Prior
to all river trips, professional river guides give rafters an
orientation and safety talk. It is important to pay close attention as
guides discuss the river, the proper use of the equipment, and safety
procedures.
The orientation and safety talk should cover the following key
points:
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A general description of the river and the rapids
you will run.
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An explanation of the basic equipment: raft, life
jacket, and paddle.
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A demonstration of the basic techniques for
paddling and controlling the raft.
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A discussion of the potential hazards that you may
encounter.
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A demonstration of what to do if you fall in.
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An introduction to the flora and fauna of the
river.
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Information about the care and conservation of the
river.
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An opportunity for you to ask questions.
Don't
be alarmed if, during the orientation and safety briefing the guides
exaggerate tales and joke about the upcoming trip. It is often an
effective psychological method to break
the ice with a new group, and it sometimes helps tense rafters to
relax.
The outfitters and guides conducting your trip will take the
necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all
rafters. Your chances of sustaining an injury requiring medical
attention are slight if you follow a few basic rules. Listen for
additional ones given by your guides.
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Always wear your life jacket on and near the river!
Make sure it is tight enough and securely fastened.
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Do not drink alcoholic beverages either before or
during the river trip.
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Always wear tennis shoes or durable water shoes.
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Avoid wearing or carrying sharp objects.
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Be careful with your paddle when going through
rapids. Hold on to it with both hands. If you must release it with one
hand, keep it outside the raft; many rafters' injuries result from
flailing paddles.
-
Should you fall from your raft, or if it should
capsize, get out from under it. Once in the water, lean back, point your
feet downstream, and let the water carry you. Don't try to stand up in
swift water or your feet may become lodged between rocks. Try to propel
yourself toward a raft, calm water, or shore. Keep your feet up!
In
addition to being experienced in paddling techniques, raft control, and
the skills of river reading, most guides have had training in first aid,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and rescue methods.
Although
whitewater outfitters and guides make every effort to provide safe
trips, river rafting does include some danger. Due to the potential
hazards of whitewater rafting, the terms are that you participate at
your own risk. You can, however, minimize the risks by using good
personal judgement and by following the instructions of your guides.
You will be given an "Assumption of Personal Liability"
form prior to your trip; you must read and sign it, and responsible
adults must sign for children. Among other things, it simply states that
you are expected to follow the outlined rules on the river. Also you
agree that you will not hold the rafting outfitter liable for any
personal injuries, loss of property, or damages resulting from your
river trip. If you have any handicaps or medical problems that might
hinder your ability to watch out for your own safety, you should inform
the guides before the trip.
The personal liability form may ask your permission to use
photographs taken of you on the river for publicity or other purposes.
Last, and perhaps one of the more important reasons for the form, it
provides outfitters with names and addresses for mailing lists of
rafters arriving with groups or with other individuals.
Equipment
Rafts
Depending
upon water volumes, river levels, and the difficulty of the whitewater,
the raft provided by your outfitter may be a
four-to-six-person or a larger
eight-to-twelve-person size. Larger rafts are more
commonly used on high volume rivers in the southwestern United States
and western Canada. The main types of rafts used on North America’s
whitewaters are described below:
Paddle rafts
Teamwork
and fun are the key elements of paddle rafting! Everyone, including the
guide, uses a paddle and works together as a team to navigate and
maneuver the raft.
Oar rafts
A
variety of oar rafts, mostly used in the western United States and
western Canada, enable families, seniors, and other guests to experience
easy and moderate whitewater and enjoy the surrounding environment
without having to paddle. The guide does all of the work, using two long
oars attached to a rowing frame to navigate the river.
Paddle/oar rafts
On paddle-oar rafts, passengers
are expected to use paddles to assist their oarsman during the river
trips. Generally, a skilled oarsman is positioned on a frame at the rear
of the raft to provide extra maneuverability during technical Class IV+
whitewater.
Inflatable Kayak
One- and two-person inflatable kayaks, or duckies, allow quests
to enjoy whitewater paddling during moderate and low water levels in the
summer. Paddlers with no prior experience can enjoy a thrill similar to
that of real river kayaking.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or Life Jacket
Without
question, the most important item of equipment on any river is Personal
Flotation Device (PFD) or life jacket! The guides will provide you with
one at the beginning of your trip; make sure it fits properly and
fastens securely. Ask a friend or guide to help you with necessary
adjustments. Should you fall into swift-moving water, a loosely
fitted life jacket can slip up around your face causing disorientation
and confusion.
Wear the life jacket at all
times on the river! Also, wear it when climbing on the rocks near the
water's edge as it may even cushion you in the event of a fall. Don't
risk being without it even for a few minutes, no matter how good you are
able to swim. Remind your rafting companions to wear theirs, and
likewise don't be offended if someone reminds you to "put on or
secure your life jacket."
Paddle
The
single-bladed paddle (not an oar) is an important item in making
your whitewater outing a success. During the orientation and safety
talk the guide will demonstrate its use. Pay careful attention to the
guide's instructions for propelling and maneuvering the raft with the
paddle. Your quick mastery of the correct paddle techniques will add
greatly to your enjoyment and enhance your value as a team member. The
use of the paddle is not optional. You are expected to do your share of
the paddling.
Helmets
Safety
helmets are worn while rafting rivers to prevent potential head injuries
from rocks or flailing paddles. The use of helmets on any river is the
decision of the individual outfitter. However, if helmets are provided,
rafters will be required to wear them and keep them fastened during
whitewater stretches.
Surprisingly, even on some
fairly difficult rivers, some outfitters feel helmets are unnecessary
and do not provide them. If you desire the added safety that a helmet
provides, you can make this a priority when selecting an outfitter or
you can bring one of your own.
Rapids
Classifications Whitewater rapids are rated,
based on relative difficulty, on a scale of one to six, usually written
in roman numerals. Class I is the smallest of rapids and waves, and
Class VI the extremely difficult rapids.
The classification or rating of a river varies considerably with
fluctuating water levels. Although higher water levels normally increase
the difficulties of rapids, high water occasionally covers rocks
sufficiently to wash out rapids. Conversely, some rapids become more
difficult at lower water levels because more rocks are exposed.
Outfitters and guides are familiar with rapids classification and
are always glad to explain the rating system in more detail.
International
Scale of River Difficulty*
| Class I |
Very small rapids with low waves,
slow current, no obstructions.
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| Class II |
Fairly frequent rapids of medium
difficulty, few or no obstructions
|
| Class III |
Difficult, large, irregular waves up to 4 feet, numerous rapids.
The course requires some maneuvering of the raft.
|
| Class IV |
Very difficult, long, extended rapids that require careful
maneuvering of the raft; powerful irregular waves and dangerous rocks
are common. The course is hard to determine and scouting is often
necessary.
|
| Class V |
Long and violent rapids. Large waves that are unavoidable and
irregular. Extremely difficult and complex course. Scouting is
essential.
|
| Class VI |
Maximum difficulty. Nearly
impossible and extremely dangerous. Class V
carried to the limit of navigability. Involves high risk of loss
of life. |
*
Source: American Whitewater Affiliation
Whitewater
Glossary
| Bailer |
An open-ended container or bucket used to remove water from
the raft.
|
| Chute |
A narrow channel through which the flow of water is swifter and
deeper than the normal flow.
|
| Ducky |
An inflatable kayak.
|
| Eddy |
A
current of reverse water flow sometimes creating a small whirlpool.
|
| Gradient |
Drop in elevation during the downstream flow of a river. Rate of
gradient is usually expressed in number of feet decreased per mile.
|
| Hole |
A depression in the river caused by reverse water flow. Also may
be called a hydraulic.
|
| Hydraulic |
A very large hole with reverse water flow.
|
| Hypothermia |
A lowering of body core temperature, caused by losing heat faster
than it is produced by the body. Hypothermia is a threat when water
temperatures are below sixty degrees Fahrenheit, or air temperatures are
below fifty degrees Fahrenheit.
|
| Paddle |
a light single-blade instrument used to propel the raft forward
or backward.
|
| Pool |
An
area of flatwater without rapids.
|
| Pool
drop |
A
whitewater rapid, usually of short duration, that begins and ends with
fairly calm water rather than continuous water flow.
|
| Portage |
To
carry a raft around unraftable or unsafe rapids or falls.
|
| Put-in |
The starting point of a rafting trip where rafts are put into the
river.
|
| Rapids |
A series of waves and turbulence.
|
| Riffle |
A very small rapid or wave caused by a shallow sand bar or rocks
extending across a streambed.
|
| Scouting |
To
visually survey a rapid from the riverbank to select the best route.
|
| Sportyak |
A small oar-guided rowing craft fairly unique to the American
Southwest. Most commonly seen on Utah's Green and San Juan rivers.
|
| Standing
Waves |
A series of stationary waves caused by water converging at the
end of a tongue or a submerged object.
|
| Take-out |
The point where the rafting trip ends and the rafts are removed
from the river.
|
| Throw bag |
A small bag containing a coiled rope that is used to rescue
rafters in a river.
|
| Tongue |
A
narrow depression between waves.
|
| Whitewater |
Moving water whose surface becomes turbulent or frothy either by
passing over rocks, through a narrow river channel, or down a steeper
gradient.
|
Frequently
Asked Questions
Answers provided by Bill McGinnis,
owner of Whitewater Voyagers, El Sobrante, California
Is rafting dangerous?
I can't swim. Can I still go
rafting?
How fit should I be to go
rafting? Is it strenuous?
What should I wear on the
river?
I've never been rafting
before. Which trips are best for me?
I have a family with young
children. Which trips can I take?
I am a senior citizen. Which
trips do you recommend for me?
What happens on a typical
trip? How are the boats set up?
What are my chances of falling
out of the boat? What should I do if I do?
It looks like rain. Will the
trip still go?
What is the cancellation
policy?
Can I bring my camera or video
camera?
Should I tip my guide?
Is rafting dangerous?
Rafting
is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. However, as in
all adventure sports, there is an inherent risk involved. That risk
contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy it
so much. Guides are trained to minimize risks, and statistically, you're
safer on a raft than in your car. One state government found in an
investigation that the injury rate for whitewater rafting is similar to
that for bowling! But still, there is a risk, and you must accept that
risk when you go on the river. The most common injury on the river is
sunburn, and most other injuries occur on land, especially when climbing
on rocks or getting into and out of the boats.
I can't swim. Can I still go rafting?
On
all river trips, customers are required to wear a coast guard approved
buoyancy vest, properly called a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) rather
than life-jacket. The PFD will keep you afloat in the event that you
find yourself in the river. Many non-swimmers have a great time on
rafting trips. It is more important that you are not afraid of the
water. Non-swimmers should not go on class IV+ or class V trips, and
should be comfortable in the water with a buoyancy vest for class III or
IV.
How fit should I be to go rafting? Is it strenuous?
That
depends on the type of raft—paddle boat, oar boat, or oar-paddle
combination boat. On the paddle boat or oar-paddle combination boat, you
will have a paddle in your hands and will participate with the paddling.
You should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into the
buoyancy vests. Paddling can be tiring, but guides will instruct you
regarding efficient paddling technique. Oar boats, where you ride along
as a passenger, are available on many western U.S. rivers. In the
eastern U.S., rafting is largely a paddler participation sport. If
you're in doubt check with your doctor before you go.
What
should I wear on the river?
This
depends on the time of year, water temperature, and weather. As a rule
of thumb it is recommended that you dress for the water temperature,
rather than the air temperature, since you'll be getting wet. Hotter
days with cold water, a wet suit is recommended. On cooler days with
cold water, and especially Class IV-V trips, wet suits, or a wet
suit/paddle jacket combination may be required. Check with outfitter
about renting a wetsuit or visit our online store. You might also bring
some synthetic fleece, polypro, capilene, or wool garments. Don't wear
cotton. It will just make you colder. An old pair of tennis shoes,
running shoes, or even converse hi-tops are the best on the river.
Wetsuit booties are good, especially if it is cold. Sandals don't offer
as much protection, and tend to come off easily in a swim. Sunglasses,
especially prescription glasses, should have a croakie or other retainer
that cinches tight. Consider a hat cord to tie your hat to your life
jacket as well. In warmer weather, and late season warmer water, shorts
and a T-shirt are good. Use sunscreen, but don't put it on your
forehead, or the backs of your legs. It may run into your eyes, or cause
you to be slipping all over the boat.
I've never been rafting before. Which trips are best for me?
Start
off with a class III or an easier trip. Good ones to consider are
referenced throughout this web site. If you're confident in the water,
healthy, and feel adventurous, you may enjoy a Class III-IV river
without prior experience. Guides will make sure you understand safety
and paddle techniques. For class V rivers, most guides will have prior
class IV experience.
I have a family with young children. Which trips can I take?
Special
family trips are available on some rivers, on which you can take
children, sometimes as young as four or five. Most outfitters recommend
a minimum age limit on specific river trips. The age limits generally
listed in their brochure or web site.
I am a senior citizen. Which trips do you recommend for me?
For
fit, active seniors over 65, as a first trip, a class I-II Family Trip,
or an oar boat trip is recommended. Then, depending on how this feels,
you might want to try paddling a class II-III river. All across the
continent active people of all ages, including spry folks in their 70's
and 80's enjoy rafting.
What happens on a typical trip? How are the boats set up?
You'll
meet the trip leader at your designated rendezvous place and time. He or
she will collect your release forms, distribute wet suits if you rent
them, then get everyone prepared for the river tirp. You'll go to the
river put-in, from where the trip will start, and the trip leader will
give you a safety talk. This is a vital 20 minutes or so of information!
You should then be ready to begin your river trip. A typical raft seats
six to eight people and a guide, though on some rivers there may be
alternative such as inflatable kayaks. As you approach some of the
rapids, the guide will provide you with further instruction on how to
navigate.
What are my chances of falling out of the boat? What should I do if
I do?
Believe
it or not, many people love falling out of the boat. It's exciting. But
it can be disorienting and a little overwhelming at first. Many people
have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Some people swim on their
first trip. It's a part of rafting. Before you go on any trip, you'll be
given instructions on what to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe.
If you follow your guide's instructions, your "swim" could be
the most exciting part of your trip!
It looks like rain. Will the trip still go?
Most
rafting trips go, rain or shine. Occasionally, due to circumstances
beyond an outfitter’s control, such as high or low water, etc, they
must cancel or postpone a trip.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation
policies are usually described in the outfitter brochure or on their web
site. If an outfitter is forced to cancel a trip, you should receive
either a refund or a credit for a future trip.
Can I bring my camera or video camera?
Outfitters
don't recommend bringing video cameras or even expensive still cameras
on big water trips. Many people bring disposable waterproof cameras,
which are well suited to rafting and work just fine. The quality of the
pictures is pretty good, and if you lose it, it's not a significant
loss. On many half-day and one-day trips, professional photographers
capture your raft in an exciting rapid. You can view and order these
photos after the trip. On multiday trips expensive cameras should
protected in inflatable dry bags.
Should I tip my guide?
Tipping
is not expected, but is certainly appreciated. If you feel your guide
has done a good job, keeping you safe, and perhaps even entertained
while sharing the wonderful river environment with you, then feel free
to show your appreciation.
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