Colorado Whitewater Rafting

A resource for Whitewater Rafting in Colorado

A History of Whitewater Rafting in Colorado

Mar 17

Posted by bulldzr in colorado river rafting, colorado whitewater rafting, history of whitewater rafting

What is referred to as white water rafting today is actually one of the earliest forms of transportation. In earlier days it was a means of transporting humans and goods from one place to another. In 1811, the first navigation of Snake River Wyoming was recorded. While the rafters tried to navigate the stretch below Jackson hole, it was found to be too tracherous and it came to be called “Mad River”.

The rubber raft or rubber river raft was believed to be invented in the early 1840′s. Lt. John Fremont and Horace H. Day, who were then serving active duty in the US Army are credited with inventing the rubber raft. Their mission was to survey the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. The inflatable raft or boat is usually made of very durable, multi-layered rubber or vinyl fabrics.

In Colorado, three decades before Major John Wesley Powell’s famous expedition, a French speaking fur trapper had actually left inscriptions on the cliff wall along the Colorado River and Green River which is now referred to as the Canyonlands National Park. It was not known what Denis Julien’s (the fur trapper) form of transportation was. Most historians specualte that Julien used a boat to navigate these rivers.

Explorers pushed through the Colorado River corridor usually involuntarily because of the threat of inclement Colorado River, Colorado River Raftingweather as well as hostile Native Americans at the time. Later in 1869, John Wesley Powell and a crew of nine other men provided the first thorough investigation of the Green River and the Colorado River. Having left the shore of Green River, Wyoming May 24, 1869, the expedition set out down the Green River. The expedition took enough provisions for 10 months at the time. After enduring incredible hardships and dangers as they traveled down the river, only five of the original crew actually returned from the Colorado River with their Civil War hero leader.

Throughout the rest of the nineteenth century, the rivers of Colorado were busting with activity from Gold Miners, settlers, ranchers, missionaries and soldiers that were pushing their way through wilderness of Colorado and the Colorado River corridor.

It was not until the mid 1950′s that colorado river rafting was really treated as a recreational activity. It was then that a resort built by John D. Rockefeller that introduced one of the first floating trips in the United States. At the time the activity only elicited a lukewarm response from tourists.

Later on in the 60′s and 70′s, Colorado whitewater rafting companies evolved. It was during that same time that Rafting was actually included in the Munich Olympic Games in 1972. Thereafter it was included in the 1992 Barcelona Games and once again in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Over the last 60 years, much equipment and tools have been developed as well as techniques. The sport has expanded outside of the United States into Africa where a few of the continent’s rivers have been added to the world’s whitewater rivers.

In Colorado river rafting can be easily planned with any of the State’s professional river rafting outfitters. Some of the State’s best river rafting is located in Breckenridge as well as Royal Gorge Rafting. We plan on covering these rivers in detail for future posts.

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The Royal Gorge Route RailRoad (RGRR)

Jul 6

Posted by bulldzr in Uncategorized

Aside from the world-class whitewater rafting options available along the Royal Gorge portion of the Arkansas River, there are several other attractions as well. Among them is the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. The RGRR is a living example of Colorado history in action. It provides access to breathtaking views of the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge and a multitude of wildlife.

Talk to someone who has ridden the RGRR through the Royal Gorge and you’re likely to hear the same comments time and time again from: “This railroad is breathtaking” or “There is no better way to experience the Royal Gorge” to simply “WOW!” The RGRR is the only year round access on a 24-mile journey through this natural wonder. The ribbon of rail takes passengers on an up close and personal nature-show deep in the canyon. An interesting history began 126-years ago and continues today on the RGRR.

The RGRR was reestablished in the fall of 1998 and has become a premier destination attraction carrying over 100,000 guests through the Royal Gorge each year. This is a quality experience, combining the spectacular white water and wildlife scenery of the Royal Gorge, the nostalgia of 1950’s train travel, with unique dining options and exceptional service.

The Royal Gorge Route has been instrumental in preserving this scenic canyon and ensuring a vital part of Colorado history will be passed along to the next generation. The Royal Gorge remains a special place and should be preserved much like any one of our National Parks. Riding the rails through the Royal Gorge and spotting big horn sheep, blue heron, bald eagles, and enjoying the tumbling Arkansas River whitewater with your family or special someone is a very unique experience.

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The First Inflatable River Boats

Jun 23

Posted by bulldzr in history of whitewater rafting

Around the middle of the 19th century a famous British sailing company designed an inflatable rubber boat which was tested among the ice of the North Pole. In the same period, an American named Peter Halket designed a boat made of a cotton air chamber coated with rubber and covered with canvas. In the following decades, both in the United States and in Europe, these crafts were used for military purposes. In 1918, canvas-covered craft were used for the German invasion of Libya; then in 1922, the Floossboot of Berlin produced inflatable rafts that were used for transporting tanks on rivers.

The builders of ocean liners opted for inflatable craft for safety reasons during the second half of the fifties, after the sinking of the Andrea Doria had demonstrated how unsuitable normal lifeboats were for rescue.

The Georgie White Company was the first company to organize white water rafting runs in 1951 down the Colorado. Basically, it was an initiative for a few adventurous people who wanted to spend a couple of weeks whitewater rafting down the Colorado, as the pioneers had.

Very soon these runs began to attract an ever-increasing number of tourists. They became so popular that in 1972, the National Park Service capped the maximum number of people at 17,000 per year, to try to limit the environmental damage to this river.

As a result of the enormous success of whitewater rafting runs, soon other rivers were explored. Smaller boats were built that could be used with oars or paddles. Without the rigid structure of the larger boat, rafts were more able to absorb the impact of the waves. With these improved rafts it became possible to go down smaller rivers, even steeper and wilder than the Colorado. Other organizations followed the example of Georgie White and rafting changed from its original pioneering spirit, into an organized tourist and sport activity. In the United States in 1985, there were more than 400,000 “rafters” and more than 150 outfitters.

Today it has become so widespread that it’s impossible to give any precise figures. On every white water rafting course where it’s possible to descend there are rafting schools.

Source: (“Extreme Rafting: The Ultimate Guide to Whitewater Sports”)

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Rollers

Jun 23

Posted by bulldzr in colorado river rafting, colorado whitewater rafting, Rafting Terms, rafting tips, river rafting tips, whitewater rafting, Whitewater rafting termonology

When whitewater rafting, and there is a steep change in the gradient of the riverbed, rollers are formed, which are breaking waves with a lot of foam, a circular surface movement, and which fall back upstream on themselves.  If the mass of water is big, it can be powerful enough to keep any floating object trapped; sometimes it can even flip over an inflatable and its crew.  If you arrive at a high speed and paddle decisively, it’s possible to go through the breaker and get past the obstacle.  If, on the other hand, you are broadside to the current, it’s more difficult to carry on.

When the bow hits the roller, the crew is often covered by waves and in this case it is advisable to hold on to the handles.  If the raft is flipped over, the roller is more likely to keep the inflatable than the crew.  Because the raft floats on the surface, it’s more susceptible to the effect of the roller, whereas the crew members falling toward the riverbed are pushed downstream by the faster flow of the current.  

On some white water rafting rivers with big water it’s possible to see flipped-over rafts that are trapped by a roller.  Usually when this happens the crew is able to reach the bank a little farther downstream, but have problems in recovering the raft.  To reach it a pole with a hook is not always enough because of the width of the river.  The one consolation is that sooner or later the roller will send the raft downstream.

(Source: “Extreme Rafting: The Ultimate Guide to Whitewater Sports”)

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How to Read and Run Colorado’s Wildest Whitewater Rivers

Jun 19

Posted by bulldzr in colorado rafting outfitter, colorado river rafting, colorado whitewater rafting, Rafting Terms, rafting tips, river rafting tips, royal gorge bridge, royal gorge rafting, whitewater rafting, Whitewater rafting termonology

Whitewater rafting can be a dangerous endeavor, but proper preparation and knowledge can help safely navigate you down the rapids.  Right here in Colorado, there are some very daunting whitewater sections on some of our most scenic rivers.  These rapids require a decent level of expertise in order to run them safely.  The art of river running is the uncanny ability of the guide to read sections of rapids.  They must decipher the ‘mood’ and difficulty of the water, and then come up with a strategy to attack that particular section.  The guide’s ability to run the river is based his or her capacity to read the river’s every little detail.

White water rafting royal gorge

White water rafting royal gorge

When reading a section of whitewater, it is important to observe the rapid in its entirety as often as you can.  It is best to beach your raft before hitting a rapid, and scout the section on foot from a higher vantage point.  The key is identifying downstream obstacles, and then deciding where to go.  The last (and toughest) part of the process is executing the route without taking a swim in the frigid, mountainous waters.

To help river runners remember these important whitewater methods, someone came up with the acronym R.I.D.E.:
-Read:  looking downstream and observing the river and the movement of its waters.  It is the least tangible and most important step to the process.  It requires attentive observation and valuable experience to perfect this part.  The best way to develop this skill is to practice on real sections of whitewater. It helps to understand how currents affect objects floating in the water.
-Identify:  The next important step in this process is properly identifying specific obstacles.  Where are the different obstacles?  Which ones are safe to run? Which ones must I avoid?  Identifying obstacles is paramount to being a successful river runner in Colorado.
-Decide:  The third step in the RIDE process is to decide.  You need to decide where you want to go, and how you want to get there.  To truly determine the best route for a given section, one must study and understand the raft’s ability to maneuver in water.  It is crucial to appreciate factors such as ferry angles, momentum, high siding, and using eddies when deciding which course of action to take.
-Execute:  Finally, once you’ve read the river, identified its obstacles, and decided on a path of action, it is time to execute.  You need to act on your decision and start putting the boat in the current that is going in the direction that you want to go in.  Generally, currents in a rapid are strong.  The bigger the rapids are, the stronger the currents will be.  Trying to fight them or move against them is, for the most part, futile.  You must learn how to use the force of the water to your advantage.  A great river runner understands how to utilize nature’s forces for their own benefit.

These four main concepts will help you to navigate some of Colorado’s wildest rapids.  From the Rocky Mountains, to the Royal Gorge, whitewater rafting can take you on an amazing adventure.  Be prepared and be safe when undertaking a rafting trip, and remember to RIDE!  Looking to test your skills with some Royal Gorge Rafting? Enjoy more articles like this at Denver SEO.

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Colorado: A paradise for Whitewater River Rafting

Jun 19

Posted by bulldzr in colorado river rafting, colorado whitewater rafting, royal gorge bridge, royal gorge rafting, whitewater rafting

When thinking of Colorado, most people immediately think of snow capped peaks and the winter sports that accompany them. However, that snow must melt, and the surrounding topography allows gravity to do the rest. Colorado’s rivers, full of last year’s runoff, drop thousands of vertical feet from their sources making for a virtual whitewater playground. With 300 plus days of sunlight in the state every year, there is ample opportunity to take advantage of Colorado’s wonderful natural resources.

Some of the main rivers on which to raft in Colorado include the Arkansas River, the Colorado River, portions of the Green River, and the Rio Grande. This diverse combination of waterways and geology creates for endless whitewater routes; all of which are constantly evolving. With all the different entry points and portaging options along these main rivers and their outlying tributaries, adventure seekers can have unlimited amounts of options. Local topography and water levels factor in to how the rivers will run each day, and there will always be ideal rafting conditions somewhere. The key to taking advantage of these conditions is to find a competent guide with an experienced rafting company in the area. Local outfitters always know the best spots around, as well as the best time of year to hit them.

The Arkansas River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the world, offering several sections of varying degrees of difficulty from easy to extreme. Many other rivers in Colorado offer the combination of outstanding whitewater rafting and incredible Rocky Mountain scenery. You can choose sections that are mild, and bring the kids along, or you can seek a little more excitement by checking out some of the class IV and class V rapids. Either way, everyone enjoys the amazing vistas combined with the natural rollercoaster that is a whitewater river.

Whitewater Rafting Royal Gorge

Whitewater Rafting Royal Gorge

To maximize rafting trips on the beautiful rivers of Colorado, mix in hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Rafting is fun by itself, but it also allows for unrestricted access to some of nature’s most beautiful spots. There are secluded beach camping locations, unspoiled nature trails, and gorgeous panoramic views within walking distance of the rivers. The Colorado River cuts through the majestic Rocky Mountains, giving people photo opportunities otherwise deemed impossible. The Arkansas River flows seamlessly under the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of Colorado’s most amazing landmarks. These types of river experiences are exclusively unique to Colorado and its spectacular geography. The snow and topography of the Rocky Mountains make for unparalleled whitewater rafting conditions in the state of Colorado. The postcard-like views simply seal the deal when considering the best place to raft… Colorado is it!

For some of the best, most scenic whitewater rafting in Colorado, check out Royal Gorge Rafting.

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Whitewater Obstacles (Part 2 of 3)

Jun 16

Posted by bulldzr in Rafting Terms, rafting tips, river rafting tips, whitewater rafting, Whitewater rafting termonology

Waves – High peaks and low troughs characterize waves in whitewater. Unlike Their famous ocean counterparts, river waves stay mostly in one place and are often called “standing waves.” Waves come in many sizes, shapes and strengths. Some break back upon themselves; some are glassy mountains of pure surfing heaven. Some are shaped like a “V”; others are side-curling. Waves have personalities all their own and should be treated with respect, especially when they’re bigger than your boat. A breaking wave is characterized by water falling down the face of a big standing wave. Often mistaken for a hole, breaking waves can eat a boat alive. If the amount of water falling down the face of the wave is substantial, running into a breaking wave can be like hitting a wall. Big and white, a breaking wave is usually easily seen and avoided, or seen and attempted. A V-wave is formed by river constriction, steep gradient and big volume. Its name describes it perfectly. If you were to look down on top of a V-wave it would look like a “V,” with the bottom of the “V” facing downstream. From a rafter’s perspective, V-waves can be tricky and are the cause of many a flipped boat. A side-curling wave resembles one half of the V-wave. Sometimes breaking, sometimes not, a side-curling wave is best characterized by the angle at which it is met by the current. Unlike a wave that you meet head-on, a side-curler comes from the side. For this reason, you have to keep an eye out for it because it can flip your boat. The perfect surfing wave is a tall, steep wall of glass. Not breaking back, not side-curling, the perfect surfing wave is revered the world over. You will often see kayakers glued to the face of these waves, not moving upstream or downstream, but caught in perfect balance. It is even possible to surf a raft on such a wave, but techniques have yet to be perfected.

Waterfalls – Waterfalls are caused when a river suddenly flows over a vertical or nearly vertical drop. They range in size from one foot to 1,000 feet or more, and where the falling water meets the bottom; there is almost inevitably a hole. Often this is a very powerful hole. Waterfalls that drop more than a couple of feet are not the domains of rafts and should be approached cautiously and, if possible, avoided.

(Source: “Basic Essentials: Rafting,” Ellison)

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Whitewater Obstacles (Part 1 of 3)

Jun 16

Posted by bulldzr in Rafting Terms, rafting tips, river rafting tips, whitewater rafting, Whitewater rafting termonology

Whitewater obstacles need to be looked at closely, first here and later on the river. Whereas volume and gradient contribute to the danger and power of an obstacle, ultimately it is the obstacle itself that you as a river rafter must overcome, not the river’s flow or drop.

The first time you look at a rapid, it will seem to be a maelstrom of white, uncontrolled chaos. Upon further reflection, however, you will find that there are specific, quantifiable parts to that hurricane of aerated river water, which, when mixed together, make up the rapid itself. These parts are the obstacles or problems that you must address, avoid and ultimately overcome when navigating your raft through the rapid.

River Constriction – When a river narrows and the walls become steeper, you can expect the quality of the rapids to change. In and of itself, river constriction will not produce an obstacle. But in conjunction with steep gradient and high volume, a constricted riverbed can be an obstacle. When a river’s walls begin to steepen and the channel begins to tighten, the river is being constricted by geological forces. When this happens, tighten your lifejacket and prepare for a rapid. It may not come, but the conditions are prime.

Rocks and Boulders – Rocks epitomize the concept of an obstacle. They are hard, unmoving and often difficult to avoid. Above water, a house-size boulder can sometimes choke a channel and make passage difficult, if not impossible. Some big rocks have water that flows underneath, making a swim dangerous. Others are sharp and can rip boats. Still others are configured in such a way as to invite the unwary rafter to “wrap” the boat around the rock or flip it upside down. When submerged, rocks create waves, holes, eddies and other hydraulic phenomena. Learn to spot rocks. Observe how moving water interacts with rocks. Avoid collisions with rocks. If not, you might give the term “rock and roll” a new meaning. As you become more adept at navigating around rocks, take a moment to look at their beautiful surfaces. They are often sculpted by countless years of flowing waters and seem to hold secrets to a long distant history.

Pour-over Rocks – Pay particular attention to rocks hidden just under the surface of the water. Difficult to see, these “pour-over” rocks have gotten many a rafter stuck in the middle of some very large rapids. If they are sharp, they can ruin your rafting experience in a hurry.

(Source: “Basic Essentials: Rafting,” Ellison)

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River Rafting Termonology

Jun 15

Posted by bulldzr in Rafting Terms, Whitewater rafting termonology

Here are many paddling terms to consider when whitewater rafing the rivers!

Atomic Launch – launching from a ledge above a river by sliding down the bank and droping into the water.

Boat-Eater – A “monster hole” in a rapid, big enough to swallow a boat. Also known as a bus-stopper.

Boil – swirly or unpredictable currents pushing (boiling) to the surface. Usually caused by rocks pushing the water to the surface.

Bony – run or rapid requiring lots of maneuvering because of the abundance of obstacles, mostly rocks.

Boof - driving your boat for a mini-launch over a shallow ledge or rock.

Brace - paddling technique using downward and sweeping strokes to stabilize a tipping canoe or kayak.

Broach – occurs when a canoe or kayak becomes caught in the current against an obstruction and turned sideways. Can result in severe damage as the current’s force warps the boat around the obstruction.

C.F.S. – Cubic Feet per Second. Measurement of velocity of water flow at a given point in a river. Will vary according to water level and gradient of riverbed.

Carnage – general term for a mishap, as in a boat flipping or someone falling out.

Chicken Line – Straps on the sides of a raft for clients to hold on to if they get scared. Use caution as it can entrap arms and legs in a flip.

Class I-VI – international scale of river difficulty classification system for negotiating the difficulty of fast-moving water. Class I is the easiest and Class VI the most difficult.Confluence- the junction of two rivers or forks of a river.

Control Hand- “fixed” hand, left or right, depending on the offset of the blades on a kayak paddle. Left hand paddles are more difficult to obtain.

Curler – a large wave, usually at the bottom of a drop, with a crest that spills upon its upstream slope. May be a surfing wave.

Drop – a short, well-defined rapid or section of a rapid. Named for the abrupt drop in elevation between the top and bottom of the rapid.

Eddy – area of usually calm water behind or downstream of an obstruction in the main current, where water flows counter to that of the main current.

Eddy Out – term used to describe leaving the main current and entering an eddy.

Eddy Line – a current differential between the upstream current of the eddy and the downstream current of the main flow of the river.

Ender - a play maneuver enacted by nosing the boat’s bow down and deep and the stern up, which results in the boat popping vertically upward. Good fun!!

Ferry – a maneuver used to cross a current with little or no down stream travel. Utilizes the current’s force to move the boat sideways.

Float Bag – the most common form of floatation in canoes and kayaks.

Gauge Height – for measuring water levels at one or more locations. Reference point used with CFS (or in lieu of).Grab Loop – grab-handle threaded through bow/stern stems of a kayak or canoe. Useful as carry-handles and for catching swimmers.

Gradient - refers to the steepness of a riverbed over a specified distance, usually per mile. Along with CFS and water level information, this helps paddlers draw a conclusion of a river’s difficulty. See CFS and Class I-VI.

Hair – dangerous and difficult water.Hair boating – paddling in dangerous and difficult whitewater.

Haystacks – big standing waves in a wave “train” following a drop.

Headwall – steep cliff where the main channel of the river drives against it at a 90-degree angle.

Highside – when you broach on a rock with a raft everyone moves to the highside to push it back down so it won’t wrap around the rock.

Hole – a hole is created when the river current drops over a rock or ledge and circulates instead of continues its downstream flow. A significant feature because it either offers play opportunities or danger of trapping, depending on the power of the hole.

Horizon line – usually indicative of a falls or steep drop. There is a line, but the route, if there is one, is not apparent. Time to exit and scout.

Hydraulic – water formation following a sudden drop in the riverbed or drop over an obstruction that creates a powerful circulating force at the base of a drop. The circulating pressure of a powerful hydraulic can hold boats and paddlers for indeterminate lengths of time.

Hypothermia – the cold water hazard for paddlers. Prolonged exposure can lead to incapacitation and eventually death as body core temperature drops below 80 degrees.

Lilly-dipper – a weak paddler.

Maytag – stuck in a hole and thrashed about as if in a washing machine. Usually not fun!

Mystery move – usually a squirt boat move that is a lengthy disappearance under water then reappearance to the surface downstream in an entirely different location. Fun, especially when intentional!

New Yorker – a client who whines and complains.Peel out – term used to describe leaving an eddy and entering the main current; bow catches the main current and quickly swings the boat downstream. A downstream lean is needed to counter act the current.

PFD - Personal Floating Device. The proper name for a Life Jacket per Coast Guard definition. It is required by law for every passenger of all water craft and your most important life-saving tool.

Pillow - water that builds up around a rock in the main current. Pillows are stuffed with rock.Pin – being stuck between the current and the river bed or an obstruction such as a rock or log and unable to dislodge. Not fun; possibly deadly!

Pirouette - while popping vertical in a kayak during an “ender”, the paddler reaches a paddle blade to the water then effects a vertical boat-and-paddler spin with it.

Portage – term for carrying boats and gear around a difficult rapid or from lake to lake.Put-in – starting place of a river trip; where you put your boat on the river to begin a run or trip.Ramp – point in a rapid where water constricts/pools before dropping downstream through a channel.

River left – the left-hand side of the river when looking downstream. When downstream looking upstream it is on your right.

River right – the right-hand side of the river when looking downstream. When downstream looking upstream it is on your left.Roll – a move requiring a paddle stroke and body snap to right oneself from a tip over while staying in the boat. Common techniques are the Sweep and the Eskimo rolls.

Roostertail - spray of water that explodes off a submerged rock or obstacle.

Shuttle - the most dangerous part of the trip. Driving between the put-in and take-out. One-vehicle shuttles require logistical foresight using options such as biking, walking, hitchhiking, etc., to return to the put-in.

Side surf – a play move in a hole in which a paddler uses counter balancing forces of downstream current and upstream hydraulic.

Spray skirt – or spray deck. A neoprene or nylon accessory that fits around the waist of the paddler and the cockpit lip of a canoe or kayak for a watertight closure.

Squirt boat – extremely low-volume (small, flat) kayak that uses the underwater river currents for playing.

Standing waves – big waves that often indicate the main channel.

Strainer – current clogged with tree branches or debris that allows the water to flow through but could pin you or your boat. Very Dangerous!

Take-out – ending point of a paddling trip; where the boats are finally taken from the water.
Technical – describes the character of a rapid that requires skillful maneuvering because of frequent obstructions. Also describes specific, difficult-to-master paddling techniques.

Throw bag – rescue device incorporating a 60 ft. floating rope coiled inside a nylon bag, to be thrown while holding one rope end.

Tongue – a smooth downstream V indicating the route through a rapid.

Undercut - an overhanging rock or ledge with water flowing underneath it. A serious hazard!

Waterfall – major drop in a riverbed, usually over six feet in height.

Wave train – A series of standing waves or runout of a rapid. Also called “haystacks”.

Wrap - to wrap your boat around a rock or obstacle. Countered by leaning into the rock or highsiding a raft.

More Whitewater rafting Termonology River Rafting Terms Home

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The History of Whitewater Rafting

Jun 8

Posted by hawkeye11 in history of whitewater rafting, Rafting Terms, Whitewater rafting termonology

(Source: Max Bellamy)

It is interesting to note that whitewater rafting was one of the earliest forms of transportation. It was not only used for carrying people but also for transferring goods from one place to another. However, it became quite popular as a form of leisure activity in the 1980s.

In 1811, the first recorded attempt to navigate the Snake River in Wyoming was planned by the Overland Astorians. While attempting to boat the stretch below Jackson Hole, the river was found to be too treacherous and it came to be called ?Mad River.?

The rubber river raft is believed to have been invented in the early 1840s. It was first made by Lt. John Fremont, who was then serving in the U.S army and Horace H. Day. They invented the rubber raft with the intention of surveying the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Although the raft was invented in the mid-nineteenth century, it was not until the turn of the century that the first ever commercial whitewater trip was undertaken. At first, surplus military rafts were used as boats and it was only much later that inflatable rafts were used.

Private companies played a major role in augmenting the rafting business. In 1956, one of the members of the most affluent business families of America, John D. Rockefeller built a resort that introduced one of the first floating trips in the country. However, it only evoked a lukewarm response. Later, in the 1960s and 1970s, exclusive whitewater rafting companies were formed. These include the Becker-Cooke Expeditions, Hatch River Expeditions and Slickrock Adventures.

Rafting was first included in the Munich Olympic Games, 1972. Subsequently, it was included in the 1992 Barcelona Games and the 1996 Atlanta Games. In 1996, the Ocoee River in Tennessee Valley played host to the whitewater events of the Summer Olympic Games.

Whitewater Rafting provides detailed information on Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Rafting Trips, History of Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Rafting Terminology and more. Whitewater Rafting is affiliated with Mediterranean Yacht Charters .

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