exposed to water.
• If you are sensitive to the sun, wear a hat and sunglasses with a safety strap to avoid falling into the river.

b. Items to Bring

• A change of clothes and towel for after Ayung rafting.
• Plastic bags or dry bags to keep things dry.
• Sunblock or sunscreen to protect your skin from the scorching sun.
• Waterproof camera or waterproof case to capture the moment without worrying about water damage.
• Small cash for additional needs such as buying drinks, snacks, or tipping the guide.
• Personal medication if you have certain health conditions.

c. Physical Condition

• Make sure you are in a healthy and fit condition so that you can enjoy the activity without obstacles.
• Do not eat too much before Ayung rafting to avoid discomfort or nausea.
• Do a light warm-up such as stretching before rafting to reduce the risk of muscle cramps.
• If you have a certain medical history such as asthma or hypertension, consult your doctor before participating in rafting.

2. Safety While Rafting

Safety is the top priority in rafting activities. Therefore, it is important to understand the safety equipment and basic techniques before starting.

a. Safety Gear

• A standard quality helmet to protect the head from impact with rocks or paddles.
• A life jacket that fits snugly around the body to keep you afloat if you fall into the water.
• A paddle with a strong grip to help control the direction of the boat and maintain balance.
• A safety rope on the boat that can be used as a handle when passing through large rapids.

b. How to Row

• Hold the oars firmly with both hands and position them correctly.
• Follow the signals from the guide to row forward, backward, or stop.
• Keep your balance while rowing to avoid falling or losing control.
• If the boat is tilted or hit by large waves, stay calm and focus on a stable body position.

c. Instructions from the Guide

• Listen and understand the safety briefing before starting Ayung rafting.
• Follow the guide’s directions especially when facing rapids or obstacles.
• If you fall into the water, stay calm, position your body facing up, and let the current carry you to a calmer place.
• Don’t grip the paddle too tightly to avoid hurting your hands during heavy currents.
• Do not stand on the boat without instruction as it may disturb the balance of the boat.

3. What to Avoid?

• Some common mistakes beginners often make when rafting, which can reduce the fun or even cause harm.
• Ignoring instructions from the guide, which can increase the risk of an accident.
• Carrying unprotected valuables, such as mobile phones, wallets or jewelry, at the risk of loss or damage.
• Panicking when falling into the water, which can cause difficulty in rescuing yourself.
• Moving too much on the boat, which can cause the boat to lose balance and increase the risk of falling off.
• Not paying attention to weather conditions, especially during the rainy season where water discharge is higher and currents are stronger.
• Not warming up before rafting, which can cause muscle cramps in the middle of the trip.

4. Who Can and Can’t Participate?

Although Ayung Rafting is relatively safe, there are some restrictions for participants for mutual safety.

a. Who Can Join?

• Minimum age of 5 years old with parental supervision.
• Participants are in good physical health and have no serious illnesses.
• Beginners who want to try rafting with mild to medium difficulty levels.
• People who have a spirit of adventure and like challenges in the wild.

b. Who is Not Recommended?

• Pregnant women, due to the risk of bumps and shocks during rafting.
• People with a history of heart disease, severe asthma, or high blood pressure.
• People who have serious injuries, such as knee and back problems.
• People who cannot swim and have a phobia of water.

5. Tips for Getting the Best Experience

To make your rafting experience even more memorable, here are some additional tips you can follow:

a. Choose a Trusted Operator

• Choose a rafting provider that has an official license and positive reviews from other tourists.
• Make sure the operator provides safety equipment that meets the standards.
• Choose an operator that provides additional facilities such as insurance, transportation, and photo/video documentation.

b. Come at the Right Time

• The dry season (April – October) is the best time as the weather is more stable and river currents are safer.
• Early morning is the best time for rafting as the air is still fresh and it’s not too crowded.
• Avoid rafting during the rainy season as the water discharge is higher and the current is stronger.

c. Enjoy the Moment

• Don’t focus too much on fear, but enjoy the natural scenery and excitement.
• If you want to capture the moment, use a waterproof camera or ask a guide for help taking photos.
• Interact with your boatmates to add excitement and build togetherness.
• Don’t forget to laugh and relax, because rafting is all about enjoying the journey.

6. Conclusion

Ayung Rafting offers an exciting, safe, and fun adventure experience for anyone who wants to try rafting in Bali. With proper preparation, following the guide’s instructions, and choosing a trusted operator, you can enjoy a worry-free ayung rafting experience. Not only do you face thrilling rapids, but you can also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Ubud, from lush tropical forests, unique rock reliefs, to small refreshing waterfalls.

Rafting on the Ayung River is not just a sporting activity, but also a wonderful way to enjoy Bali’s natural beauty from a different perspective. Whether it’s for travelers who are looking for a challenge, families who want to have fun, or groups who want to experience togetherness, Ayung Rafting is the right choice. So, are you ready to conquer the Ayung River and create unforgettable memories?