Rafting

Rafting or Whitewater rafting is an activity done in rivers or other rough water, in a raft. The rough water is used to provide exhilaration for the passengers. Rafting has become very popular since the 1970’s. Rafting is done in many countries throughout the world, including New Zealand, America, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.

Rafting was originally used as a means of transporting goods from place to place. Lieutenant John Fremont of the U.S Army first wrote about his rafting experience on the Platte River. The rafts used were made from four independent rubber clothe tubes and wrap around floors. Soon after, rafting became popular, and paths like the Grand Canyon were routed and rafting companies became established.

These days, there are competitions held in rafting, as well as tours, and extreme rides for tourists and those looking for a bit of adrenaline. Navigating through fast flowing water to miss rocks and avoid big waves is great fun, and requires a fair amount of skill. Rafting has led to many serious injuries and deaths, but these are usually on the most extreme parts of various rivers.

Rafting was originally done on logs and planks fastened together by reeds. These days however, tough inflatable boats are used for rafting. The lengths of these vary between 11 foot and 20 foot, and up to 8 foot wide. They are made out of tough rubberized or vinyl fabrics. Rafts have many separate chambers for air, meaning if one does get punctured on a rock when rafting, the boat is still able to float on the other chambers.

Rafting is steered either with oars, or with paddles. A normal raft can hold in between 4 and 12 people.  There are 6 classes of white water rafting. These range from class one – very small rough areas that require no maneuvering, to class four – white water, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers possible and finally class 6 – considered extremely dangerous. People rafting this class can expect huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, massive drops and other dangers. The probability of the raft holding up through this ordeal is minimized massively. Successful completion of a class 6 rapid without serious injury or death is widely considered luck or extreme skill.

In saying this, rafting can be very safe, if you go with a good company, and ensure that the rapids being tackled are not out of your skill level. Many places have legislated safety measures in place; a need to have certification for various classes of rafting. When rafting, it is very important to understand what you need to do, and when you need to do it. Rafting leaders will instruct the riders and show them what to do.

Rafting is a safe extreme adventure sport if basic safety precautions are not observed. Don’t be scared off by accidents which have happened; they are usually on much more extreme rapids than what most tours do. Rafting is fun, exciting and great exercise. If you ever get a chance to go rafting, take it up – it’s brilliant.