White Knuckle Rafting in SWAZILAND!

I was feeling that just being in the wilds of Africa was not cutting it on the Adventure meter, so I signed us up for some white water rafting.

I reviewed the safety records of all potential companies, and chose the one that had the worst...and cheapest.

We took off with limited instruction: lean towards rocks, look backwards after rapids to ensure you are both still in the boat...oh, and lift your knees up if you 'fall in'.

It all started well enough. The padelling was easy, the sun lovely, and there was only one other 'crew'. The funny thing was the other boat was crewed by the girl who told us this was a great first timers river...and very safe.

My suspicions grew when the guide pointed out where the crocs were sun baking.

The first rapid was called Monica Lewinski (work it out for your self). The next was a gap in a hydro weir, which was a good 6m drop...which was interseting.

We were smashing it, and cleared every rapid, where as the other crew were spat out of every one.

Perhaps we were getting smug, and the last rapid was called the 'initiator'....I think it should have been called the eliminator (grade 4+ rapid). Our approach was perfect...and then it went to custard!

We were both put through the wash and spin cycle and spat out. I ended up with two paddles, Tanya ended up with a boat for a hat.

The guide tried to clear it three times..and got spat out just like we did...but not with as much style...for beginers my arse! We both ended up with some dents and scratches...but pretty good considering.

I think Tanya will not be keen to do this again...but I have read about this awsome group that do the Zambizi River in tractor tubes....bring it on!