Going white water rafting in Nottingham is a great way to spend a day out. However, there are some things that you should know before you go. If you’re thinking of booking a white water rafting trip with friends or family members, then this post will help answer some of your questions about what to expect on the day. We’ve also put together our top tips for making sure that this adventure turns out to be one of the most exciting days of your life!
What To Know Before You Go White Water Rafting In Nottingham
There is an age limit for rafting in Nottingham
There is an age limit for rafting in Nottingham. The minimum age is 8 years old, and the maximum age is 14 years old. Children aged 14 or older may participate without adult supervision if they are accompanied by an adult with them at all times during their stay.
Under 18s require written consent from a parent or guardian to go rafting, as well as proof of age such as a passport, birth certificate, or government-issued photo ID card.
You need some level of fitness
When you’re white water rafting, you need to be able to run, jump and swim. Your legs will get wet so it’s best to wear shorts in the summer months. You have to be able to lift your legs over the sides of the boat while sitting down as well as hold on tightly when going through rapids.
If you’re not sure how active a trip would be for you then please contact us first before booking your space!
You need to be able to swim
One of the most important things to know about white water rafting is that you need to be able to swim. While it’s possible to go white water rafting without being able to swim, it’s not recommended.
White water rafting will take place on bodies of water with very swift currents and they can be very cold. There is a high risk of drowning if you accidentally fall out of your boat into the river or lake. For this reason, all commercial companies that offer white water rafting trips require that all participants pass a swimming test before they even get in their boats!
If you can’t swim but still want to go white water rafting, don’t worry. You won’t have any trouble finding a company willing to work with you! Most companies will either provide life jackets for non-swimmers or allow them on board. As long as they agree not to do anything risky like jump off the boat. This will likely would cause them injury).
You cannot go rafting if you are pregnant
If you are pregnant or have medical conditions that make you susceptible to the bends, such as high blood pressure or lung disease. If you are pregnant or have any other medical issues that would prevent you from participating in this activity, please do not go white water rafting!
You can take your phone or camera with you, but only if it is waterproof
While you can take your camera or phone with you, only use them in the water if they are completely waterproof. If not, there’s a good chance that when submerged in the water your expensive device will be ruined.
White Water Rafting in Nottingham
National Water Sports Centre
The National Water Sports Centre is a great place to go white water rafting in Nottingham. The centre is on the River Trent and has a cafe, shop, hire centre, and activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing.
The centre offers two types of white water rafting courses; the “Raft Rider Course” which involves being on a moving boat with an instructor paddling behind you and the “Level 2 White Water Course” where you can have more freedom on your vessel. Both courses are available for adults over 18 years old as well as children over 10 years old with an adult counterpart (18+).
Into the Blue
Into the Blue is a white water rafting company based in Nottingham. They have been running since 2009, and they offer trips on both the River Trent and their sister river, the River Soar.
The price of a trip depends on how far you want to go. For example, a one-hour trip costs £40 while an all-day trip costs £120 per person (group size of 6 people). You can also hire equipment from them at an additional cost. Boots or wetsuits are £10 each time you use them. Helmets are free for children but cost £5 for adults and life jackets cost nothing as long as you bring your dry clothes!
Holme Pierrepont Country Park
With almost 200 km of waterways and a host of activities on offer, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Holme Pierrepont Country Park in Nottingham. Located just 10 minutes from the City Centre, this beautiful park is home to the National Water Sports Centre. It is the UK’s biggest water sports centre with a variety of white water rafting experiences to choose from. You’ll be paddling through some of the most picturesque countryside around as you make your way down rapids and canals.
If you’re travelling alone or with friends then don’t worry about having an embarrassing initiation ceremony as everyone starts at their speed on an inflatable canoe (or “duckie” as we like to call them). Your instructor will guide you through each section before letting go so that you can enjoy some time on your own after picking up some skills along the way!
Nearby Restaurants to Try
Portello Lounge
Ratings: ★ 4.5
Portello Lounge is the perfect spot for an afternoon lunch or snack. The food options are limited, but they’re good and reasonably priced. You can get a club sandwich or some fries and a drink. There’s the ever-popular chocolate chip cookie for dessert, or you can try one of their daily specials such as apple crisp.
The Portello Lounge is open from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday. If you need something more substantial than what your rafting company provides at lunchtime but don’t want to spend any more money than necessary on it then this might be your best bet!
Giggling Squid – West Bridgford
Ratings: ★ 4.5
The Giggling Squid is a family-friendly restaurant in West Bridgford that serves great cocktails and has an extensive menu. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, making it the perfect place for a date night or with family.
La Storia
Ratings: ★ 4.8
If you want to enjoy some Italian food, La Storia is a great place to go. It’s a family-run Italian restaurant located in the City Centre. They have an extensive menu that includes pizzas, kinds of pasta, and salads. They also have a children’s menu which makes it easy for you to order something your little ones will like without worrying about them having allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Cuzina Bar & Eatery
Ratings: ★ 4.6
Cuzina Bar & Eatery is a restaurant and bar on the water. It specializes in seafood cuisine but also serves many other popular meals. The atmosphere is casual, with lots of seating available both indoors and outdoors.
Eva’s Grill
Ratings: ★ 4.7
Eva’s Grill is a family-run restaurant in the centre of Nottingham, serving Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. It is popular with locals and tourists alike, who come for its delicious food, great service, and reasonable prices. Eva’s Grill is open every day except Mondays.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand what it takes to go white water rafting in Nottingham. If you are still unsure, then why not try something else? Maybe kayaking would be a better option for you or maybe even paddle boarding. Whatever your choice, we wish you all the best!
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