Shooting the rapids on the Khek River
The Ultimate Adrenalin Rush
Shooting the rapids in Thailand has recently become popular with tourists. Thailand is excellent for this activity due to its warm climate. You will not shiver when getting wet. Also, natural beauty along the riverside is refreshing. The rivers recommended for shooting the rapids are such as the Pai River in Mae Hong Son, the Mae Taeng River in Chiang Mai, the Wa River in Nan and the Khek River in Phitsanulok. In this article, only the Khek River will be dealt with since it is among the toughest white-water rafting sites in the country.
The Khek River has its water source in Mount Phetchabun and flows past Thung Salaeng Luang National Park in Phitsanulok Province. Along its course, the river forms several waterfalls such as the attractive Sri Dit and Kaeng Sopha. In the rainy season, the river not only turns reddish-brown, but also swells which is suitable for white-water rafting.
You may start shooting the rapids at any of several points in Sap Phraiwan Village in Wang Thong County of Phitsanulok (377 km north of Bangkok). It is convenient since the river runs parallel to Highway 12 (Phitsanulok-Lomsak). The total distance of the rafting course is eight kilometres, containing 11 rapids, which requires 2-3 hours to cover, depending on the level and intensity of water. Normally, the river flows fast and furious after rain falls in the upper reaches of the river.
Having heard about the thrills and spills of shooting the rapids on the Khek River for a long time, the other day I was so excited to experience a chill for myself. Since it had been raining cats and dogs all night, the water was quite high, which was great for rafting. Before boarding on a rubber raft, a raft guide briefed everyone in our team on what to do for our safety. And a light rain began to fall just before we got onto the wide, wild river. But who cared, we'd get wet anyway.
The intensity of water here ranges from one to five, increasing as the river flows. At the beginning, as the dinghy drifted past small rapids, we had plenty of time to enjoy the soothing view of verdant green forest with mountain ranges being covered with a curtain of mist as a background and wild trees with berries of various colours standing along the banks. It was such a beautiful day and everyone was ready for an adventure. Then, the intensity of water gradually increased as well as our confidence.
Soon we reached a section of rapids with a strong current (difficulty degrees rising from class 3 to 5). The rushing water hit small and big rocks underneath forming huge waves that splashed onto the raft soaking us all. The refreshing cool water made amateur rafters realize that the real adventure now began. "Lock your feet tightly under the front seat! Left side rows forward, right side rows backward." our steersman shouted as he tried to take the bouncing raft on the hasty foamy water to the wanted direction. To survive all those swirling waves, apart from strictly following his orders, the unity of all those on the rubber dinghy was most needed. So, we paddled, paddled and paddled along until the dinghy was away from fierce waves at last.
After safely passing several exciting rapids, we had some time to breathe and chitchat before taking the next spills. It was about an hour and a half since we departed the starting point. Now in front of us was a steep gradient and we watched the swift flowing water hurling the other rafts down with the echo of people screaming.
"Everybody bends down and grasps a rope if you don't want to fall overboard" the steersman warned us just before our boat dropped. Abruptly following his command, I slipped one of my bare foot into the safest position under the front seat to prevent myself from falling out. With both hands I clenched the rope and a handle on the side as hard as I could.
Our boat fell down the gradient amidst the brick-coloured water and collided with strong waves. Tons of aggressive water hit hard on my face and my body. My right foot slipped out of the position but hands still on the rope and the handle fighting with the powerful force of the collision. My body rebounded from the seat on the left side of the raft to the right side. I was lucky that every part of my body was still on board. When it was over, everyone just burst out laughing. And not long after that it was another 100-metre long rapid with the same level of difficulty and fun. Awesome! The Khek River can really get our adrenalin flowing.
Before this extreme trip was over, there were a few shallow rapids suitable for swimming. Some of us jumped off the dinghy to cool down and swam to the shore. We said goodbye to the Khek, the river we just conquered and hoped to come back some day.
Remark: Shooting the rapids on the Khek River is for adults and children over 12 years old who can take responsibility for their own safety.
Rafting Season: June-October (depending on rainfall)
Accommodations: available along the river
For more details, please contact TAT Phitsanulok Office on tel. 0 5525 2742 to 3.
Special thanks to TAT Phitsanulok Office and Pop Tour for arranging an impressive white-water rafting trip.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE SHOOTING THE RAPIDS
To get excited and remain safe when you shoot the rapids, you are required to do as follows.
1. White-water rafting is not an activity that you can do by yourself. You need to contact a rafting operator with TAT licence, consider conditions and terms, check itineraries, insurance and safety equipment and then go with a guide.
2. Safety is of paramount importance in shooting the rapids. Life jackets and helmets must be worn at all times. Always concentrate on the guideีs advice for your safety.
3. Most white-water rafting places are located in the vicinity of fragile water sources, thus, a permission must be granted before entering the sites. Rafting operators usually are responsible for this.
4. Shorts and t-shirts are suitable clothes to wear. They should be light and easy to dry. Sport sandal shoes with straps are excellent to prevent the swift current flushing your shoes away.
5. Clothing, cameras and other belongings should be kept in plastic bags or water-resistant bags. Pack only necessary items.
6. Keep fit and bring first-aid kit and medicine.
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN YOU FALL INTO THE RIVER
1. Try to swim to the rubber boat or to the river bank as soon as possible to protect your body from the strong current and rocks.
2. Manage yourself to lie on your back and raise both legs to the surface of the water. This will allow your life jackets to float effectively. While you are drifting down the current, try to get both legs forward. Slowly kick your legs to reduce the current speed.
3. Do not bend your knees or lie face downward as your body might be hurt by underwater rocks.
4. If you cannot swim to the bank, stay calm and do as mentioned above. Then find a stable rock or tree to hold on to and wait for rescue.
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