Types of Whitewater Rafts

by Contributing Writer

Whitewater rafting can appeal to everyone. A trip can range from mild, such as a leisurely float down a scenic river, to extreme, flying through Class V rapids. You can actively participate or lie back and let the staff do the work. There are multi-day whitewater rafting expeditions, and trips that take just a few hours. The level of difficulty and type of trip also depend on the type of raft used.
Self-Bailing Rafts

If you have ever used a bucket to bail water out of a raft, you will truly appreciate a self-bailing raft. Like a large air mattress, the floor of a self-bailing raft is a wide, flat inflated chamber, and the edges of the floor are laced or stitched to the rest of the raft. When the raft is inflated, the top surface of the floor is above the surface of the water. When water splashes into the raft, it flows along its floor, down over the edge, and out through the lacing. A self-bailer filled to the brim with water will empty itself in just a few seconds. Self-bailers can carry a lot of gear and passengers. Sizes are usually 13 to 18 feet long. Additionally, the length of the raft can make it slower to maneuver.

Catarafts

Catarafts are a lot of fun and easy to maneuver, but they carry less weight. If you are new to whitewater rafting, a cataraft would be an ideal choice for your first raft. It is also ideal for simple day trips. Catarafts are recommended for high water and multi-day trips when each participant rows his or her own raft.
Paddle Rafts

A paddle raft is a self-bailing raft with inflated seats called "thwarts" upon which passengers sit as they collectively row the boat down the river. Most commercial river guide services use paddle rafts in their tours. In a paddle raft, a captain or guide sits at the rear of the boat and shouts orders to the passengers, using his or her paddle to steer or make adjustments to speed and direction. In these set-ups, half the crew paddles on each side while following the captain's instructions.