Rafting or whitewater rafting is a challenging recreational activity utilizing a inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid 1970s.
Classes of Whitewater
Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)
Class 2: Some rough water, might require maneuvering.(Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)
Class 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering.(Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills)
Class 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)
Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)
Class 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous as to be effectively unnavigable. Rafters can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards. Traversing a Class 6 rapid has a dramatically increased of ending in serious injury or death compared to lesser classes. (Skill Level: extreme skill) |
