Doing a river excursion is an easy and fun activity for the whole family. Children love everything related to water and, if they are also in contact with nature, it will provide them with multiple benefits and lessons.
Exploring the different corners of the river, collecting stones, observing the animals or taking a good dip, will make your river excursions unforgettable. Of course, before embarking on the adventure, you should take into account some tips and precautions to make your excursion perfect.
Background information and precautions
As in any other hiking trail, the first thing is iFind out about the route we are going to do and see if it meets the necessary conditions for our family. Keep in mind that you will have to do many sections through the water, some even swimming, so you must know the status of the route at that time. In addition, walking through the water supposes an extra effort and you should also take into account the return that could be an alternative route out of the water or against the current within the river, which makes the route even more difficult.
The rivers are also very changeable. The floods can modify the accesses, the vegetation or the banks, so it is important that you inform yourself of the current status of the route through specialized pages or apps or by asking someone who has recently done the tour.
Find out about whether the pools or river waters are suitable for bathing since in certain circumstances it can be inadvisable.
You will have to also take into account weather forecasts since in summer storms are very common that can cause an increase in the flow of the river or give us the odd scare. Try to always choose safe, dam-free stretches upstream. Pay attention to changes in the turbidity of the water or the sudden arrival of aquatic plants in the stream as they are signs that there may be some change. In this case, it is best to return to the roads and avoid the channels even if they are dry.
River floors and rocks can be very slipperyBe especially careful with areas where there is verdigris or algae as you may suffer a bad fall or an unwanted slip.
Equipment
Footwear
It is best to wear amphibian-type footwear that works both for walking through the water and for walking on land. If you cannot opt for it, some booties, sold in any sports store, can also work, although your feet will suffer a little more.
Be careful to try on footwear before the excursion to avoid unnecessary friction or discomfort. Depending on the footwear, it may be a good idea to wear socks to prevent sand from seeping into our shoes and harming us.
Avoid the temptation to wear some old shoes to finish destroying them in the river. Wear and tear makes them more prone to slipping or spraining. Also, you don't know how long they can last and you run the risk of running out of shoes in the middle of the excursion.
Clothing
Do not forget the swimsuit as it will be more than likely that you will get wet and that you will have to do some swimming sections. In specialized sports stores, you can find specific clothes that are quick to dry and with which you will avoid chafing.
Don't forget to pack spare clothes in a watertight compartment in your backpack.
Backpack
Use waterproof backpacks and watertight compartments or containers to prevent objects such as keys, cell phones, cameras, clothing or food from getting wet.
Water and food
Bring at least a liter of water or more per person. The coolness of the river can mask the feeling of thirst and cause us to become dehydrated. To eat you can bring energy bars, nuts and some fruit or a sandwich in case hunger strikes. Yes indeed, preserve food in the watertight compartments mentioned above.
Solar protection
These routes are usually done in summer and the hottest hours, so it is essential that you go protected with hats, glasses, and sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
Flotation elements
If you go with children, they are likely to get tired in the sections where you have to swim. A good idea may be to bring a foam rubber noodle to support them or some other system such as sleeves or vests that allow them to float.
The river and the children
I am sure that your children will enjoy your river excursions very much, however, if they are not used to it, they can be a little scared by not knowing what they are walking on or by feeling rocks, algae or aquatic invertebrates. So, It is very important that previously and throughout the tour, you explain what they are going to find and the reason for their presence. You can take the opportunity to talk to them about how aquatic plants and animals are an indicator of the purity of the water and encourage their love for nature and respect for the environment.