Rafting

Modern whitewater rafts are typically made with advanced nylon or Kevlar infused plastics like PVC or urethane; though many of the more entry-level low-cost manufacturers still use a glued rubber.

[4] Paddles and oars are the typical means of propulsion for rafts and come in many sizes and varieties with specific river conditions in mind.

[7] Oars are generally used on wider flatter rivers of higher volume to facilitate moving more efficiently across long slow-moving pools, though anglers will often use shorter oars on smaller rafts in low volume rivers to help them maintain an advantageous upstream position while anglers cast from the raft.

[9] The oars slide into the gap between the U-shaped metal pieces and can be held in place with a plastic stopper called an oarlock.

[10] Whitewater rafting can be traced back to 1811 when the first recorded attempt to navigate the Snake River in Wyoming was planned.

(Skill level: Some experience in rafting) Class 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed.

A classic example is the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, which historically had a reputation far exceeding its actual safety statistics.

Today the Grand Canyon sees hundreds of safe rafting trips by both do it yourself rafters and commercial river concessionaires.

[14] Rafting companies generally require customers to sign waiver forms indicating understanding and acceptance of potential serious risks.

Depending on the area, safety regulations covering rafting, both for the general do-it-yourself public as well as commercial operators, may exist in legislation.

These range from the mandatory wearing of lifejackets, carrying certain equipment such as whistles and throwable flotation devices, to certification of commercial outfitters and their employees.

It is generally advisable to discuss safety measures with a commercial rafting operator before signing on for that type of trip.

[16] Studies have shown that injury rates in rafting are relatively low,[17] though they may be skewed due to a large number of unreported incidents.

Because of these issues, some rivers now have regulations restricting the annual seasons and daily operating times or numbers of rafters.

Conflicts have arisen when commercial rafting operators, often in co-operation with municipalities and tourism associations, alter the riverbed by dredging and/or blasting in order to eliminate safety hazards or create more interesting whitewater features in the river.

Environmentalists argue that this may have negative impacts to riparian and aquatic ecosystems, while proponents claim these measures are usually only temporary since a riverbed is naturally subject to permanent changes during large floods and other events.

Another conflict involves the distribution of scarce river permits to either the do-it-yourself public or commercial rafting companies.