Rafting the river rapids is a major adrenaline rush.
If you are going to hit the rapids, you need to know some of the
basic language thrown around in the sport.
As with any sport, it helps to have a basic understanding
of the tools of the trade, techniques and such. Not only does this
help you sound like you know what you are doing, but it actually
gives you some insight into the process. Let’s take a look
at some of the key components.
Dry Bag – A dry bag is a waterproof bag you
can keep things in on the raft such as wallets, keys and such. Water
is going to get all over the boat, so consider yourself warned.
Most whitewater rafting companies provide them with trips.
CFS – This abbreviation refers to cubic feet
per second, a measure of the speed and ferocity of the current.
The more cubic feet of water moving per second, the more aggressive
the rapids and, in my humble opinion, the more fun!
Eddie – An eddie is an area where the current
stops or heads back up stream. This typically occurs on the down
current side of boulders. It can be a good place to collect yourself
for the next rapids.
Gradient – This term refers to the general
verticality of the river. The higher the gradient, the “steeper”
the river is. This higher gradient means faster water and typically
a more exhilarating ride.
Hydraulic – Also referred to as a hole or
various cuss words, a hydraulic is an area where water is super
turbulent and can suck your raft under if sufficient in size. It
is typically found at the bottom of a fall or behind a large obstacle
where the gradient is high and the CFS is large.
Rapid – This is why you live to whitewater
raft. Rapids are turbulent areas of the water which gives the sport
its name. You pop in, out, over and every which way through them.
Life-Jacket – A flotation device. Wear them
always. Don’t try to be cool. If you get thrown from the raft,
which can happen, these will save you. This is particularly true
if you smack your head on something.
This short list of terms should give you a head
start on enjoying your trip. Get out there and fling yourself down
one of Mother Nature’s roller coasters.
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of
journals. Visit us to read more articles about white water rafting.
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