Whitewater Riverboarding

by user ActiveEnduranceSports

It is said that sometime in the late 70's, a group of Frenchmen navigated river rapids high up in the Alps with bags stuffed with lifejackets and polystyrene.  By 1981, this concept led way to the production of the first Riverboard which is now synonymous with Sledging or Hydrospeeding. Since its inception, this action packed activity has caught the attention of adrenaline junkies across the world and is now recognized as a professional sport in Europe with competitions organized every year.

The allure of white water Sledging is that operator’s intimate proximity to the river. The operator is equipped with a padded wetsuit, booties, life jacket, helmet and fins for kicking. The fins provide propulsion and steering as the operator’s chest rests on the plastic board while arms are neatly tucked inside for grip and control. No experience is necessary to learn all the skills from a competent instructor who will then guide a group down the river while negotiating the safest route through class IV rapids. As experienced as your guides claim to be, a serious degree of risk still exists when participating in such extreme activities. Be sure to thoroughly read liability waivers and be knowledgeable of your health coverage whenever traveling abroad and/or chasing your next adrenaline rush.