Summary: spelling and punctuation
[[Image:RiverRafting.jpg|630px|thumb|left|Tame the great white rapids. Photo by Brian McFee/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/bmcfee/29611454/ flickr]/CC]]
Is there a more perfect summer pastime than bumping along some rapids in a raft? We think not. But before you throw on your life jacket and grab a paddle, there are a few things you should know. As benign as a merrily burbling river might look, it can disguise all manner of dangers. Here are some tips for anyone unwilling or unable to hire a guide.
''This how-to was written by Adrienne So, a Wired contributor, freelance writer, and world traveler from Portland, Oregon.''
==Pick a River==
Whitewater rapids are rated according to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Scale_of_River_Difficulty International Scale of River Difficulty]. The scale ranges from I to VI, with Class I rapids being mere ripples with no obstacles, up to Class VI rapids that are considered technically un-runnable ? at least, by rafts. Novices can generally run Class I and II rapids, as long as they have the ability to steer. But once you begin venturing into Class III territory, a rafter will need to have some level of experience.
Be sure to check current conditions as well as the river?s general rating. A river that is low and slow in August might be a raging torrent in May from snowmelt, or a river that is generally wide and deep might be shallow and full of obstacles because of a recent dam. Be on the lookout for surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant.
==Scout the River==
An experienced river rat never runs rapids unless he?s pulled out in an eddy and checked his lines. What?s an eddy, you ask? Or a line? You find out what those are by scouting a river.
Consider the basic laws of physics: What is a river besides a certain volume of water, forced by gravity through a narrow space? The narrower and steeper the river, the greater the volume of water forced through the easiest possible channel, and the faster the rapids will be. It is counter-intuitive, but often the safest place to be in a fast-moving rapid is in the middle of the channel. There, you are reasonably certain to avoid obstacles. That is, unless the rapid is approaching a waterfall.
Some basic rules to follow:
*If you see that the whitewater is forming a V, avoid it. An obstacle, like a rock or a log, is waiting to snag your raft at the tip of the V.
*Large rocks with their tops poking out of the water form eddies, or small pools of gentle reverse-current, behind them. An [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddy_(fluid_dynamics) eddy] is a handy place to rest your arms, or your nerves.
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitewater#Strainers Strainers] occur when fallen trees or brush are under the water. The current flows through them, but boats and people can get trapped. Watch for tree limbs or bridge pilings sticking out of the water.
*Large amounts of water flowing swiftly over the top of a large object, like a rock, can cause a hole, or hydraulic. As the water pours into a depression formed at the base of the object, the current recirculates in an underwater whirlpool. Small objects ? like boats or people ? can get trapped inside the recirculating hole. Hydraulics are some of the most dangerous obstacles in a river.
==Check Your Equipment==
Before you launch, your boat should have enough (well-fitting!) helmets and life jackets for everyone aboard. Stocking flotation bags and ropes is also a good idea. If you?re rafting through water that could make you hypothermic ? generally anything under 50 degrees Fahrenheit ? make sure you?re clothed appropriately, with a wetsuit, drysuit or waterproof shell. Never take new, untested equipment on the water.
==Basic Safety Techniques==
While this applies to most water sports, it?s most definitely not a good idea to paddle whitewater without being able to swim. Most river rescue techniques are reliant on the rafter being able to maneuver himself into a safe position, particularly since rapids and obstacles might make a person difficult to retrieve.
*If you get dumped from the raft in rapids, try to stay with the boat. Sometimes rocks and obstacles will make staying with the boat, or swimming for shore, difficult or dangerous. If that?s the case, roll over on your stomach, tuck in your hands and feet, and ride the rapid into calmer waters.
*'''Do not''' put your feet down to try and walk unless you?re in an eddy. Your foot could easily get trapped under a rock, and the current will knock you down and hold you under.
*'''Do not''' attempt to escape a strainer by wriggling underneath it. You have no idea what obstacles are under the water, and you could get stuck. Instead, dolphin-kick or pull yourself on top, and either swim on or wait to be rescued.
*'''Do not''' use ropes to attempt a rescue unless you are trained in their use. Tying a rope to yourself and swimming to a stranded rafter could seriously injure you both, if you don?t have a knife or don?t know how to tie a quick-release knot.
*'''Do not''' attempt a rescue if you don?t think you can get yourself out safely. Heroic deeds don?t count if they just make you another victim.
==Know Basic Hand Signals==
Waving both arms, or holding a paddle horizontally overhead, generally means that there?s a hazard. One paddle held up vertically means that all?s clear. If you?ve decided to ditch the boat and bob in the water until the next rapid, patting your head means that you?re not hurt. Remember: Any of these signals can be changed with your group, as long as you discuss it beforehand.
[[Category:Survival]]
[[Category:Summer]]
[[Category:Sports]]
Is there a more perfect summer pastime than bumping along some rapids in a raft? We think not. But before you throw on your life jacket and grab a paddle, there are a few things you should know. As benign as a merrily burbling river might look, it can disguise all manner of dangers. Here are some tips for anyone unwilling or unable to hire a guide.
''This how-to was written by Adrienne So, a Wired contributor, freelance writer, and world traveler from Portland, Oregon.''
==Pick a River==
Whitewater rapids are rated according to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Scale_of_River_Difficulty International Scale of River Difficulty]. The scale ranges from I to VI, with Class I rapids being mere ripples with no obstacles, up to Class VI rapids that are considered technically un-runnable ? at least, by rafts. Novices can generally run Class I and II rapids, as long as they have the ability to steer. But once you begin venturing into Class III territory, a rafter will need to have some level of experience.
Be sure to check current conditions as well as the river?s general rating. A river that is low and slow in August might be a raging torrent in May from snowmelt, or a river that is generally wide and deep might be shallow and full of obstacles because of a recent dam. Be on the lookout for surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant.
==Scout the River==
An experienced river rat never runs rapids unless he?s pulled out in an eddy and checked his lines. What?s an eddy, you ask? Or a line? You find out what those are by scouting a river.
Consider the basic laws of physics: What is a river besides a certain volume of water, forced by gravity through a narrow space? The narrower and steeper the river, the greater the volume of water forced through the easiest possible channel, and the faster the rapids will be. It is counter-intuitive, but often the safest place to be in a fast-moving rapid is in the middle of the channel. There, you are reasonably certain to avoid obstacles. That is, unless the rapid is approaching a waterfall.
Some basic rules to follow:
*If you see that the whitewater is forming a V, avoid it. An obstacle, like a rock or a log, is waiting to snag your raft at the tip of the V.
*Large rocks with their tops poking out of the water form eddies, or small pools of gentle reverse-current, behind them. An [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddy_(fluid_dynamics) eddy] is a handy place to rest your arms, or your nerves.
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitewater#Strainers Strainers] occur when fallen trees or brush are under the water. The current flows through them, but boats and people can get trapped. Watch for tree limbs or bridge pilings sticking out of the water.
*Large amounts of water flowing swiftly over the top of a large object, like a rock, can cause a hole, or hydraulic. As the water pours into a depression formed at the base of the object, the current recirculates in an underwater whirlpool. Small objects ? like boats or people ? can get trapped inside the recirculating hole. Hydraulics are some of the most dangerous obstacles in a river.
==Check Your Equipment==
Before you launch, your boat should have enough (well-fitting!) helmets and life jackets for everyone aboard. Stocking flotation bags and ropes is also a good idea. If you?re rafting through water that could make you hypothermic ? generally anything under 50 degrees Fahrenheit ? make sure you?re clothed appropriately, with a wetsuit, drysuit or waterproof shell. Never take new, untested equipment on the water.
==Basic Safety Techniques==
While this applies to most water sports, it?s most definitely not a good idea to paddle whitewater without being able to swim. Most river rescue techniques are reliant on the rafter being able to maneuver himself into a safe position, particularly since rapids and obstacles might make a person difficult to retrieve.
*If you get dumped from the raft in rapids, try to stay with the boat. Sometimes rocks and obstacles will make staying with the boat, or swimming for shore, difficult or dangerous. If that?s the case, roll over on your stomach, tuck in your hands and feet, and ride the rapid into calmer waters.
*'''Do not''' put your feet down to try and walk unless you?re in an eddy. Your foot could easily get trapped under a rock, and the current will knock you down and hold you under.
*'''Do not''' attempt to escape a strainer by wriggling underneath it. You have no idea what obstacles are under the water, and you could get stuck. Instead, dolphin-kick or pull yourself on top, and either swim on or wait to be rescued.
*'''Do not''' use ropes to attempt a rescue unless you are trained in their use. Tying a rope to yourself and swimming to a stranded rafter could seriously injure you both, if you don?t have a knife or don?t know how to tie a quick-release knot.
*'''Do not''' attempt a rescue if you don?t think you can get yourself out safely. Heroic deeds don?t count if they just make you another victim.
==Know Basic Hand Signals==
Waving both arms, or holding a paddle horizontally overhead, generally means that there?s a hazard. One paddle held up vertically means that all?s clear. If you?ve decided to ditch the boat and bob in the water until the next rapid, patting your head means that you?re not hurt. Remember: Any of these signals can be changed with your group, as long as you discuss it beforehand.
[[Category:Survival]]
[[Category:Summer]]
[[Category:Sports]]
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