11 River-Rafting Rapids and Safety Tips in Rishikesh

4. Double Trouble — Two big beats close together

Double Trouble earns its name honestly — two pronounced waves occur almost back to back, testing timing and recovery. Usually rated around Grade III, this stretch punishes delays in rhythm and rewards steady crews. The key is to finish the first wave ready for the next, not to relax early. Your guide will call a brace stroke after the first beat, and that moment is not for chat. If you ride at the back, your responsibility is to power the recovery so the bow doesn’t dive on the second wave. If a paddler loses the paddle here, stay low, and the rest of the team should compensate until the guide recovers it. Operators often instruct a “high brace” and “low brace” that suit different body positions; practice both on calm water if time allows. Safety-wise, keep chin straps on helmets tight and avoid loose straps on clothing that can snag. After Double Trouble, teams usually check in verbally — a quick headcount and thumbs-up keeps everyone calibrated. This rapid is popular with photographers because the twin splashes create dramatic frames, but only take photos from shore where it’s safe (source: jaypeehotels.com).