The Thrill of White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro River

There are three places known for white water rafting in the Philippines, namely - Davao Wildwater Adventure, Cagayan De Oro River and Chico River (Kalinga-Apayao).

And I'm proud to share that I have already conquered two of them, Davao (Summer 2012) and Cagayan De Oro (Summer 2012). I almost conquered Chico River but unfortunately, due to lack of time and reservation, I failed to do it last February 2013.

But first, let us define what is white water rafting..

Rafting or white water rafting is the challenging recreational outdoor activity of using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid-1970s. It is considered an extreme sport, as it can be dangerous (Wikepedia).

First time I saw this extreme sport was way back ten years ago.

And this was the only reason I went to Cagayan De Oro!

Cagayan de Oro River, is one of the rivers flowing in the northern central part of Mindanao, Philippines.The river's headwaters is found  in the central portion of the Province of Bukidnon. It flows northward towards the City of Cagayan de Oro for about 90 kilometers before emptying into the Macajalar Bay.

Below are the six grades of difficulty in white water rafting. They range from simple to very dangerous and potential death or serious injuries (from Wikepedia).

Grade 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight maneuvering. (Skill level: very basic)
Grade 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering. (Skill level: basic paddling skill)
Grade 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill level: experienced paddling skills)
Grade 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill level: whitewater experience)
Grade 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering. (Skill level: advanced whitewater experience)
Grade 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous that they are effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, and/or substantial drops that will impart severe impacts beyond the structural capacities and impact ratings of almost all rafting equipment. Traversing a Class 6 rapid has a dramatically increased likelihood of ending in serious injury or death compared to lesser classes. (Skill level: successful completion of a Class 6 rapid without serious injury or death is widely considered to be a matter of great luck or extreme skill and is considered by some as a suicidal venture)

There are techniques that you can use in river rafting, such as punching, high siding, capsizing, re-righting and tricks.

And I think I experience some it while traversing the wild waters of Cagayan De Oro River!

 The Tour Operators in Cagayan De Oro are the following: . 

1st Rafting Adventure 

http://www.raftingadventurephilippines.com/

Tel # 857-1270 / 0917-707-3583 

Contact person: Rupert Domingo . 

Red Raft 

http://www.theredrafts.com/

Tel # 714329 / 0918-604-0901 

Contact person: Rex Tapongot . 

Kagay Whitewater Rafting 

Tel # 856-3972 / 0916-217-4035 

Contact person: Roldan Kaamiño . 

Great Whitewater Rafting 

Tel # 856-55555 Contact Person: 

Jerome Garcia 

I conquered Cagayan De Oro River white water rafting using the Red Rafts!

Best months to do rafting is during the rainy season (June onwards) where the rapids are more stronger and faster. 

The fee is P700 per head for the beginner’s course which consists of 14 rapids and lasts for about 3 hours. Already included is the jeepney ride to and from the start and end points.

It's Really More Fun Rafting in the Philippines!!! =)