Rafting Sports Terms
Rafting Sport
Rafting is a competitive sport where the target is travelling downstream using an inflated raft. It is considered an extreme sport that is extremely challenging and risky and requires teamwork.
Rafting is an extremely popular recreational activity practised in many countries around the world.
Rafting Sport is done on natural rivers. There are two different types for Rafting;
- Sprint: performed in individual format or head-to-head format, where riders have to complete the course with the best possible route.
- Slalom: In this type of race, the course consists of sharp turns and the riders successfully go around the course.
All rafting races are team races in which 2-8 riders will participate. Regardless of race type, the aim is to complete the course in the fastest time.
The International Rafting Federation is the highest administrative organisation that conducts competitions and is responsible for popularising the sport. The World Rafting Championships are the highest level event organised for rafting. The races are held in open category and for both men and women in different age groups.
- White water: Turbulent or foamy water, like surf or rap.
- Rapids : A part of a river that moves extremely fast due to a steep drop in the river bottom or a rock. Usually used in the plural.
- Put: Rafts are put into the river to start a rafting trip.
Take out: The point where rafts are taken out after rafting. - Eddies: Small hot tubs.
Body surfing: A fast river ride with only a lifejacket. - Wet suits: Protective clothing used for water sports. These suits help to maintain body temperature by compressing a layer of water on the skin; this water is heated by body heat and acts as an insulator.
- Paddle rafting: A raft with one oar, a metal frame is attached to the raft and the guide sits on a seat in the centre.The paddle combination works well on some rivers where the guide still has control and manoeuvrability and is supported by paddle power.
- Pallet rafting: Pallet rafting is more active and participatory than paddle rafting. In a paddle raft, all rafters run with paddles to the guide's control. The guide does all the work - the crew through water absorption (without a self-contained flood) and high siding (technique that uses the high side of a raft to measure in large waves)
- Punter: Inexperienced