CDO WWR in action

White water rafting (WWR) is a recreational activity usually done to navigate the rapids of a river. Basic tools needed are raft, paddle, helmet, paddle, life vest, and of course, courage.  Rapids are classified into 6 levels [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitewater]:

•    Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)
•    Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, small drops, might require maneuvering. (Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)

•    Class 3: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe a 3-5 ft drop, but not much considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills)    •    Class 4: Whitewater, large waves, rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)
•    Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, large rocks and hazards, maybe a large drop, precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)
•    Class 6: Whitewater, typically with huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, huge drops, but sometimes labeled this way due to largely invisible dangers (e.g. , a smooth slide that creates a near-perfect, almost inescapable hydraulic, as at Woodall Shoals/Chattooga). Class 6 rapids are considered hazardous even for expert paddlers using state-of-the-art equipment, and come with the warning “danger to life or limb.” (Skill Level: Expert)

CDO is considered as the WWR capital of the Philippines. It boasts of levels 3-4 rapids in its advanced course. As for the Davao WWR, our guide was unable to tell us the level of its rapids, I assume they’re between 1-3.

WWR is ideal to any healthy adult out there, especially the thrill-seekers. Adrenaline would keep your heart pumping. Although falling out of the boat and being sucked out by the rapids is a little scary, it is still worth trying it out. Though they say that falling out is normal, it is unlikely that you’ll fall out in the basic course. But if you’re unlucky, just try to keep a calm head, rest assured, you’ll be safe.

If you would like to try WWR, I suggest taking the Davao WWR or the CDO basic level first. Davao WWR teaches the basics of WWR better. In our case, we appreciate taking the Davao WWR before trying out CDO’s advanced course. In Davao, they were able to teach the buddy-system where in case one falls from the raft, your buddy must be able to pull you back to the raft.. This is not apparent in CDO. In CDO, it is the duty of the instructor/guide to save the person that falls out of the raft. I think it would be better if all the people in the raft know how to pull a person back to the raft. I’m glad we learned this in Davao before we tried it in CDO.

As for the cost, we paid P2000/person for the Davao WWR (their June 2008 rate – they have cheaper rates depending on the season). We paid P1200 for the advanced course in CDO. They also have a rate of 700/person – basic course). The fee includes souvenir shirts, your recorded pictures and videos, lunch and transpo.

WWR is not for the faint-hearted. But if you have the guts to try it, I’m sure you’ll be satisfied in the end.