Whitewater rafting seems to be a very popular sport. Rafting has been a means of transportation since the 1800s. In the 1960s, whitewater rafting companies were formed. By the next decade, it was included in the Olympics at Munich. By the 1980s, there were many new places which offered whitewater rafting. Then, in the 1990s, it was included in the Olympic summer and winter games. In 1997, the International Federation of Rafting was founded. As time goes on, the extreme sport has continually gained popularity.
Whitewater rafts are usually inflatable boats. There are rafts which carry many people, or you can find a one person raft. You have the symmetrical, the asymmetrical, rudder controlled and symmetrical central helm type rafts.
Before venturing on a rafting trip, you need to be prepared, make sure you are physically able to handle the situation. If you have never been before, hire a guide, then listen and do what he or she tells you.
There are several classifications of whitewater rafting. It goes from class one, with very small rough areas, to class four, with medium waves, sharp maneuvers, and maybe some rocks. Finally, class six is considered to be unnavigable for all but the experts, and is the most dangerous.
Safety is a big issue with whitewater rafting. When choosing a company and guide, you will want to be sure their equipment is safe. In some areas, the safety has been regulated and they will need to be certified to show that the equipment and people running the operation are well qualified.
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