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Rishikesh in India is known as the Adventure Capital of India, Well, these wild river rapids lure thousands of adventure seekers every year for a one-of-a-kind experience — rafting on the Ganga River. As you are preparing for your rafting adventure, there is probably one question that runs through your mind more than any other.
“How physically fit I need to be for Rishikesh rafting?”
It’s a fair concern. You might envision immense power, world-class athletic prowess, or mtb training comparable to that of an Olympian. The reality is a lot more comforting. Rishikesh rafting is not for professional cyclists, but for ordinary individuals. Whether you are a novice, a first-time rafter, a solo traveler, or someone visiting rishikesh for spiritual reasons but has a knack for adventure, you’ll find that rafting is more doable than you initially imagined.
This Ravers Expeditions guide gives a clear understanding of the fitness requirement for rafting in rishikesh, how to get ready, who can make it through safely and what lies beyond the number of push-ups anyone can do. By the end, you’ll be able to answer “Is rafting for me?” and know how to ride the rivers safely and confidently.
Before we get down to fitness requirements, one needs to know what actually rafting in Rishikesh means.
River rafting here is done on holy Ganga River running through the Himalayas. The river is sectioned off into different rafting runs, the distances, levels of difficulties and amount of rapids vary. These are suites created for different age groups, different experience levels, and different levels of fitness.
The rafting is a group activity and is led by experienced guides who manipulate the raft, offer directives and maintain security at all moments. You are never alone on the river and you are not suppose to run the raft by yourself.
No, you don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to go rafting in Rishikesh.
You don’t need:
Gym-level strength
Professional swimming skills
An athletic level of stamina
Prior rafting experience
You do need:
Basic physical mobility
The ability to sit, hold a paddle and follow directions
A healthy body in general and no life threatening medical conditions
Rafting in Rishikesh is more a question of brain, coordination and stability rather than just sheer muscle energy.
You need to be in good, stable health. If you can:
Walk comfortably for 20–30 minutes 
Sit upright for long periods
Hold a paddle and move your arms
Get in and out of a raft with assistance
If so, you are in sufficient shape for most rafting stretches.
Those with sedentary lifestyles, office jobs and minimal exercise regimens still get out and raft every day without incident.
Rafting paddling is not heavy muscle work. The paddle is light, and the paddling strokes are short, rhythmic and controlled.
Key points:
You paddle only when instructed
Not all rapids require paddling
Steering and safety decisions are made by the guides
Anyone with average upper-body strength can do so comfortably.
In general, long rafting runs can go anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on their track. Paddling, however, is not steady.
There are frequent breaks where:
The raft floats naturally
The guide explains surroundings
Participants relax and enjoy the scenery
You don’t need to have a marathon, you need to have basic endurance. Basic endurance is enough.
You don’t have to be as flexible as a yoga instructor, but a certain amount of mobility is helpful.
You need to be able to:
Bend your knees
Sit on raft edges
Grip ropes when needed
If you can walk up a flight of stairs without getting out of breath, you are probably okay.
This is one of the most common questions I get asked.
Swimming is NOT required to go rafting in Rishikesh.
Here's why:
Life jackets are required
There are helmets
Rafts are guided by trained professionals
Before you get to the river, you are taught safety drills.
Even if you go in the water (uncommon), the life jacket can keep you floated, and the guides will come and rescue you immediately.
It's nice to know how to swim, but you don't need to.
Mental preparedness is a big factor in both the safety and fun of rafting.
You will be expected to:
Keep your cool when splashes Are flying
Pay close attention to orders
React without panicking
Panic and nerves inhibit you getting on with the job more so than what your body can actually physically do.
Rafting is a team sport. You all move as one, you paddle as one, and you respond as one. Even average people do wonderfully when they talk and work well with each other.
Having the correct equipment lessens the physical exertion:
Clothing that dries fast
Protective footwear
Straps for sunglasses
Sun block
Comfortment is natural to endurance.
If you are:
Generally healthy
Fit enough to move without cumbersome discomfort
Prepared to listen and attend
…then you are good to go for rafting in Rishikesh.
You don't need to be super strong or have crazy athletic skills. Rafting is as much about having the right experience, team work and fun!
Ravers Expeditions is all about: 
Adventure that places you and your safety first
Experiences tailored to beginners
Informed decision-making
Tailor made rafting itineraries
If it's the first time or the tenth, you will get a safe and enjoyable experience of River Rafting In Rishikesh with us.
Rafting in Rishikesh need not be a strength, athletic type activity. It’s about how ready, calm and willing you are. With expert guides, world-class safety standards and adaptable rafting routes, nearly any one with rudimentary fitness can take part with confidence.
So if you’ve been hesitating because you think you’re “not fit enough,” it’s time to stop with that fear. Rafting in Rishikesh is suitable for novices, explorations and average tourists as well.
Bring your curiosity, follow your guide, and let the Ganga take care of the rest.