Rapid Network

In the United States there are a plethora of rivers with whitewater sections. Some of the country's most beautiful places can only be seen or accessed via a river. Chances are that you have a river nearby that has some level of whitewater on it. However, buying all the gear and equipment can be extremely costly. Knowing how to navigate rapids properly is a learned skill and must be properly taught in order for you to have a fun, exciting and most of all, a safe experience. Hiring a whitewater outfitter/guide will increase your chances of having a memorable experience and living to tell the tale.

River Classifications

There are basically four different kinds of rivers in the world. Rivers are classified by their respective age which will inherently affect the gradient the river has. We will be dealing almost specifically with rivers in the US in this instance.

- Youthful: A youthful river will generally have a steep gradient with few tributaries and numerous sections, if not continuous sections of rapids. (e.g. Trinity, Animas, American, Rogue and Arkansas)

- Mature: A mature river will have a shallower gradient and a slower flow than a youthful river and will be wider, with tributaries flowing into it. (e.g. Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Colorado)

- Old: An old river will have a very shallow gradient with a slow and easy flow. Usually old rivers are very wide and deep with numerous tributaries including all other classifications of rivers. You'll have to travel outside the US to find these rivers. (e.g. Nile, Tigris, Euphrates, Amazon and Ganges)

- Rejuvenated: A rejuvenated river is the result of tectonic uplift and will typically have a steep gradient with little or no tributaries.

Whitewater areas are generally found on youthful or rejuvenated rivers due to steep gradients, constriction points and obstacles such as rocks. However, some mature rivers will also have whitewater areas.

Classification of Rapids

In the whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canoeing industry there are six classes of rapids. Each one has its own characteristics and no two are ever the same.

- Class I: Placid, slow moving, pretty much like your bathtub. Good for learning the basics such as how to get back in the raft, flipping the raft or practicing your kayak roll techniques.

- Class II: Some ripples and low waves. Good for inner-tubing or learning how to navigate and steer your raft, kayak or canoe.

- Class III: Now we're talking! Swift moving water, low drops and bigger waves. Good for learning more technical navigation techniques. Class III whitewater is a fun level for family rafting trips and suitable for children ages 7 and older.

- Class IV: Now were cooking! Very swift water, big drops and huge waves. Class IV rapids are considered expert class. Most Class IV rapids will require at least a couple years of steady, full time guiding experience. Do not attempt without formal river guide training and at least 2000 river miles of experience on Class III whitewater. Suitable for ages 16 and older. Most outfitters will require a swim test beforehand. If you can't swim or don't swim well, DO NOT ATTEMPT!

- Class V: Now we're cooking with gas! Extremely swiftly moving water, huge drops and massive waves. Beyond expert class, we're talking tenured professor class. Navigating Class V rapids will require years of professional Class IV guiding experience and nerves of steel. Only suitable for those who aren't faint of heart and don't mind hospitals. Number one rule in Class V: Stay in the boat! If you fall out of the boat, you are almost certain to end up in the hospital or the morgue.

- Class VI: Unrunable, certain death! Class VI rapids are kind of like Niagara Falls; sure you can run it if you like but you won't make it!

Trips

River trips are a great way of getting back to nature and an excellent idea for some wholesome family fun. River trips are, or can be, not only adventurous, but educational as well. Some river trips can be done by private boaters - if they have the appropriate gear and equipment - while others are better left to outfitters.

Daytrips

Daytrips can be loads of fun for you and your friends or family. Daytrips run anywhere from ¼ day to full day (6-8 hours). They can run anywhere from a couple of miles to 20+ miles, depending on water flow. It is better to hire an outfitter for daytrips due to the length of time it takes for a private boater to set up and also the availability of river permits.

Overnight Trips

Overnight trips can be a lot of fun for friends and family as well. They are appropriate for private boaters and outfitters. Make sure you have the proper equipment, gear, food, kitchen, bathroom (called a groover) and permit if applicable. You should be experienced in daytrips and know your limitations for overnights. They can either go very smoothly or horribly wrong. Weather is usually the reason they go wrong, so be prepared.

Multi-Day/Expedition Trips

Multi-day trips can also be loads of fun for friends and families. Multi-day trips can last anywhere from three days to a month in duration. They can also be done either privately or serviced by outfitters. If you love rivers, multi-day trips may be for you. If you are a private boater, make sure you have successfully accomplished several overnight trips before attempting a multi-day.

Many multi-day trips will require at least two or more boats, as one of them will most certainly be a "gear" boat. Also, take some time to know some things about the area. Adventurous side hikes, games and other activities should be planned out before hand. This helps with the "down" time when you are not on the water or you may be spending two or more nights at the same camp.

Having meals and chores pre-planned will help the trip run smoothly if you are boating privately. Knowing who is doing the cooking and cleaning as well as post trip routines will make life easier for all involved. Eating three squares a day is important-you'll use a lot of energy while on the water.

If you and your group are not seasoned overnight boaters, hiring an outfitter is the ideal choice. Outfitters will do all of the trip set-up, cooking, cleaning, set-up and take-down of the campsites and of course, they will have all of the appropriate gear, equipment and river permits.

Riparian Environment

The riparian environment is a fragile one. The term "riparian," in this instance, is used to describe the river itself, as well as the flora, fauna, geology and just about everything else surrounding, or in, a river. Any decent river guide or even you as a private boater should have a working knowledge of the riparian environment and be able to provide its interpretation.

Care should be taken to make as little impact or imprint as possible at all times, while you are on your river trip. As the sayings go; 'Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints' and 'Pack it in, pack it out.' Gear and Equipment

As with any other sport, whitewater boating has some very specific gear and equipment requirements. Some can be relatively inexpensive to acquire and some can cost thousands of dollars. Because all of the gear and equipment will be used for whitewater, some regular maintenance will also be needed. And of course, since whitewater boating can become a contact sport on occasion, things will break or simply wear out. Below you will find a list of items required for whitewater boating. Items with a * indicate items needed for private boaters and guides.

- PFD (personal floatation device) - don't call them life jackets around guides. If you do they might give you this speech: 'It's not a life jacket. It won't swim you to shore, it will not save your life; its sole purpose on earth is to make you float!'PFDs need to be USCG Type III or above.
- Helmet-if applicable. Most outfitters will require them for Class IV and above. Some states require them for Class III and above.
- *Flip line
- *Knife
- *First aid kit
- *CPR and First Aid Certification - the level will vary depending on the state you are in.
- *Z -Drag and boat repair kit-for inflatable boats.
- *Spare paddles or oars
- *Throw bag
- *Boat-Inflatable raft or kayak (ducky), canoe, whitewater kayak. (Don't use sea or lake kayaks on whitewater; sure, you can try, but you gonna get schooled!)

The Overall Experience

The general, overall experience is aimed at adventure and having fun! As long as you follow the rules, everything should work out just fine. I highly recommend hiring a river outfitter to help you along if you are inexperienced. Tons of fun can be had on the river and no two trips will ever be alike.