Rafting in Auster-Vefsna
Rafting, of course, is voluntary, but most people take the chance and throw themselves into it. Just getting all the gear on is a bit of a challenge in itself. Anyway, the whole school had a wonderful day, with nice weather, good food and new experiences.
River North was started in 2017 by Mariann Sæther and Ron Fischer, two adventurers who have settled at Trofors. They have river guides with extensive experience and good knowledge of the river, and it is always safe to raft with them.
We rafter either in Svenningelva or Auster-Vefsna, depending on the water level. Auster-Vefsna is a perfect river for rafting. We went rafting what is called the “Festival Stretch”, with big and fun but safe rapids.
Before we go in the rafts we learn about safety and how we relate to each other on the trip down the river. You need to be able to “read” the river and plan how to make your way down, and students get an introduction from the guides about the plan before we leave.
The most important thing to keep in mind when rafting is to wear super or woolen underwear under the wetsuit, possibly swimwear if it is hot. Then you need to keep in mind that there are strong forces in the swing, so one must not try to stand or challenge the current in the river. The guides are clever, so it's perfectly okay to trust them!
Then you need to bring a towel and dry clothes so you can change after the trip. Because you get wet.
