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General info
So you are convinced and want to book an adventure?
River rafting, white water rafting Vaal river in Parys or any of the other rivers
What types of boats will we use? Depending on the river that you choose. Depending on river levels you will either use the two man four man six man or eight man inflatable crafts. All these boats are very stable. There is no prior experience needed to operate these crafts. PFD, personal flotation devises and helmets are issued to each participant before the trip starts. The Trip leader guide will run through a safety briefing before you get on the water and if you cannot swim? No problem at all that is why we are river rafting and not swimming!
You can choose to have lunch on your trip even if you do the river rafting, white water rafting thing. Please make sure that you notify us of any special dietary requirements.
Clothing and other belongings
Please note that that if you are going on the river the clothes that you must wear must be clothing that can get wet!
Please remember to bring straps for your sun glasses.
Dry clothes and towels
Sunscreen and hats
Cameras can be accommodated even on the river!
Here is some of our safety codes to insure you have a quality trip!
African Paddling Association
SAFETY CODE
Adopted at a national meeting of river tour operators and guides at
Hopetown, Cape, in January 1999, amended at the APA Council meeting
Vaal River, Parys 10 January 2002.
1. Guides and participants will at all times act cautiously and responsibly.
2. All participants must be warned that no alcohol or intoxicants are to be taken
during the eight hours preceding-, and during any paddling activities and it is
the operator’s responsibility to enforce this rule.
3. All participants will be correctly equipped and warned to wear a personal flotation device
(pfd) at all times and a helmet in whitewater. Pfd’s and helmet will be properly fitted
and worn to manufacturers specifications.
4. No person may act in the capacity of a guide unless he or she is duly qualified and
experienced in the particular paddling discipline.
5. On each trip a senior guide will be designated as Safety Officer in charge of scouting,
safety and rescues.
6. All trips will begin with the APA Safety Talk appropriately modified for the particular
paddling discipline.
7. Operators will provide group safety gear, and guides will check this gear daily.
8. Parties will be warned about known hazards and how to avoid them.
9. When faced with major water hazards, guides will remind participants that they have the
option to walk.
10. A guide in the capacity of a Leader or Safety Officer has the discretion to order any
person off the water or to alter or terminate a trip in the interests of safety.
CODE OF PRACTICE
Conservation Ethic
We are committed to minimum physical impact on the environment. Guides will set the
example. We will not cut, burn, clear or damage banks or shores, and will leave no sign
of our presence. We will protect animal and birdlife and leave wildlife habitats
undisturbed. Where landings or established camps are constructed, they will harmonise
with their surroundings; keep traffic, waste and noise to a minimum; and not pollute
the area or water in any way.
Consideration Ethic
We are committed to considerate behaviour towards other water users, as well as towards
farmers and local inhabitants. Access to water will be negotiated, and permits obtained
where necessary. To maintain good relations we will provide employment for local
people wherever possible. Operators will try to ensure that overcrowding does not
occur on paddling routes. Guides will ensure that parties camp out of sight and hearing
of each other wherever possible. Trips will not be run if there is insufficient water for
enjoyable paddling.
•Issued by the APA National Office, 2002
•All members of APA subscribe to these codes. Any member found to have transgressed
the code may be disciplined, fined or expelled from the association and the judgement
published in the media.
APA NATIONAL: TEL/FAX (021) 674 1645 apaoffice@mweb.co.za | 
