Is rafting safe?
Your safety is crucial for us!
Your safety, as a client, is absolutely crucial and the highest priority for our company. That is why we deal with safety systematically. According to our opinion, there are at least 6 factors that have an effect on your safety while rafting. Always choose the rafting provider carefully. You should definitely be interested in these questions:
- difficulty of the river
- competence of the guides
- safety routines
- safety rules
- trip logistics and organization
- equipment
How do we ensure your safety at Dagali Fjellpark?
THE STREAM BED IS VARIOUS
It alternates regularly between wild rapids and slow-moving pools. If you fall out, we just fish you up!
THE SECTION IS LONG ENOUGH
Depending on the water flow, we can choose higher or lower parts of the river.
THERE ARE MORE STREAMS
The river branches from one to multiple stream at some rapids. Each raft handles rapids in its own way according to safety rules.
WHITEWATER CLASS 2 - 5
Combining streams and sections, it is possible to organize all the 3 levels of trips on the same day.
You will be taken care of by professional guides and instructors
| Guide | Courses, education | Professional experience | First Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Alasdair Pinkerton | - Whitewater Rescue Technician Advanced (WRTA), Rescue 3 International - Scottish Rafting Association (SRA) Level 4 Raft Guide Trainer, 2020 - UK Canyon Guide (UKCG) Canyon Leader, 2016 - BA Hons in Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism, University of Derby, Buxton, 2009 - 2013 | Guiding Experience since 2008 - 7 seasons in Norway, 2 seasons in India, many years in Scotland, 3 years raft racing around UK. | Outdoor Pursuits 2 day first aid, Scotland, 2019 |
| Vojtech Hejtmanek | - Whitewater Leader and Whitewater Rescue Technician, Charles university in Prague, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, by Phdr. Petr Novotný Ph.D. IRF instructor - RESCUE 3 WRT – Whitewater Rescue Technician | - Numedalslågen, Dagali, Norway (since 2010) - Dagali Fjellpark (since 2014) - Intensive kayaking experience around the world (since 2005) - The co-autohor and cameraman of Kayaking Simple and Safe (Instructional DVD for kayakers) | - Norsk Grunnkurs i Forstehjelp – The Norwegian Red Cross – first aid course - RESCUE 3 WRT – Whitewater Rescue Technician |
| Ondra Vozabal | - Water Tourism Instructor, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic, 2012 | - CK CVOK - rafting travel agency, 2012 - 2019, Austria, Swiss, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, Montenegro - Rafting and Canyoning Guide, Numedalslagen since 2020 | - Czech Red Cross - Paramedic Recovery Actions |
| Rajip Tripathi | - Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT), Rescue 3 International, 2022 - International Rafting Federation (IRF) Level 5 Raft Guide Trip Leader, 2017 - Raft Guide, N.A.T.H.M., 2009 | - Raft Guide, Adrenaline Rush, 2010 - 2012. - T.L. Raft Guide and Canyon Guide, Paddle Nepal, 2013 - 2016 - Japan - 2016 - Iceland - 2017 - Guiding on Numedalslagen since 2018 | - W.F.A.R. (80 hours), Initiative outdoor, 2020 - W.F.A. (16 hours), Redcross (2014-207) |
| Bharat Gurung | - Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT), Rescue 3 International, 2020 - Raft Guide, N.A.T.H.M., 2013 | - Guiding since 2011 - T.L Raft Guide, Paddle Nepal, 2012 - 2017) - Japan - 2017 - Guiding on Numedalslagen since 2018 | - Wilderness First Aid, 24-hour, Initiative Outdoor, 2020 |
| Sanu Gurung | - Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT), Rescue 3 International, 2019 - Raft Guide, N.A.T.H.M., 2017 - International Rafting Federation (IRF), Raft Guide Trip Leader, 2015 | - Guiding since 2005 - India - 2005, 2006 - Turkey - 2011 - Guiding on Numedalslagen since 2021 | - Wilderness First Aid, 24-hour, Initiative Outdoor, 2020 |
| Jeevan Gurung | - Rafting Guide, Achieved grade ‘A’, Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (2012) - River Guide Training Programme 2018, Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), River Guide Instructor - IRF Guide Training and Education, International Rafting Federation, Safety Kayaker – Level 4, Raft Trip Leader – Level 4 (2021) | - Professional Rafting Guide, Safety Kayaker, Kayak Instructor, Canyoning Guide (since 2009) - River Guide and Translator in a UNDP project, Ganges River Dolphin Conservation Center (2014) - Professional Rafting Guide and Safety Kayaker, BIGSMILE, Japan (2016 - 2018) - Dagali (since 2021) | - Whitewater Rescue Technician, Rescue 3 International (2019) - Wilderness First Responder, Solo, Wilderness Emergency Medicine (2019) |
| Guide | Courses, education | Professional experience | First Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Alasdair Pinkerton | – Whitewater Rescue Technician Advanced (WRTA), Rescue 3 International – Scottish Rafting Association (SRA) Level 4 Raft Guide Trainer, 2020 – UK Canyon Guide (UKCG) Canyon Leader, 2016 – BA Hons in Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism, University of Derby, Buxton, 2009 – 2013 | Guiding Experience since 2008 – 7 seasons in Norway, 2 seasons in India, many years in Scotland, 3 years raft racing around UK. | Outdoor Pursuits 2 day first aid, Scotland, 2019 |
| Vojtech Hejtmanek | – Whitewater Leader and Whitewater Rescue Technician, Charles university in Prague, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, by Phdr. Petr Novotný Ph.D. IRF instructor – RESCUE 3 WRT – Whitewater Rescue Technician | – Numedalslågen, Dagali, Norway (since 2010) – Dagali Fjellpark (since 2014) – Intensive kayaking experience around the world (since 2005) – The co-autohor and cameraman of Kayaking Simple and Safe (Instructional DVD for kayakers) | – Norsk Grunnkurs i Forstehjelp – The Norwegian Red Cross – first aid course – RESCUE 3 WRT – Whitewater Rescue Technician |
| Ondra Vozabal | – Water Tourism Instructor, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic, 2012 | – CK CVOK – rafting travel agency, 2012 – 2019, Austria, Swiss, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, Montenegro – Rafting and Canyoning Guide, Numedalslagen since 2020 | – Czech Red Cross – Paramedic Recovery Actions |
| Rajip Tripathi | – Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT), Rescue 3 International, 2022 – International Rafting Federation (IRF) Level 5 Raft Guide Trip Leader, 2017 – Raft Guide, N.A.T.H.M., 2009 | – Raft Guide, Adrenaline Rush, 2010 – 2012. – T.L. Raft Guide and Canyon Guide, Paddle Nepal, 2013 – 2016 – Japan – 2016 – Iceland – 2017 – Guiding on Numedalslagen since 2018 | – W.F.A.R. (80 hours), Initiative outdoor, 2020 – W.F.A. (16 hours), Redcross (2014-207) |
| Bharat Gurung | – Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT), Rescue 3 International, 2020 – Raft Guide, N.A.T.H.M., 2013 | – Guiding since 2011 – T.L Raft Guide, Paddle Nepal, 2012 – 2017) – Japan – 2017 – Guiding on Numedalslagen since 2018 | – Wilderness First Aid, 24-hour, Initiative Outdoor, 2020 |
| Sanu Gurung | – Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT), Rescue 3 International, 2019 – Raft Guide, N.A.T.H.M., 2017 – International Rafting Federation (IRF), Raft Guide Trip Leader, 2015 | – Guiding since 2005 – India – 2005, 2006 – Turkey – 2011 – Guiding on Numedalslagen since 2021 | – Wilderness First Aid, 24-hour, Initiative Outdoor, 2020 |
| Jeevan Gurung | – Rafting Guide, Achieved grade ‘A’, Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (2012) – River Guide Training Programme 2018, Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), River Guide Instructor – IRF Guide Training and Education, International Rafting Federation, Safety Kayaker – Level 4, Raft Trip Leader – Level 4 (2021) | – Professional Rafting Guide, Safety Kayaker, Kayak Instructor, Canyoning Guide (since 2009) – River Guide and Translator in a UNDP project, Ganges River Dolphin Conservation Center (2014) – Professional Rafting Guide and Safety Kayaker, BIGSMILE, Japan (2016 – 2018) – Dagali (since 2021) | – Whitewater Rescue Technician, Rescue 3 International (2019) – Wilderness First Responder, Solo, Wilderness Emergency Medicine (2019) |
Follow the instructions
You are obliged to follow the guides' instructions and messages.
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATES
All the rafting guides have international certificates, for exampel RESCUE 3 or International Rafting Federation.
EXPERIENCE
Dagali Fjellpark has over 10 years experience on Numedalslågen. All the rafting guides know the river very well.
GUIDE MANUAL
We have our own Guide Manual, written up based on more than 10 years of experience with guiding commercial rafting trips on the Numedalslågen River.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
We combine the experience of our international guides with the local knowledge and experience of local stable guides, to provide the best team for our river.
Prior to the opening of the rafting season
Rapids and water falls are carefully scouted before bringing customers.
Check in for the trip and fill in the documentation
Based on that, we know how many people go on the trip and how many we have to bring back.
Valuable things
Mobile phones and valuable things are stored in the safe at the base before rafting.
Ask the crew
Every crew is unique. The guide talks to you to get know your expectations and fears to adapt the trip.
Get the right neoprene size
That's very important. The neoprene stretches a little in the water. If your wetsuit was too big, a balloon full of water would create under it. This would pull you down. So a precisely fitting neoprene is very important due to your safety.
First aid kit
At the trips, we always have main and bus first aid kit. The main first aid kit contains, to pick ut something, for example adhesive plaster, bubble wrap for one person, stabilizing bags, telephone/radio, river map or emergency plan – short version. In the bus, there is for example neck collar and wool blankets.
Safety equipment on the river
First aid kit, rope, carabiners, pullies, prusiks, throw bag in every boat, cell phone (at least 2), wrap kit.
River communication
All the guides at all times know what’s going on. If the trip leader is informing one guide, this is confirmed, and given to the next guide. All signs given on the river are both a sign and a question. Guides always answer.
Swimming
The customers stay in the river as little as possible. The guide is always prepared.
Safety kayak
When there is just one raft on the trip, at least one safety kayak is always ready to rescue swimmers.
Surfing on waves
Before a surf, there is always a safety raft or kayak ready to rescue the crew.
When a raft flips
The guide first counts helmets and makes sure no one is stuck under the raft. Than he/she looks out for immediate dangers. If anyone are in trouble, the guide helps him or her first. Than he/she re-flips the raft and gets everyone out from the river as soon as possible. Than the guide collects paddles and other gear. The raft goes to the riverbank, regroups and gets organized.
Functional, high quality and clean equipment
Wetsuits
We offer 3 thicknesses of neoprenes: 3, 5 and 6 mm. You are obliged to use wetsuit and shoes during the activity.
Rafting = life jacket. No life jacket = no rafting.
The vest must be fastened with all clips, adjusting straps tightened. The vest must be tight during the entire trip.
Neopren shoes
You get neoprene shoes to keep your feet protected and warm.
Helmet
The helmet has to be worn on the head during the entire activity.
Everyone has to follow safety rules
„Is rafting safe? Follow safety rules!“
- The first rule is pretty simple: have fun!
- Please listen what your guide has to say during the Safety Talk before rafting. Make sure that you have understood what has been said. Ask if anything is unclear.
- You get a helmet, buoyancy aid (life jacket), wetsuit and river shoes. All equipment needs to be worn during the entire activity.
- You must have swimwear under the wetsuit. Thermal clothing under the wetsuit should be adapted for weather conditions.
- The lifejacket must be fastened with all clips and properly fitted during the entire trip.
- Your guide is on the raft to get you through the rapids safely. Following his/her instructions will make your trip the best it can be.
- On the raft, hold onto your T-grip and the Outside Safety Line or Safety Rope.
- Unless your raft guide gives you permission, don’t jump out of the boat!
- If you fall out the raft, lie on your back with your feet up so you can see your toes. Then turn so you are going feet first. And just have a happy smile on your face, we will get you very soon!
- Never try to stand up in the river!
- All participants has to sign the self-declaration before the trip.
- People influenced by alcohol or drugs can not participate on the trip.
Good to know about rafting
Who stays anchored ashore?
- people who can not swim
- everyone who is not able to use hands to paddle
- people influenced by alcohol or drugs
- pregnant women
- everyone outside age / height limits
- you who have heart / lung / back / neck problems
- people with serious injuries or disorders
What is the Safety Talk about?
- safety procedures
- information about the raft and paddles
- swimming in the river - how to swim, where to swim
- buddy rescue
- self-rescue
- commands and strokes
- what to do if the raft flips or wraps
SAFETY TALK
You get an easy-to-follow Safety Talk before you go rafting. You are obliged to follow during the Safety Talk. Make sure that you have understood what has been covered and said. Ask if anything is unclear.
THE LIMITS
The limit for family rafting is 8 years or 120 cm, for classic rafting 12 years or 140 cm, for FULL ON rafting 15 years. Under-age must have parental approval to participate. Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
SWIMWEAR ON!
You must have swimwear under the wetsuit. This ensures safety and hygiene not only for you, but also for other visitors.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
You get helmet, life jacket, wetsuit and shoes. The helmet has to be worn on the head during the entire activity. The vest must be fastened with all clips, adjusting straps tightened. The vest must be tight during the entire trip. You are obliged to use wetsuit and shoes during the activity.