Riverboarding/Hydrospeed/Ripboard
Kampar/Itik River, Gopeng (PR/GRB)
Kampar/Itik River Rapid Grade I-III, Perak State
An awesome new water sport in Malaysia that left me gasping for air as I clambered out of the river exhausted at put-out point. I had just completed a wild sleigh run down several kilometers of the Kampar River.
This adventure has you fully suited up in a dive wet suit, personal floating device(PFD/life jacket), dive booties, fins and a funky 'speed racer' helmet. In the river, you will ride on a plastic board or river board with handles. After a thorough theoretical/practical lesson on the riverboarding gear, technique, safety and basic lessons on river flow, you start kicking your way down to your first rapid. Fear mixed with adrenaline confuses your mind. Before you can react, the current sucks you into the whitewater, your grip tightens on the handles, your screams disappear into the rapids and the waves slap you silly as your mind frantically races to remember your earlier lessons on handling the board. This scenario continues on battling your body weary till the very end!
On occasions, participants were knocked off their boards then sucked and spat out by nature's wash machine. Hey, don't worry, there's always a rescue guide nearby to throw a rescue rope!
Riverboarding is available at most rafting rivers. Kampar River is the first river for a beginner or amateur to start with. For experienced riverboarders, we can organise trips to more challenging rivers, email us. Check out Ulu Slim River Riverboarding.
What do I get to do?
Rip down fast rapids in a terrain that's ever changing. Its not as easy as you think.
I'm not a swimmer, can I do the activity?
Participants need to be confident in flowing water and must have some swimming abilities.
Adventure Rating and Remarks
4 - Whitewater riverboarding is the ultimate river sport for the extreme sports junkie. The collection of bruises and tumbles will get you all charged up!
Suitable for ages 13 years and above. All teens require parent/guardian consent. *Guides may reject your participation if they find you unsuitable for the activity in terms of health and skill.
Cost:
RM150 to 170 per pax, Single run
RM250 to 280 per pax, Two runs
minimum 10 pax, maximum 13pax per run
*if you have less than minimum number, with early notice, we may be able to gather more participants.
Minimum 2 weeks notice as all equipment and guides are brought to location.
Please inform us your shoe/dive bootie size, body weight, height and wet suit size (if you know)
Itinerary - Single Run
0900 Meet guide at Gopeng Toll Exit 135 or another designated location for convoy to starting point.
0930 Arrive at starting point and gear up. A thorough training on riverboarding and safety plus water confidence will be conducted.
1020 After warm up, you will kick your way down river and into the rapids under the guidance of the instructor.
1200 Arrive at the end point. Transfer to lunch area.
*If 2 runs, end time may be extended til 1pm for lunch. It will also depend on water level and flow which is unpredictable. Times mentioned above are approximate only
What does it include?
Instructor, river guide/ rescue, riverboard, riverboarding gear(helmet, full body wetsuit, booties, fins), safety equipment, training, 1 lunch
What does it exclude?
Insurance, snacks
What do I need to wear/bring?
You will be given a full wet suit (amongst other safety gear) so for males, wear swimming trunks or thin layered shorts. For ladies, you may wear a swimsuit. Bikini's your choice.
Bring an open mind, patience and a smile. You will also need a change of clothes, towel, insect repellent, sun-block lotion, toiletries, personal medication and snacks if you get really hungry fast.
Best time to visit
All year long. As trainers and guides do not do this full time, please enquire 3 weeks ahead.
Getting here
For other rivers, please check with us.
To get to Gopeng
KL - Gopeng approximately 2 hours. Go north to Ipoh on PLUS highway. Look out for Gopeng exit 135 (after Tapah Exit). T-junction turn right to go Gopeng town. You will drive through 1 set of traffic lights and within few minutes you will be in Gopeng.
Private overland transfer from KL or Ipoh can be arranged upon request at additional charge.