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If you have never been rafting before the idea of it can be a little daunting. Not everyone is naturally comfortable on water or naturally athletically gifted and this can lead them to form the misperception that river rafting would be too much for them. So what makes river rafting worth it for rafters of all types? Read on to discover five excellent attributes of a good river rafting expedition.

1. Tech-Free Time

In a world where we are constantly on the go, and constantly in contact with others, it can be nice to take a break from all that action. River rafting is the perfect excuse to put your phone away and really focus on the people you are with. Rafting is a great bonding experience because it’s high energy, fun, and requires lots of teamwork. In the meantime, you don’t have to worry about anyone urgently trying to get ahold of you because anyone who knows you are river rafting will also know that you don’t have your phone.

2. Adrenaline

The high energy environment and fast movement of the river is enough to get your heart pumping and your body releasing adrenaline. Adrenaline serves to give you an extra boost of energy, focus, and excitement. You will feel good and may even find yourself laughing or smiling immoderately after coming through a fast-moving patch of rapids. These bursts of intense joy will continue to visit you throughout the ride down the river leading you to feel happiness like you have never felt before.

3. Exercise

Rafting is an excellent exercise. Whether you are paddling hard to steer the raft or using your core muscles to stay upright, your body will be getting a comprehensive workout. Elements of both cardio and strength training help you build endurance and muscle tone. Best of all, river rafting is so fun you won’t even notice that you’re exercising!

4. Being in Nature

Spending some time in the great outdoors is just what the doctor ordered. Simply walking through nature has been shown to drop levels of stress hormones, blood pressure, and heart rate. Rafting lets you feel like you are a part of nature. You can feel the water on your skin, see the animals and plants all around you, and hear the birds calling. Rafting immerses you in nature so that you can get back to feeling your best.

5. Boost Self Esteem

River rafting is something you can be proud of doing. It’s intense and it makes you look your fears in the face. After getting through your first set of rapids you’ll suddenly feel like you can take on the world. Guides make sure you are safe from start to finish but that doesn’t stop your heart from climbing up into your throat during a big drop or a burst of speed. At the end of the ride, you can feel proud of yourself for conquering those hurdles. River rafting is definitely something to write home about or to proudly add to your list of hobbies on Facebook.

River rafting is an incredible and sometimes even life-changing experience. It is like nothing else you have ever tried before and will introduce you to a whole new world of excitement. Bring your friends and family to have a bonding day of extreme fun. When you finish your trip you can feel the benefits of adrenaline, physical activity, and time in nature. You might even get the best night of sleep you have ever had!

This article, Colorado’s top vacation destinations this summer, was written by Ryan Thomas for Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting. Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting has guided thousands of whitewater rafting trips on Clear Creek and throughout Colorado.