Rafting is one of the earliest transportation means that is used to ship food, people and other items. In the early days, people go rafting to hunt food as well.

Nowadays, rafting is on the same level as other outdoor sports such as rock climbing, canyoneering, and bouldering. It is an activity that challenges the body and wits. Now that it is considered as a pleasure sport, white water rafting is enjoyed by a lot of thrill seekers both young and old. White water rafting has no restrictions no matter how much of an adventurer you are. That is why white water rafting is a wonderful activity that the entire family can go enjoy.

In white water rafting, the aim is to successfully guide and paddle your raft through the river’s rapids. Depending on the rapids, this can be downright tricky and exhilarating. Even though, numerous folks have tried their hand in white water rafting, there are still a few who are a bit skeptical about its overall safety. A lot of people voice out their concerns regarding the type of rafts used in white water rafting. They all wanted to know if it is safe and sturdy to withstand the number of rapids it passes through.

The different types of white water rafts used in braving the rapids have changed since it was first invented. In the olden days, logs and planks were fastened together to be used as rafts. Today’s white water rafts are inflatable and made of durable, highly rubberized fabric. For groups who want to enjoy white water rafting trips, they usually use paddle rafts. These paddle rafts seat up to eight people plus one guide. A paddle raft is an inflatable, plastic raft that moves really swift in white water no matter what level. For those who are rafting in pairs, the challenging and smaller version of a paddle raft called R2 is available. For those adventurers that want to enjoy the ride with less participation, they can try the oar rafts. Also inflatable, oar rafts have long wooden oars that are powered by a guide. These usually seat up to five people and are usually used in easy to moderate white water runs.

There’s also a combination of an oar raft and a paddle raft. They are also inflatable. This hybrid allows the guide to maneuver with long wooden oars while the passengers paddle as well. This type of white water raft is used in intermediate to advanced rapid runs.

Most rafts used in white water rafting are self-bailers. Self-bailers’ allow water to flow across the floor, to the edges and out. For adventurers who want to own their own rafts can purchase a catarafts. This kind of raft is made by two inflatable tubes held by a metal frame. Catarafts are designed to hold only a few passengers and they are easier to maneuver compared to self-bailers.

White water rafting is a dangerous sport. But with mental, physical and gear preparedness, it will be a piece of cake.