What is river rafting?

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River rafting is not an individual sport. You sit in a raft with several people and everyone must paddle together, or nothing works. The guide at the back calls commands. You listen, react, follow through. One person alone cannot get the raft through a rapid. Success requires teamwork.

That is what makes it special. You feel immediately if the group works. When the rhythm is right, the water carries you, the raft responds perfectly, the experience becomes intense. You are fully immersed.

From the USA to Switzerland
Rafting originated in the USA, on the wild rivers of Colorado and the Grand Canyon. The first rafts navigated the canyons in the 1950s, first as expeditions, later as adventure trips. Today, rafting is popular worldwide: Chile, Nepal, Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Common to all locations, rafting uses the powerful nature, strong rivers, and the thrill when the raft suddenly tips, jumps, or spins, while you stay inside.

Typical tour flow
Meet the group at the base or river. Receive equipment:

  • Life vest
  • Helmet
  • Wetsuit
  • Booties

Guide briefing follows. Short, precise, covering essentials:

  • How to paddle correctly
  • What matters in rapids
  • Commands to execute immediately

Then you start. First, calm sections to get a feel, then steeper rapids. Water grows louder, raft accelerates. Paddle, follow commands, maintain tension. Waves hit head-on or sidewise, raft reacts, you stay alert.

What to expect

  • Varied river sections: calm, splashy, wild
  • Team paddling with clear calls
  • Physical activity, no prior experience needed
  • Cold water, full focus, authentic nature experience

Popular Swiss rivers for rafting
Switzerland offers many rafting rivers: cold, clear mountain water, strong gradients, stunning landscapes. Notable rivers:

  • Lütschine (Bernese Oberland): Direct from glaciers, fast, steep, icy. Perfect for action seekers comfortable with splashes.
  • Simme (Bernese Oberland): Calm river, picturesque surroundings. Suitable for relaxed paddlers, groups, and non-swimmers. Less wild water, more nature and learning time.
  • Vorderrhein (Rheinschlucht): Wide river, turquoise water, high limestone walls. Ideal for beginners or scenic and moderate technical experience.
  • Vispa or Rhône (Valais): Technically challenging, tight curves, changing speed. Surrounded by mountains, strong current, high water power.

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