Tag: #balsariver

Rio La Balsa comes from the cloud forest mountains of San Ramon & Zarcero, not far from a small village called "La Balsa" three small creeks called Rio Cataratas, San Luis & Espino merge into one river, and not far another tributary called Tapesco River blend into one making the beautiful canyon of La Balsa, with lush vegetation and huge walls, this canyon is part of the limit between Central Mountain Range and Tilaran Mountain Range,  all this amount of water is stored in two dams to produce hydroelectric energy ''Daniel Gutierres" and "Balsa Inferior". Having this control on the release of water every day, rafting companies communicate constantly with the dam operators to get info about river conditions and volume of water, this allows us to operate safe rafting tours, wherein the case of last-minute changes at the upper section of the river, head guides, and dam operators can rapidly organize evacuations and get full control over any emergency. The commercial section of rapids classes 2, 3, and 4 is one of the most continuous sections of rapids in Central America, allowing to get over 30 big rapids in less than 8 miles. Some of then with half a mile of big splashing waves, small drops, and different types of obstacles. One of these long rapids is called "Dragas" which is the name for the excavators that work often at the place picking rocks for the stone crusher plants. These machines change the rapids often so there is always a new surprise, however, all companies send professional kayakers to scout the rapids before running them. The river is surrounded by tropical rain forest, which allows observing a great diversity of wildlife such as; monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, river birds, poro trees, colorful frogs, among many others. The river crosses

What to bring on a rafting tour? When you are planning to do a Rafting tour in Costa Rica, it is important to consider what to bring, because the safest adventures are only possible by the combination of good guides, detailed information and, excellent equipment.  The basic equipment like Personal Flotation Devise (lifejacket), helmet, and paddle are normally provided by the rafting companies, but there is some other gear that is important to wear to enjoy fun and safe rafting trips.   Rivers in Costa Rica like the Balsa River may be very rocky, and some good rapids maybe only are 2 or 3 feet deep. Coming from the base of the Volcanos those rocks may be sharp and irregular. In case of falling out of the raft, we must assume the white water swimming position, which is; to lay on your back keeping your feet first downstream, so your feet will become like a shield, protecting the rest of your body, our legs are flexible and stronger than our arms, this is the best you can do when floating on a rapid. Once this is cleared, is easy to understand that going rafting barefoot is a really bad idea. Something similar happens when people use flip-flops, "It's ok I have done it before!" they say. But the truth is that working as river guides we have seen thousands of broken nails, and millions of flip flop going all the way down to Nicaragua. The safest rafting shoes are regular hiking shoes, sneakers, tennis shoes, diving boots, and any type of shoe that covers your toes and is well tied and closed around your ankle.   Sunblock is important, but NOT on your forehead ?! We normally down rivers at noon trying to avoid the rain from the afternoon, the