10 WHITEWATER RAFTING SAFETY TIPS FROM RAFT MASTERS

Whether on vacation or just getting out of the house to cool off, whitewater rafting is a fun and invigorating outdoor activity and a great way to enjoy the outdoors no matter what your ability or experience level.  White water rafting is not just for the crazy hard core mountain people anymore.  This popular sport is now more main stream than ever before.  No pun intended.  But there are a few steps that you and your family can take to insure that your white water experience is a good one that you will look back on your experience in a positive way for years to come.

Rafting is fun! By following a couple of safety rules it can be even more enjoyable. Here are 10 safety rules that will help you and your family to enjoy the great outdoor experience known as whitewater rafting.

10 WHITEWATER RAFTING SAFETY TIPS

1. Choose a licensed and professional rafting outfitter.

   When shopping for an outfitter, ask them questions.  See how long they have been in business under the current ownership.  Ask them what kind of training their guides have and what government entity manages their outfitters permit and training practices.  This will let you know that you are working with a professional outfitter. Picking a professional outfitter will help ensure that the following rules are followed.

2. Always wear a life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD).

   Although just because you wear a life jacket, it doesn’t mean it will save your life.  It must be worn correctly. All buckles must be clipped and the jacket should be fitted snug to your body.  The trick here is to have the jacket fitted so you can breathe yet the jacket should not be able to be pulled up over your head.  Always have your professional guide fit your jacket.  This will insure a perfect fit.

3. Be safe and comfortable. Wear the protective gear.

   Always wear a helmet no matter what level of rafting you are participating in.  Let’s face it, you wouldn’t let your kids out to ride their bike or go roller blading without a helmet, why go whitewater rafting without one?  It just makes good sense.

4. Make sure you have the right outerwear for the day.

   In early Spring, the water may be a little chilly. Wearing a wet suit, splash jacket, and proper river shoes can make the trip much more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without the chill.  Some outfitters rent this gear.  A reputable outfitter will have gear for you.  Find out before you book if the outfitter has gear for you. Raft Masters includes this gear as part of the package at no additional cost.  On the other side of the spectrum: be prepared for sunny clear days. This can be accomplished by wearing quick drying clothing like polypro and wearing sunscreen and a cheap pair of sunglasses with UV protection.  Raft Masters sells sun screen, sunglasses, and straps for your sunglasses so you don’t lose them.  Remember sunburns can happen fast at higher elevation and can be severe.   Sunburns or hypothermia are no fun.

5. Hold the paddle properly.

   Holding the paddle properly can be a huge safety concern.  One hand should be at the base of the paddle on the shaft.  The other hand should ALWAYS be on the end of the shaft over the “T” grip.  The “T” grip is made of hard plastic and can blacken eyes and knock out teeth.  Keeping your hand over the “T” grip will keep control of the paddle and cushion the blow if it should happen.  Ask your professional commercial guide for the proper technique.

6. Stay in the boat!

   This sounds like common sense, but it can happen.  One minute you are in the boat and the next you are swimming next to it.  When rafting, pay attention and watch for rocks coming from downstream.  Your guide may use a command called “Bump” just before the boat hits a rock.  If your guide calls out, “Bump!” lean in while placing your paddle “T” grip on the floor of the boat.  Make sure you still keep your hand over the grip.  If the “Bump” command is executed correctly your blade end of the paddle will be up in the air and your fist over the grip will be on the floor of the boat.  This should keep you in the boat. After the boat collides with the rock, return to your seat and be ready to paddle.  If you fall out of the boat, the most important thing to do is… DON’T PANIC!  Find your boat.  Most times when someone falls out of the boat they pop up right next to the boat.  Grab it so you don’t float away.  If you are a couple of feet away from the boat, swim to the boat.  If you pop up and you are far from the boat, look for other rescue options, other boats or the riverbank. Remember, there are two riverbanks for your convenience, one on either side of the river. If you are panicking you won’t think about getting back to the boat and the rescue becomes more difficult.  Your guide will go over this in great detail during the safety talk before the trip.

7. Know the proper swimming techniques.

   When swimming in the river, whether you fall out or you jump in for fun, there are two techniques.  The first is the “Down River Swimmers Position”.  This is on your back, nose and toes to the sky with your head up so you can see where you are going. Feet down stream with your knees slightly bent.  This way if you come in contact with a rock you can use your feet and legs as shock absorbers and push off the rock.  Arms should be out to your side to help keep yourself in control.  A helpful hint here: keep your butt up.  If you sit with your butt low in the water, you will find a rock and bring home some interesting bruises.  Guys, keep your legs together.  If you hit a rock we call this “romancing the stone. “ There is no romance for a couple of weeks afterwards.  The second swimmers position is becoming more popular and more excepted in rescue situations.  This position is on your stomach doing your best Michael Phelps impersonation.  Point to where you want to go and go.  Swim until you are out of the river.  Again your guide will explain when it is best to use which swimming position.
   If you choose to swim to the shore, swim all the way to the shore. NEVER stand up in moving current.  Most guides never walk in water over their shins.  This prevents a situation called “Foot Entrapment” which is where you put your size 9 foot in a size 8 hole or crack in the bottom of the river.  This is not a good place to be but it is so easy not to get in this situation, just don’t walk in the river.  It is just that easy.

8. Know the commands – High-Siding.

   When you are listing to your guide’s safety talk before the trip, pay extra attention to the part about high-siding.  High-siding is a command that your guide may call out as a last ditch effort to keep the boat from capsizing. Remember: don’t panic! Chances are this won’t happen, but if it does you will have wished you paid attention during the safety talk.  This situation tends to stress both guides and clients out but really it is a super easy command to execute.  If the boat hits a rock or gets in a hydraulic, the boat is usually in a sideways position in the river.  Water pressure will build on the upstream side of the boat, which can flip the boat over.  But if your guide is Johnny on the spot and calls out, “High-side!” you need to go to the downstream part of the boat (the way the water is moving) by getting up and throwing your weight to the downstream tube of the raft.  Easy peasy!  Remember to always go the direction the river is flowing: downstream.

9. Never panic!

   Panicking is a waste of time.

10. Listen to your guide during the safety talk and on the water.

    Your experienced Raft Masters’ guide is trained to know exactly how to handle any type of situation encountered while on the river. View our whitewater rafting safety video.

Depend on Raft Masters to Give You the Ride of a Lifetime

Raft Masters is a long-time member of the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA), America Outdoors (AO), and All-Outdoors Whitewater Rafting. We provide many amenities for our customers, including:

• Guides trained in CPR and first aid

• Comprehensive safety orientation before all trips

• Free use of wetsuits, river boots and paddle jackets

• Two-way radio communication

• Weekend trips at no extra charge

• Short shuttle services

• Handicapped accessible

By following these basic tips and listening to your guide during your white water rafting adventure, you can safely experience the beauty of nature, the roaring rush of water as you ride the river’s flow and the memorable thrill of whitewater rafting. Hope to see you soon!

Twitter reacts to the firing of Tony Levine

UH’s decision to fire Tony Levine as head coach prompted strong reactions on social media from team members and the UH community.

[TheDailyCougar/social-media-reacts-to-the-firing-of-tony-levine” target=”_blank”>View the story “Twitter reacts to the firing of Tony Levine” on Storify]

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$1.5 M grant awarded to study Chinese-American breast cancer survivors

Qian Lu, an associate professor of psychology at UH, has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health in order to study the effects of how going to a social support group affects Chinese-American breast cancer survivors.
The survivors will participate in a support group named the Joy Luck Club, named after the 1989 book of the same name. Lu will lead the study, which will follow the participants for five years.
“The goal for the study and one of the reasons why the NIH funded the study is not only to figure out the benefits for women, but to figure out the difference ways we can evolve the field,” Lu told China Daily USA about the study. “We’re doing something that nobody was doing before, so we’re able to learn new ways of doing things and understand the unique needs of the Asian-American population and how we can help them. In a sense, we have to explore what the best ways are. Nobody has done anything like that with Asian Americans.”
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Festive recipes for the holiday season

There are so many things about the holiday season that brighten people’s spirits – cold, crisp winter weather, family gathered around a warm fire, sparkling lights, tinsel and holly that adorn Houston homes and the all-around spreading of holiday cheer. But the best part about the holidays is not the quality time you spend with your family or the fun lights – it’s the food and more specifically, the desserts. With thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, these holiday-themed desserts are the perfect addition for your holiday table.

• 1. Sugar Cookies
• 2. Gingerbread houses
• 3. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
• 4. Peppermint Bark
• 5. Pumpkin Pie

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Sugar cookies are a classic holiday treat. Not only are they simple to make, they are both easy and fun to decorate. Cookie-cutters come in all shapes and sizes – snowflakes, reindeers, sleigh bells –the hardest part is choosing which ones to use! Pillsbury classic sugar cookie dough is the way to go – cut out some cookies and throw them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. If you’re more ambitious, make the dough from scratch for a real holiday treat. After the cookies cool, get creative with your frosting and you’re good to go.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Gingerbread houses are one of the best parts of the holidays. They are great for parties with friends or just a night in with your significant other. There are tons of kits you can find just about anywhere with step by step directions that make this holiday treat a cake-walk. Also no oven is required, so you don’t have to worry about burning the house down.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

If you haven’t heard of Hersheys’ Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, you have not truly lived. These cookies are the ultimate treat for the holidays – best served warm, these treats feature a Hershey’s kiss pressed into the middle of sweet, crumbly peanut butter dough that’s sure to have your taste buds tingle. To add some holiday flare, use peppermint Hershey’s kisses instead of milk chocolate.
Ingredients:

• 48 HERSHEY’S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup REESE’S Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Additional granulated sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.
2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Makes about 48 cookies.

Recipe courtesy of Hershey’s

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Peppermint bark is another classic holiday treat. It’s perfect with hot cocoa around a warm fire and is a great gift idea. This treat may take some extra time and skill – check out Food Network’s take on the perfect piece of peppermint bark.
Ingredients:

• 12 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1 pound good-quality white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 candy canes or 12 round hard peppermint candies, crushed

Directions:

1. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles. Heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan over low heat until steaming.
2. Put all but 3/4 cup of the semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of steaming water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and stir until one-third of the chocolate is melted. Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the steaming water over low heat. Gradually stir the reserved 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate into the bowl, a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted. Return the bowl to the saucepan, 5 to 10 seconds at a time, to help melt the chocolate, if needed. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt the chocolate.
3. Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Firmly tap the dish against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set aside at room temperature until almost set, about 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, put all but 1 cup of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and repeat the melting process over the steaming water; dry off the bottom of the bowl. Stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; pour over the semisweet chocolate and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle immediately with the crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the white chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. Lift the bark out of the pan using the foil and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert. Pie can sound daunting, but Pillsbury has you covered. Try their easy-as-pie recipe.
Ingredients:

• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 ¼ cups evaporated milk or half and half
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 Pillsbury™ Pet-Ritz® frozen deep-dish pie crust

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 425°F. In large bowl, mix filling ingredients. Pour into pie crust.
2. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F; bake 40 to 50 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 2 hours. Serve or refrigerate until serving time. Store in refrigerator.

Recipe courtesy of Pillsbury

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Honors students selected for European travel scholarship

For two UH honors students, Christmas came a little early this year.
Chloe Stowell and Samantha Noel were recently announced as winners of the Honors College’s Faber-Economon European Travel Scholarship, or FEET. The scholarship, made possible from the generosity of two Honors alumni, Hanneke Faber and Aris Economon, will grant the girls a chance to discover Europe for themselves, complete with airfare to and from Europe, a 3-week Eurail pass and a €1000 stipend.
“I am truly honored to have been selected,” communication disorders sophomore Noel said. “When I first saw my name listed as a FEET scholar I had to pause and make sure I had read it correctly. My next reaction was to dance around my room. A lot.”
The scholarship also recognizes four runners-up who receive a $1,000 stipend that can be applied to another study abroad opportunity. The runners-up this year were Jacob Wagner, Kyle Knight, Nathan McMullin and Amani Jlassi.
Requirements for the scholarship include a 3.5 GPA, completion of the Honors College’s Human Situation sequence, an enrollment length of at least 3 semesters at UH and to have never traveled to Europe, including the United Kingdom. This last requirement makes the FEET scholarship unique; the sole purpose is to introduce a student to a completely new atmosphere in hopes that they will gain a better “global perspective.”
“The Faber-Economon family are graduates of the honors college and started this scholarship because they believe, as we do here in the honors college, that study abroad is a crucial part of the educational experience,” said Keri Myrick, executive assistant to the Honors College dean. “Students who participate in FEET come back as mature, informed and responsible global citizens.”
Stowell and Noel will explore Europe for a little over 3 weeks, from May 18 to June 7. The first week they will stay with the donor family, and for the following two weeks the girls will be on their own. They are required to create a travel and lodging plan with the help of Myrick and the donors prior to their departure. They are also required to chronicle their experiences in a journal or blog that describes the challenges and benefits of unguided travel.
“For the bulk of the trip, they must learn to navigate on their own,” Myrick said. “The purpose of the trip is to assist students with adjusting to the real world while affording them the opportunity to study critical aspects of European history and culture.”
Noel said she is excited to explore different European cuisine and visit cultural landmarks, like the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.
“I think it would incredibly powerful to see the actual site where she and her family hid,” Noel said. “I am truly just excited for the chance to experience new cultures. I hope I will return wiser and more aware of the world around me.”
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Tony Levine fired as head coach

After three winning seasons as Houston football’s head coach, Tony Levine has been relieved of his coaching duties as announced by UH Athletics Monday morning. | File Photo/The Cougar

Tony Levine will no longer serve as the school’s head football coach, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades announced on Monday morning.
After three years with the Cougars, Levine led Houston to a 21-17 overall record and a 14-10 conference record over the three seasons. Despite leading the Cougars to back-to-back bowl appearances, the 2014 BBVA Compass Bowl and now the 2015 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, UH Athletics has chosen to move in a different direction.
“Coach Levine and I met several times throughout the season, and again late last night, to discuss the state of the program,” Rhoades said. “Last night I informed him we will be moving in a different direction with our football program.”
Houston now begins the search for the program’s 14th head coach while defensive coordinator David Gibbs will serve as the Cougars’ interim head coach through their appearance in the Armed Forces Bowl against the Pittsburgh Panthers, until a new coach is hired.
“Coach Levine is an outstanding leader and over the last three years he has demonstrated great commitment to our student-athletes and has been an outstanding role model for our young men,” Rhoades said. “He has left the program in a better situation than it was when he inherited it.”
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Get in the holiday mood with these catchy tunes

With the essence of the holidays in the air, it’s always good idea to cuddle up next to the fireplace and listen to tunes that will get anybody into the holiday spirit. The holidays come and go, but the music never ends.
Here’s a playlist to help bring out that holiday cheer:
“Jingle Bell Rock” — This song may have come out in 1958, but this Bobby Helms hit still keeps rolling through the holiday season as a fan favorite. Who could resist a little rock and roll to bring in the holiday cheer?
“Santa Baby” — Eartha Kitt’s 1953 classic is filled with her tongue-in-cheek Christmas list which includes everything from sables, yachts and maybe even a little something from Tiffany’s.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” — Mariah Carey’s 1994 single from her first Christmas album “Merry Christmas” has become an instant staple around the holiday season, cementing Carey’s superstardom and giving generations to come a reason to get up and dance.
“Feliz Navidad” — This song wasn’t expected to be a hit, but that didn’t stop Jose Feliciano’s bilingual smash from becoming one of the most recognizable (and downloaded) songs on the planet.
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” — Lady Antebellum put their own country spin on this Christmas jingle, slowing it down and really letting the meaning of the song shine.
“Silent Night” — Sarah McLachlan brings this classic back to life with her silky vocals and smooth tempo to be just what you need to relax around the Christmas tree.
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” (from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”) — Your childhood is about to come back to life with a song about a certain small-hearted villain who is trying to take Christmas presents away from children.
“Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow” — Michael Buble’s piano-laced hit gives a pep to your step and is the perfect tune to do some cold weather Christmas shopping.
“Wonderful Christmas Time” — No list is complete without one of the Beatles showing up, and Paul McCartney’s holiday time hit is sure to get you in the mood for hanging out with friends and family all season long.
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