For the purpose of thrilling its passengers, white water rafting has been growing in popularity since the 1970’s. It falls under the ‘extreme sports’ category due to its level of possible danger. Whatever the label, or danger-level, it’s enjoyed by many each year.
Today’s raft is merely an inflatable boat. Its rubbery material features multiple layers, independent air chambers and is extremely durable. The length ranges between eleven and twenty feet. Width-wise, between six and eight feet.
There are slight variations with regards to how the rafts are steered, depending on which region of the world your white water rafting adventure takes you.
Symmetrical steering (with a paddle at the stern) is most common in European countries. Asymmetrical rafts are rudder controlled. Russian rafters, and increasingly, those in the western U.S., prefer to do their rafting catamaran-style. This term refers to a handmade raft with two inflatable tubes attached to a frame. A catamaran raft will normally be rowed, as opposed to paddled. The photo below, shows a typical catamaran-style boat, obviously not outfitted to be used for white water rafting.
Like most water sports rafting is no stranger to danger. To some people, this is where the appeal lies. The International Scale of River Difficulty has graded many rivers on a grade scale of 1 - 6. Different countries have different definitions for each scale. However the basics are the same. Grade 1 is for beginners where the waters are flat and flow is light. Grade 5 is very challenging and actually considered suicidal! Although there IS a grade 6, any waterway designated as such is considered almost impossible to conquer, even by the most experienced rafters.
Whichever grade you choose to conquer, safety should always be your number one goal. Just in terms of equipment, white water rafting has seen far fewer accidents and fatalities in the last few years. Rafts themselves are now sturdier, and certifications for outfitters and raft leaders have lead to more stringent guidelines. Rafting tours are often a good way to go, but knowing company reputations prior to signing up is always good practice. It’s become typical for rafting outfitters to require their customers sign waiver forms. This is so they’re aware of the potential risks, and take white water rafting seriously…even though they’re expected to have a good time. Many trips offer safety presentations prior to the event itself.
A few of the more popular U.S. destinations for white water rafting include, the Arkansas River in Colorado, the Dechutes River in Oregon, West Virginia’s Gauley River, and the majestic Colorado River, part of which winds through the Grand Canyon.
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