Body Surfing During Rafting in Rishikesh is an exciting bonus activity often offered during white-water rafting trips—especially on the Ganga River in Rishikesh and other rafting hubs in Uttarakhand.
Body surfing involves jumping into a calm stretch of the river during your rafting trip and letting the current gently carry you downstream while you float on your back with a life jacket on.
Body Surfing Safety Tips
Rishikesh, known as the adventure capital of India, has long attracted thrill-seekers for its white-water rafting, cliff jumping, and body surfing experiences along the Ganga. However, recent safety concerns and regulatory updates have led to a ban on body surfing during rafting in the region.
Why the Ban on Body Surfing?
The District Administration have increasingly focused on ensuring the safety of tourists amid a surge in adventure travel. Body surfing, though fun and seemingly harmless, involves letting the river current carry the rafter outside the boat in calmer stretches of the river. Despite being done with life jackets and supervision, it has been deemed risky in certain unpredictable water conditions.
Safety First: Several instances of tourists losing control in the current or panicking midstream have prompted stricter regulations. Authorities emphasize that even calm waters can be deceptive, especially during high flow or unexpected undercurrents.
What Rafting Operators Say?
Most responsible rafting operators in Rishikesh have welcomed the move, citing it as a step toward professionalizing the adventure tourism sector.
Rishikesh remains a top-tier destination for adventure lovers, but the focus has now shifted to safe, responsible, and regulated fun. As the Ganga flows strong and wild, respect for the river is the real adventure.
