Today, together with most of the staff of my company, we headed to Cicatih River, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia for Brown Water Rafting. It was a much anticipated activity, and everyone was looking forward to it, Cicatih and Citarik are the closest rivers from Jakarta for a water rafting enthusiast, with a river as grade level class 3+

The operator was impressive right from the start, http://www.riamjeram.com/, “Jeram” means rapids. and after a 3 hour journey to Sukabumi (in Bogor), we were picked up and brought to the WaterRafting start point (Clickable Google Location).








And off we go

















The river would have been exciting to most people, it’s a class 3 to 4 (SEE Appendix) depending on certain sections and relatively shallow water throughout the river. Whilst the rapids are not particularly Niagara Falls, there are some tricky sections where the guide had to get out to dislodge the boat from the rocky sections of the river, somewhat exciting for first timers I’d say.








It’s not my first time rafting, but definitely my first time filming it or falling into the water whilst filming. There was one section where our boat hit a rock, slid down the rapid at a 45-degree angle and tipped most of the occupants of my boat into the water, including myself.

The river was relatively mild compared to the other rivers I’ve been, but certain rapid sections would cause pleasure-induced shrieks and hearty yells, and of course there were capsizes and people falling overboard. Pretty eventful for the group I’d say.






















I was particularly impressed with the rafting operators, the safety standard is very high throughout the whole trip, the operator RIAM JERAM is very highly recommended and many companies and large groups have come here for rafting and other corporate bonding activities.

The equipment felt relatively sturdy and reliable and the boats look new, not worn and the operators and boatsmen all acted very competently and definitely knew their stuff (something rare in Indonesia), and what was more impressive was the rescue equipment that they carried and a dedicated “Rescue” raft with experienced operators all wearing bright “Rescue” vests and brightly-colored helmets.



Arrival at Riam Jeram Kampung


Flying fox for corporate activities





They would raft ahead of the entire convoy, and place themselves at relatively dangerous or challenging sections of rapids, and ensure that every group passes through, signaling “all-clear” or “danger” with whistle-blows, If a raft got stuck or someone fell in, members of the “rescue” team would react immediately, aiding the craft and dislodging or providing directions or if necessary swim after a participant who has fallen into the water. Very systematic, very organized, very safe.

I’ve come to recommend RIAM JERAM http://www.riamjeram.com/.

At the end of journey we washed up, enjoyed a relatively nice “Saung” a sundanese style of hut in the middle of rice field, known as Riam jeram kampung (Clickable Google Location). It was time to head home, although the 5-hour ride back did little to change the groups’ already spirited moods.

Videos below.

APPENDIX (From Wikipedia):

There are six levels each referred to as "Class" or grade, the scale is not linear, nor is it fixed. For instance, there can be hard grade twos, easy grade threes, and so on. The grade of a river may change with the level of flow. Often a river or rapid will be given a numerical grade, and then a plus (+) or minus (-) to indicate if it is in the higher or lower end of the difficulty level. Also note that while a river section may be given an overall grading, it may contain sections above that grade, often noted as features, or conversely, it may contain sections of lower graded water as well.

Class I: Easy, waves are small; passages clear; no serious obstacles.
Class II: Medium rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear. Requires experience plus suitable boat.
Class III: Difficult, waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies; rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering; scouting usually needed. Requires good operator and boat.
Class IV: Very difficult Long rapids; waves high, irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; best passages difficult to scout; scouting mandatory first time; powerful and precise maneuvering required. Demands expert boatman and excellent boat and good quality equipment.
Class V: Extremely difficult Exceedingly difficult, long and violent rapids, following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent current; very steep gradient; close study essential but often difficult. Requires best person, boat, and outfit suited to the situation. All possible precautions must be taken.
Class VI: Formerly classified as unrunnable by any craft. This classification has now been redefined as "unraftable" due to people having recently kayaked multiple Class VI around the world.

Ratings can differ somewhat from country to country and the grade of a river or rapid is likely to change along with the level of the water. High water usually makes rapids more difficult and dangerous, although some rapids may be easier at high flows, because features are covered or "washed-out". At spate/flood stage, even rapids which are usually easy can contain lethal and unpredictable hazards. Conversely, some rapids may be easier with lower water levels when dangerous hydraulics become easier to manage. Some rivers with high volumes of fast moving water may require little maneuvering, but will pose serious risk of injury or death in the event of a capsize.