10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Rafting in Bali

Rafting in Bali is a thrilling adventure that promises tourists an unforgettable holiday experience. But to ensure your adventure is safe and enjoyable, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that beginners often fall into. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 common mistakes you should avoid when rafting in Bali.

Bahasa Indonesia: 10 Kesalahan Umum Saat Rafting di Bali.

To enjoy an unforgettable holiday, explore more exciting activities suitable for adults in Bali on our Bali Adventure Tours page.

List of 10 Common Mistakes When Rafting in Bali

Here are 10 blunders to dodge while rafting in Bali, ranked from most to least critical based on the risks they pose to your safety and overall rafting experience.

To dive deeper into Bali’s rafting scene, don’t miss our article on “Rafting Adventures Guide in Bali: Explore the Ayung River, Telaga Waja, and Melangit.”

1. Ignoring Safety Briefings and Instructions: A Common Mistake When Rafting in Bali

Ignoring safety briefings and instructions is one of the 10 common mistakes rafting in Bali that can jeopardize your safety. This oversight is a big no-no. This oversight is a big no-no.

The briefing is your roadmap to rafting right—it covers proper paddling techniques, how to behave in the water, and what to do to dodge accidents.

In Bali, each rubber raft has a guide who’ll shout out instructions as you navigate the rapids. They might tell you to:

• Speed up or slow down your paddling.
• Duck or lie flat to avoid obstacles.
• Grab onto the boat rope if you’re about to hit a rock or riverbank.

Listening to your guide is vital to staying safe and sound on the water.

When rafters get tired, they sometimes ignore the guide, especially regarding paddling. Big mistake.

The guide needs all hands on deck to slow the boat down and prevent a nasty crash into the riverbank. Without teamwork, controlling the boat becomes a tough job for the guide.

2. Standing in an Inflatable Boat During Rafting: Risks and Dangers

Did you get the hang of following instructions? Great! But another pitfall to avoid is standing up in a moving raft.

It’s a risky move. Stand up; you might lose your balance, tumble into the water, or smack into a rock. Plus, when someone stands, it throws off the raft’s balance, upping the odds of flipping over. So, stay seated and stick to the guide’s playbook.

Before you jump in, get the lowdown on the safety measures of white water rafting in Bali in our article, “Is White Water Rafting In Bali Safe Or Dangerous & Scary?“. And don’t worry, this thrilling ride is safe, even in the rain.

3. Choosing a Bali River with a Current That’s Too Challenging

Another common blunder is picking a river that is too tough for your skill level. Sure, rivers with strong currents and many obstacles look exciting, but they’re not for newbies.

Before picking your river, consider how challenging it is and if it matches your experience. If you’re just starting, go for rivers with low to medium difficulty. And make sure you’re in good shape to tackle the rafting challenges ahead.

Not sure which river is your speed? Check out the Telaga Waja and Ayung rivers to find the perfect spot for your rafting adventure.

4. Ignoring the Importance of Hydration During a Rafting Adventure

It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of rafting in Bali and forget to drink water. But skipping hydration is a big no-no. Not drinking enough water can leave you dehydrated, zap your energy, and tire you faster. So, drink plenty of water before you start and take sips during breaks.

Tip: Ask your rafting guide to pack bottled water in their bag so you can grab a drink whenever needed.

Before you hit the rapids, brush up on the basics with our Complete Guide to Rafting in Bali for Beginners.

5. Mistakes in Choosing Clothes for Rafting: Impact on Stamina

Expect to get drenched from head to toe while rafting. If you wear clothes that soak up water, they’ll weigh you down and burn through your stamina as your body works to keep warm.

The solution? Skip the water-loving threads when you’re rafting in Bali.

Picking the right gear is critical. Check out our guide on the Clothing and Equipment Required for Rafting in Bali.

6. Wearing Expensive Glasses Without a Strap

It’s normal to wear shades while rafting to sharpen your vision and reduce water glare. But make sure they’re strapped on tight. When your raft bumps into rocks and riverbanks, there’s a risk your glasses could go flying.

A strap for your glasses is a must to keep them from diving into the river, which would be challenging to retrieve.

7. Mistakes in Using Sunblock

Slathering on sunblock is a must for white water rafting in Bali to shield your skin from sunburn. But rookie rafters often slip up by applying sunscreen on their lower legs and above their eyebrows. Why’s that a problem?

Keeping your balance on the raft can get tricky if your feet are slick with sunblock. And if sunscreen drips from your brows into your eyes, ouch! That stinging can mess with your sight.

For tips on protecting your skin outdoors, check out the guide on using sunblock correctly.

So, be competent with your sunblock application. Avoid spots that touch the raft a lot or are close to your eyes. For tips on protecting your skin outdoors, check out the guide on using sunblock correctly.

8. Wearing Flip-Flops

Flip-flops and rafting? Not a great combo. Trying to keep your sandals from slipping off and plunging into the river is a hassle. Plus, walking on the riverbed in flip-flops is a pain.

So, skip the flip-flops for rafting in Bali. Your best bet is water-resistant sports shoes or trekking sandals with heel straps.

9. Tempted by Cheap Rafting Prices: What You Need to Consider

Bargain prices can be tempting, especially for rafting adventures in Bali. But remember, rock-bottom prices might not match up with top-notch quality. This holds for rafting, too.

Before you book, consider what matters more: saving a few bucks or getting a quality rafting experience. Everyone’s answer will be different, based on their wishes and wallet.

That’s why we offer various rafting options in Bali, with prices to match.

• If you’re all about the budget, check out BMW Rafting on the Telaga Waja River or Graha Rafting on the Ayung River Ubud.
• But if you’re after top-notch service and facilities, consider Bali Mason Adventure Tours Rafting on the Ayung River Ubud or Sobek Rafting on the Telaga Waja River.

For more tips and info, dive into our Answers to Common Questions About Rafting in Bali.

10. Mistakes in Booking Bali Rafting Without Knowing Which Operator to Choose

So, you’ve got a handle on picking a rafting operator that ticks all your boxes. But did you know there are a bunch of white water rafting providers for each river, known as rafting operators?

Each has different prices—some are budget-friendly, while others might wince your wallet. But why do the prices vary so much, even if they’re all splashing down the same river?

A few things can make the cost of rafting with different operators differ:

• Food Menu Options: After you’ve conquered the rapids, you’ll get to chow down on some grub. The rafting price includes your meal, so you only need to fork out extra for drinks. Most operators serve a buffet spread, and the variety of eats can bump the price.
• Rafting Equipment Quality: If you’re paying more, you’re likely getting top-notch gear, like rubber boats from brands like “Avon.” These imported boats cost more than local ones, which can increase the price.
• Property Quality: This is all about the fanciness of the changing rooms, lobbies, bathrooms with hot water, and the restaurant. Higher prices usually mean higher quality digs.

Before you hit the water, brush up on 10 Important Safety Tips you need to know for a Bali rafting tour.

Conclusion: 10 Common Mistakes When Rafting in Bali

There are 10 common blunders to dodge for a safe and excellent rafting experience in Bali. The golden rules? Pay attention to safety briefings, follow your guide’s advice, pick a river that matches your skills, and prep like a pro.

Now that you know the common mistakes to avoid, you’re one step closer to a fantastic rafting adventure in Bali. For more tips and a step-by-step guide to planning your trip, check out our guide on Planning Your Bali River Rafting Trip.

Do you have any tips or questions of your own? Drop them in the comments below. Hungry for more rafting info? Dive into our other articles for the lowdown on Bali’s thrilling whitewater rafting scene!

And hey, don’t forget to follow us on social media at @WiraTourBali on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest articles on holiday tips and water sports activities in Bali. We’re always sharing cool stuff to make your Bali getaway unforgettable.