Taking on the Rapids

By Linda Aksomitis

"Paddle ahead," shouted Lisa.

Watching young Matt, head rower on the opposite side of the boat, to get my rhythm, I dipped my paddle into the churning water.

"Paddle hard!"

Spray washed over the edge of the boat. I dipped the full length of the paddle, feeling the resistance of the water.

"Rest!"

Paddle in front of me, feet braced, I rode into "Tester" - the first rapid on the Kennebec River. With a swift, straight motion our boat was up and into it, riding the wave. Elation spread through me. It was incredible!

Another splash, and up again.

"Left side, paddle ahead," called Lisa, her voice urgent. My hands were poised, waiting for a right side command. The rush of the water filled my senses.

"Both sides, paddle ahead."

With every wave we crested, my enjoyment grew. It might have been a minute or two - maybe longer - to raft through Tester. For me, time was suspended.

"Rest," called Lisa, as we hit calmer waters.

When disability appeared in my life in the form of fibromyalgia, there were lots of things not ticked off on my "to do" list. Now, each new challenge I meet brings even more satisfaction than it did in earlier days.

Lisa Nelson, my guide at Magic Falls Rafting Company in West Forks, Maine, tells me that "we have first-time rafters who may be up to 80 years old and have various types of disabilities. A rafting adventure can be for anybody."

Although there are dozens of whitewater adventure companies in Canada, I chose one on the Kennebec River in Maine because its water is reasonably warm in the fall, which is when I went, and its rapids less influenced by weather conditions since water release is controlled by a dam.

My rafting team consisted of Bob and Andrea, plus Andrea’s three teenagers: Matt, Heather and Shaun. Lisa, our guide, has been with Magic Falls for three years and truly knows her stuff. Rafting guides across North America go through an intensive training program to get certification. They also must have certificates in first aid and CPR.

In preparation for my rafting trip I had done a few things to make sure I could maximize my strength, given my fibromyalgia. First, I always increase my daily exercise program during good weather, mainly because I love to be outside. Second, I’d been working on a series of two-minute wrist exercises recommended by my chiropractor to help me overcome the pain I often experience if overusing the computer mouse. They worked well.

Of course, now that I’ve been whitewater rafting, I can also recommend a few things for the adventure itself!

Choose a river like the Kennebec, or easier. The Kennebec is rated as requiring moderate physical activity, with the rapids first, followed by a less strenuous ride with the current. While there really isn’t a lot of paddling involved, it is certainly more enjoyable before you become tired.

I wore a full neoprene wet suit, since the water temperature was just over 60 degrees Fahrenheit. While it felt warm getting the raft onto the water, the first rapid that splashed over the edge of the boat solved that problem! Keeping my hands and wrists from getting cold ensured they wouldn’t start to ache or lose strength. As for my feet, I wore an old pair of runners with a good grip to keep me from slipping.

If you experience any form of motion sickness or nausea from fast movements, take Gravol before you leave. It took me about five minutes of fighting off dizziness to adjust to the churning water. Depending on your group, your guide may also add fun boating activities that including spinning the raft or paddling onto a wave you can "surf," once you’re in smoother water.

It’s very important that you discuss your disability with your rafting company and with your guide before you begin. The strongest paddlers get the front seats of the boat - they also get the full force of water coming over the side. On a full boat you may be able to take a middle seat and not paddle at all, although I didn’t have any problem doing my share in the back row.

For all rafters, the main thing to remember is to follow the guide’s instructions instantly! Safety training takes place before you get in the raft and is reviewed by your guide. The company will make sure you know what to do, no matter what happens.

If you’ve ever dreamed of whitewater rafting, I urge you to take the challenge. I enjoyed every second of the experience.

(Linda Aksomitis is a freelance writer living in Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan.)

RESOURCES

Magic Falls Rafting Company
Toll-free: 1-800-207-7238
E-mail: adventures@magicfalls.com
Website: www.magicfalls.com

Directory of Whitewater Adventure Companies
Website: www.whitewater.com

Whitewater Unlimited
Ontario-based club of canoeing enthusiasts of all skills and ages. Website offers information and links.
E-mail: info@whitewaterunlimited.org
Website: www.whitewaterunlimited.org