Safety & Equipment
Safety
Safety is our main concern and will not be compromised under any circumstances. Maritime New Zealand, who administer Maritime Rule Part 81, are the governing body, which oversees the Rafting Industry. Environment Bay Of Plenty license both rafting and sledging operators to use the waterways of their region.
Raftabout and Sledgeabout pride themselves on the fact that they exceed all mandatory standards put in place by these authorities. Rescue equipment is something that we all take seriously. From the company safety equipment to our guides’ personal kit, we make sure that no corners are cut to ensure that customer safety is not compromised at any time.
Raftabout and Sledgeabout Guides are a group of trained and qualified professionals who take their jobs seriously (but also have a lot of fun). Each guide has attained a NZ Guide award, after being assessed by an independent assessor. They are Swift Water Rescue (SWR) technicians with the majority qualified in advanced SWR. We ensure that all of our guides are First Aid trained to the relevant NZQA and Worksafe standards.
Raftabout is a member of the New Zealand Rafting Association and is proud to be Qualmark endorsed.
Our River Equipment
Rafting Equipment & Clothing
- Helmet -Original Pro-tec Water Helmet fitted with full surround pads and full ear coverage for maximum comfort and safety.
- Wetsuit -Sizes XS to 3XL. This specially designed long john offers the flexibility required of suits for commercial use. Padded seat area, “Durahide” neoprene construction, adjustable velcro strap, tough knee pads and torso binding are a few of the features of this suit. Keeps customers warm and comfortable in winter.
- Fleece -Designed to keep clients warm in winter and out of the suns harmful rays in summer.
- Booties -Protect your feet and keep them warm.
- Splash Jacket -Designed as a windbreak as well as a semi-dry top in order to give clients the maximum protection and comfort in winter.
- Buoyancy Aid -This high flotation life jacket is designed with a neck support to allow the mouth and nose to stay clear of the water while enabling the wearer to remain in a comfortable floating position.
- Paddle -Made of aluminium and plastic, these are very light and easy for any level of ability to use.
- Raft -Incept Marine Inflatable Rafts are built in New Zealand for NZ river conditions. We also have extra features on our rafts such as handles on the floor to better suit the needs and comfort of our clients.
Sledging Equipment & Clothing
- Helmet -Original Pro-tec Water Helmet fitted with full surround pads and full ear coverage for maximum comfort and safety.
- Wetsuit -Sizes XS to 3XL. This specially designed long john offers the flexibility required of suits for commercial use. Padded seat area, “Durahide” neoprene construction, adjustable velcro strap, tough knee pads and torso binding are a few of the features of this suit. Keeps customers warm and comfortable in winter.
- Fleece -Designed to keep clients warm in winter and out of the suns harmful rays in summer.
- Wetsuit Jacket-This specially designed jacket provides both warmth (a total of 8mm over the torso) and comfort by allowing the mobility required in this activity.
- Booties -Protect your feet and keep them warm.
- Buoyancy Aid -This high flotation life jacket is designed with a neck support to allow the mouth and nose to stay clear of the water while enabling the wearer to remain in a comfortable floating position.
- Sledge -Purpose built for rivers, the sledge is very buoyant and has handles and lower arm cradles for ease and increased comfort.
- Fins -Surf fins assist with manouvering yourself through the water.
