The first recorded river rafting expeditions were of John Wesley Powell and his companions exploring the southwest's Green and the Colorado rivers in 1869. It was nearly half and century later before other rafters navigated the canyon waters.
Whitewater rafting is a leisure sport that has become popular since the mid-1970s. It is a challenging activity that can be dangerous if safety precautions are not taken. Private whitewater rafting has a much greater risk of injuries and fatalities but commercial and guided whitewater rafting has also had its share of accidents. Before signing up with an outfitter, be sure to discuss safety measures and the qualifications of company, raft guides and equipment.
There are six classes of whitewater as rated by the International Scale of River Difficulty. Grade 1 is small rough areas with basic skills needed. Grade 2 is some rough water with some hazards basic paddling skills needed. Grade 3 has whitewater, perhaps small waves and small drops with experienced paddling skills needed. Grade 4 is again whitewater, bigger waves, larger hazards and larger drops with advanced whitewater experience necessary. Grade 5 is whitewater, large waves, large hazards and rocks, large drops and advanced whitewater experience needed. Grade 6 is rapids so dangerous as to be unnavigable and that have the potential of impacting the structural capabilities of most rafting equipment with the likelihood of serious injury or even death.
Today, there are many professional outfitters offering whitewater rafting. With the advancements of better equipment and more knowledge of whitewater rafting trips on the most popular rivers in North America and Canada, almost anyone can enjoy whitewater rafting in safety.
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