by Christopher Gryniewicz

Created on: December 19, 2009

Depending on the location, this exhilarating sport has been called riverboarding, hydrospeeding, or sledging. What is it? Riverboarding, like most extreme sports, takes something already dangerous and kicks it up a few notches. In the case of riverboarding that dangerous sport is white-water rafting. What makes riverboarding unique is the absence of the raft. That's right, with riverboarding it's just you, a boogie board, and class four or five rapids. So, how do you stay safe while rushing down the surf?

The most important safety precaution is equipment. Beyond just your body and the board, a riverboarder needs to wear a good quality wetsuit. Water temperatures can get very cold and a wetsuit can keep you from getting hypothermia while you're enjoying your thrill ride. Wetsuits are a good idea even in warmer water as they add a layer of protection to the body that can help to lessen scrapes and bruises if you should happen to run across some rocks.

Rocks, in fact, are one of the big reasons for the rest of the equipment as well. A helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads should always be worn while riverboarding. Regardless of how strong you are or how fast your reflexes are remember that you are fighting against the forces of nature which are hurling you through the rapids. You are bound to hit at least a couple of rocks along the way, especially in shallow areas. No matter how dorky you think you look in a helmet a cracked skull won't make you any more of a man, so wear one.

The final pieces of equipment needed for riverboarding are fins and a life jacket. Many rivers have strong under-currents that may even be powerful enough to pull you under with a jacket. This equipment can give you a better chance of survival should disaster strike.

Looking beyond the equipment is a bit of common sense. Knowledge and company are important aspects of this sport. Just as you wouldn't venture out into the uncharted forests of Brazil without a guide, you shouldn't just grab a board and dive in to the water without someone who has been there. This is especially true for beginner riverboarders. You never know what is coming around the next curve; it may be a calm, a rocky area, or a waterfall. Chart your path and take along someone who's been there. There are many places to find river guides to come along for the ride and it may keep you from making a horrible judgment call. Also, don't surf alone. Should anything happen to you, having someone else around who can pull you out of a jam is a good idea no matter what you're doing.

It is a sport with many names enjoyed around the world and, although it may be dangerous, with the right equipment and common sense it can be fun and exciting.

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