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Whitewater, White Knuckles: Rafting in the Middle of the World
(page 2 of 5)
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We also learn that our destination town, Los Bancos, means "The Benches" - deriving its name from colonial times when the townsfolk used to sit outside on benches to watch the aristocracy pass by in their horse-drawn coaches.
We arrive at the Rio Blanco around 10:30, and pile out of the tour bus. The river is running fast - pure, churning whitewater. The Ecuador Adventure guides quickly inflate the rafts with hand pumps and distribute the essential safety gear: helmets and life vests. We break into groups of six or seven, including one guide for each boat. Then we board the rafts on dry land, getting into our rowing positions for the safety talk:
"I don't want to scare you. I just want to prepare you," says our guide who offers these potentially lifesaving pointers:
- Never try to stand up in running water above your knees. The current is too strong and can knock you over. If it knocks you forward with your feet pinned under a rock or debris, it could be adios.
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- If someone falls off the boat into the river (or rather, when someone falls in), pull them out by the shoulder straps of their life vests - not by their arms, and certainly never by the head or neck.
- Listen to your guide's instructions. He is the one in charge of the boat and gives the rowing commands, of which there are four: forward, back, right back (in which the right side of the boat rows backward while the front rows forward, causing the boat to turn to the left) and the opposite command, left back, turning the boat to the right.
- If you get thrown out of the boat and find yourself getting swept toward an obstacle in the water, a fallen log, say, then whatever you do, don't try to swim under the obstruction, as you could get entangled or pinned down. If the tree is unavoidable, lunge over it as best you can, head first, face down. Easier said than done, perhaps.
- If jettisoned, assume the safety position, floating on your back. Stay calm and keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. People who panic tend to do the opposite.
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