This is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. Any bone can be affected but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis. People get bumps and bruises and even lacerations from paddles, coolers, D-rings and valves on the raft, etc. Bones can be broken and this risk increases in cases of osteoporosis.
Smoking hinders the bones' ability to heal.
If you have osteoporosis, we recommend that you restrict your rafting activities to the Upper New River. Physical and Psychological Impairments to Swimming On rafting trips, people are often thrown from the raft in turbulent water. Rafting is not a good way of overcoming fear of the water. Persons with physical impairments to swimming are at increased risk. We recommend against rafting if you are a good candidate for a heart attack.