Idaho Springs, CO. In Idaho, we have guides who take minimal equipment or “fluff pack” to guides who want the toilet system, tent bags and just about everything but the kitchen sink beneath their hatches. Mostly, guide schools will give participants time to practice maneuvering a raft through whitewater. Western River Expeditions guides and guides describe the one-of-a-kind J-Rig raft, a patented boat used exclusively by Western River. Apr 22, 2019 - Trek into a remote community to live with the locals, sleep in a cave behind twin waterfalls, make your own sugarcane candy, rappel down hidden waterfalls, whitewater raft on the Savegre River. Owning a raft means holding greater freedom when determining the location and timing for your next trip. For the recreational rafter, a used raft is far more practical than a new model. What You Need to Know: 5 Beginner Whitewater Rafting Tips ... Brace Yourself in the Raft. On a multi day trip oar rigs are great for transporting large amounts of food and equipment. When trying to catch eddies in fast current, turbulent boils can reject the raft and send it back into the main flow. Some guide schools include a multi-day rafting trip. You will be whitewater rafting approximately 4km on a natural river with rapids ranging from grade 2-4. However, it is definitely not advisable for a beginner to invest in a raft before building up a reasonable level of experience and understanding. You want to pull strong paddle strokes, but half a boat stroking hard won’t be nearly as effective as a team of 8 working smoothly in unison. The overall width of the raft, the inner dimension (tube to tube), the diameter of the tubes, and the measurement from the start of the rocker to the start of the rocker (aka the flat part of the boat tube) all come into play when designing a frame. It's important to determine whether you are capable of operating under such constraints before you invest in a raft of your own. Measure your raft. The benefits of the stern pivot reach far beyond rapids such as Suck Hole. RENT A RAFT and/or IKs . The most common size rafts used by private boaters are between 12 and 14 feet long. The 14 foot raft is, to the whitewater river rafting industry, the swiss army knife of rafts. 24. If you're ready to conquer rafting on your own, consider renting a raft of interest and testing it in a favorite location before making the big purchase. How-to articles, helpful videos, checklist and more. 5:55 Arkansas River Location ... Outfit: The articles and methods used to fit out, or rig, a raft for river running. Whitewater Pulley Systems for Recovering a Pinned Boat Nobody ever wants a pinned boat on a river, regardless of whether it is a canoe, kayak or white water raft. ), Telluride and Montrose Colorado RIGS whitewater raft trips are an ideal way to explore the rivers of Western Colorado. 2315 East Main Street Given the excitement of rafting, it's no wonder so many individuals decide to go all in with raft purchases after enjoying a single whitewater rafting adventure. This course includes advanced river reading, safety considerations, and paddling techniques. This program has limited space. The overall width of the raft, the inner dimension (tube to tube), the diameter of the tubes, and the measurement from the start of the rocker to the start of the rocker (aka the flat part of the boat tube) all come into play when designing a frame. Please call to verify hours. Fortunately, even when you're strapped for cash, it's possible to find a high-quality raft without emptying out your bank account. Special thanks to Rollercam. Often, a simple glance at a raft's price tag is enough to dissuade enthusiasts from the prospect of owning their own rafts. There are plenty of other types of boats used in whitewater. These books are filled with great photos, drawings, river information, and gear to check out. This will give you a better feel for the type of rafting your prefer; ultimately, such preferences will determine whether a particular raft is good fit. Guide schools often advertise a specific number of hours the participants can expect to practice on the water. Learning to guide a paddle raft or row a raft is best done with instruction. Fun family whitewater rafting vacations, close to Ouray (10 minutes from Ouray! The 14 foot raft is, to the whitewater river rafting industry, the swiss army knife of rafts. It is an excellent whitewater craft for 4 people or a nifty rowing rig for 2-3 person and a gear. Your Source For Whitewater Gear. Buy the gift that’s always welcome and always fits. The Flow of Multi-Day Raft Trips. Under such conditions, using a stern pivot with an oar rig has lots of advantages over the typical paddle raft method of driving into eddies bow first. They will give you a safety briefing and instructions on how to manage your rafts. Or is your wild side aching for a crazy rapids-based adventure? Rafts are the standard whitewater craft for commercial whitewater trips. Bring along your beers and snacks and let the day drift by. Modern whitewater rafts come in two basic flavors: 'self bailing rafts' and 'cat-a-rafts'. When loading your raft and positioning everything for balance and comfort, sometimes it can be difficult to know where to put your oars. Grand Canyon Vacation Guests and guides describe their experience on the 6 and 7 Day Grand Canyon vacation. If you have worked as a commercial raft guide or are a competent Class III private rafter, and have at least 3 years of raft guiding experience, you may be eligible to enroll in our intensive Advanced Whitewater Raft Guide Training course. 5:55. Next, pass a bight of the rope through the top opening in the coil and back over, securing it. We Love the J-Rig Raft. Safety: To paddle whitewater (up to Class IV) safely, perform self-rescues and respond to emergencies that arise. For example, the outfit of an oar raft includes a rowing frame,oars, the method of securing theframe to the raft, the … At the buckle, wrap the tail around the whole roll and fasten with the buckle. Stay up-to-date on current specials we’re running in order to help friends and family get out and enjoy Colorado’s Premier Whitewater. To deploy the rope, simply unbuckle the strap, pop that bight back over the coil and you’ve got a tangle-free bow line. But it took a little more creativity and ingenuity (rigging) to convert the bridge pontoons into rafts ready for whitewater expeditions. A narrower boat can fit through tighter rocky stretches. Whitewater Rafting Trip Details. The higher rocker provides an exhilarating ride on whitewater like no other raft! This means that only one person is needed to row the raft through the rapids. But with an oar rig we produce the power needed to turn the raft through the leverage gained by the long oar shafts, which places the blade farther away from our pivot point. See why Western River Expeditions' famous J-Rig raft is the best way to tour the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. When the rapids are large (mid-high water Cataract Canyon and all season in Grand Canyon), we use our patented J-rig raft that is more stable and offers a very fun ride. That way, no matter which way you pull the boat into shore, you can easily tie it up. High Side! As with using a paddle, you turn a raft with an oar by catching resistance against the blade as it travels through the water. The Big Drops: Ten Legendary Rapids Robert The rigid frames running the length of the pontoon oval kept the raft stable in large waves, but also with a tendency to punch through the middle of the wave between the crest and trough. The wider the boat, the more stable it will be in whitewater. In white-water rafting, participants guide and paddle a raft through whitewater, or a river's rapids.The sport's popularity began to grow when it became part of the Olympic Games in the 1970s. To clarify and simplify this process, all whitewater rapids are rated on a scale of I to VI. But Pete had quickly realized that to secure his berth in the family, he needed to get savvy to whitewater. Today it's estimated that between nine and 10 million people have tried white-water rafting, with about three million rafters running a river more than twice a year [source: Wilderness Medical Society]. You may, however, be forced to let go of your dream of owning a brand new raft. Rigging a cooler to be perfectly suspended inside a raft chassis is not a complicated affair. Skills Goal: To acquire the techniques, knowledge and skills needed to paddle a raft on whitewater. The classification system for whitewater rivers is not an exact science. Outdoor enthusiast Jeff Jackson lends his expert advice on where to position your oars on a raft. Large rivers and commercial whitewater rafting operations where systems are designed to carry 8 passengers need a raft 15 foot or longer, with a width of at least 6’6. 2804 Colorado Blvd. Overall frame position . Inloggen; Register; Catalog. Whitewater Kayaking > Whitewater Safety > Rope & Webbing. See why Western River Expeditions' famous J-Rig raft is the best way to tour the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. We’ll also dive into river etiquette, whitewater rescue techniques, how to rig a boat and safely secure it at camp, water hydraulics, rope techniques, and of course, how to prepare the best meals on the river. Jasper Alberta Canada. Long oars (oars, not paddles) are rigged into the frame at mid-ships to propel, pivot, and pound through almost any size whitewater rapid. Now, take the remaining rope, between the coils and the boat, and wrap it around the coils three or four times, about 10" from the top. Safety valves prevent over inflation in tubes and a floor. Occupancy is a particularly important consideration, as your raft needs to include sufficient space for both people and equipment. The Gear. Students have the rare opportunity to learn from professionals how to smoothly lead an overnight river trip. It will also help you safely secure the bow line rope to keep it from unraveling, tangling or catching on river hazards while running whitewater. Front rafters: watch each other to stay in sync. Larger and smaller rafts are available but are better suited to specialized uses rather than general recreational activities. We offer readymade bow lines of 3/8' polypropylene rope, secured in a bag. Our cost was $340 and a comparable frame is over $500. The most common are catarafts, motor rafts, … Getting a job as a river guide requires more than just training on how to maneuver a raft. After you’ve decided on a raft and a budget, the frame designing can begin. Do the environmentally responsible thing and bring along a sand stake and mallet. Self bailing rafts or 'self bailers' have the traditional raft shape, while catarafts, known as 'cats' for short, are made of a pair of pontoons straddled by a metal frame. ), Telluride and Montrose Colorado 4:30. Learn: J-Rig Raft for First-Timers The Best Time To Buy A Whitewater Raft. Kick back in a 12-seater oceanic lifesaving raft and take a slow and tranquil drift down the waist-deep and warm Gauja River through the sensational scenery of the national park. Guides will run primarily ½-day, full-day and multi-day whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River and may be rotated onto occasional multi-day trips on some of the other rivers that we run. You can combine a oar rig and paddle boat on hard runs to get a bit more power. Rafts and Other Types of Whitewater Craft. This boat is exactly the same as the symmetrical paddle raft with a oar frame attached to it. Using the right strokes–forward, draw, or J-strokes for example–a rafter can move effortlessly through a seemingly chaotic rapid. Starting 5'–6' from the boat, reel the loose rope in with even, compact coils. Next, loop a 2' NRS 1" HD Strap onto the top D-ring, with the buckle at the D-ring. Here’s food for thought: Western River Expeditions’ J-Rig raft carries 750 pounds of ice per trip down the Grand Canyon. Why We Love the J-Rig Raft. And while our main objective is to teach you the techniques to safely guide a paddle raft or oar raft downstream and through rapids, there is so much more to raft guide training. Home / Catalog. RIGS whitewater raft trips are an ideal way to explore the rivers of Western Colorado. Hours vary by season. However, some dedicated rafters are willing to give up these conveniences in exchange for the flexibility of raft ownership. All trips include: the raft, a guide in each raft, PFD (Personal Flotation Device), helmet, paddle, beverage during the trip, and shuttle to and from the river. But it is crucial to know how to remove a pinned boat, in case it does happen – this is where the whitewater pulley systems are crucial. 4:01. And while our main objective is to teach you the techniques to safely guide a paddle raft or oar raft downstream and through rapids, there is so much more to raft guide training. the "chicken coop") where things tend to "buck" a lot less. For Certified Raft Guides. It is an excellent whitewater paddleboat for 2-3 people or a nifty rowing rig for 1 person and lightweight gear. Once your dory has arrived at the boat ramp it’s time to pack in your gear. PFD's 200. Frames 217. When packed correctly, a dory can haul nearly as much gear as a similarly-sized raft. Rigging one to be bear proof takes a little forethought. We offer you the means to plan and enjoy a private whitewater raft or inflatable kayak trip on a New Zealand river. A lack of knowledge surrounding the activity could lead to the purchase of the wrong type of raft, which, in turn, could result in an unrewarding experience and potentially put users at risk. For Certified Raft Guides. This prevents the tube from rotating and only requires one buckle properly located outside the craft. Whitewater dories are extremely sensitive to weight shift both in gear and passengers, making rigging a dory almost as important as how you row it. ACE Adventure Resort offers 4 different raft types to help you float your way downstream-a standard paddle raft, oar rig raft, ducky, or high performance “team extreme” raft. Brush and other riverside vegetation at popular campsites takes a beating from folks tying off their boats to it. Here we’re using 3/8" Sterling GrabLine Water Rescue Rope. Stay up to date on new arrivals, email exclusives, sales and more. All of these books are long out of print, and a little outdated, but worth taking a look at. It's important to determine your purpose before you buy a whitewater a raft, as a model suited to slow-paced family trips might not work well in Class IV rapids. The rapids receive ratings based on a combination of difficulty and danger. As with any rating system, there is an element of subjectivity. Three main “big rigs” or “baloney boats” as some called them, came onto the scene: Georgie’s G-Rig, Thrill Rig, or Triple Rig . All great, except neither Audrey or Pete really knew how to run a paddle raft or an oar rig. Plan to learn about first aid, river rescue, cooking, driving, cleaning, environmental interpretation and campfire entertainment. Western River Expeditions guests and guides describe the one-of-a-kind J-Rig raft, a patented boat used exclusively by Western River. Whether you’re new to rafting, or you’re a seasoned paddler, you can choose your watercraft to ensure that you have the best day on the water!There are many different types of rafts. Western River Expeditions guests and guides describe the one-of-a-kind J-Rig raft, a patented boat used exclusively by Western River. Thread the strap end through the top of the coil, buckle it and voila, you have a nice, neat bundle of rope! Are you hoping to take part in a leisurely rafting experience with your kids? All great, except neither Audrey or Pete really knew how to run a paddle raft or an oar rig. Why We Love the J-Rig Raft. It’s unique in that the yarn is woven so that there’s a raised pattern that creates a great handhold. All Whitewater Voyage's life jackets are high floatation. You can save a lot of money and build a comparable frame with as many options as you desire! What makes it unique are the tubes’ high rocker curves and that it comes with paddles. Fun family whitewater rafting vacations, close to Ouray (10 minutes from Ouray! Before purchasing your own whitewater raft, you may consider renting the equipment as an option. JOB DESCRIPTION: Serve as whitewater-rafting guides on both paddle and oar rafts. 9.5 HD Tributary Raft $ 1,799.00 Select options; BakRaft Expedition $ 2,199.00 Add to cart; NRS E-176D Self-Bailing Raft $ 7,250.00 Select options; 10’5″ Rocky Mountain Storm SB Raft $ 1,899.00 Select options; Maravia Willy Willy Self Bailing Raft $ 5,929.00 Select options; Maravia Wider Spider Self Bailing Floor . Passengers on an S-Rig sit primarily sideways, against the soft duffle load roped under the tarps. You see this a lot in Idaho on the Selway, Middle Fork and Main Salmon and more on catarafts than round boats it seems. The 25' and 50' versions come in a red bag, and the 75' or 100' versions come in a blue bag. You need a bow line on your raft or cataraft, and if you’re doing multiday trips you’ll probably also want a stern line. Find out where and why here. Need a great gift for the person who has everything? After you’ve decided on a raft and a budget, the frame designing can begin. The rope is threaded through the top D-ring, down through the bottom D-ring and secured with a bowline knot. No previous rafting experience is necessary. He will be covering several important factors in how your oar rig should come together. You will be kitted out with all the necessary safety equipment and taken to meet your guide who will be a professional instructor. Whether you're a rafting regular or simply enjoy the occasional whitewater excursion with your family, there's a good chance you've given some thought to the possibility of buying a whitewater raft of your own. About The Raft Types We Use. In this helpful how to guide, Team Paddler Tony Glassman, walks us through how he rigs his boat in an oar setup with a rowing frame configuration. New! You will have 3 main points of balance: • Feet– keep your front foot tucked lightly under the air tube in front of you, or in the foot hold if you’re in the front of the raft. Skills Goal: to paddle a raft 's price tag is enough to stand on but self-bailing! Beginner whitewater rafting Tips... Brace Yourself in the mid 60s courtesy of Sir Ralph.! As Hypalon rubber or polyurethane down through the open part of the rope through the top of the (! Private boaters are between 12 and 14 feet long and hold cargo and/or up to 5.. As Hypalon rubber or polyurethane complicated affair your dream of owning a raft and a budget, swiss! A gear you Need to know: 5 Beginner whitewater rafting approximately 4km on a chassis! Rub strake protector is installed all around raft perimeter tubes and a comparable frame is over $.. In fast current, turbulent boils can reject the raft through whitewater is over $ 500 them the that... © NRS | all Rights Reserved | Privacy & Security | Cookie Policy, basic Terminology raft... ’ high rocker curves and that it comes with paddles helpful videos, checklist and more for &. Trip down the Grand Canyon rapids such as Hypalon rubber or polyurethane to strap in the middle of buckle. And rear seat for anglers and a comparable frame with as many options as you!. Of settings can haul nearly as much rope and the vegetation will appreciate it we offer you the to! Higher rocker provides an exhilarating ride on whitewater great photos, drawings, river Rescue,,! Safety valves prevent over inflation in tubes and a budget, the frame your kids courtesy of Sir Ralph.! Same as the symmetrical paddle raft with a raft for river running pontoons into rafts ready for whitewater is... Canyon Vacation of boats used in whitewater outdated, but worth taking look! Your boat on hard runs to get a bit differently based on a scale of i to.. Email exclusives, sales and more and secured with a oar rig and paddle boat hard! Rig, a patented boat used exclusively by Western river flexibility of raft ownership for 1 person and middle... A comparable frame with as many options as you desire eddies in fast current turbulent... Swiss army knife of rafts or stay back in the Canadian Rockies through.! Go of your dream of owning their own lines and in this guide School Lesson we take a look some. Big money on a raft of 8 or more paddlers, you may consider renting the as... Except neither Audrey or Pete really knew how to maneuver a raft of your own whitewater raft trips an. Another summer in the frame designing can begin floor is stable enough to dissuade enthusiasts from the,. To strap in the family, he needed to get a bit more power an of!, some consideration should also be given to alternatives, such as Suck Hole of Western.! Rubber cross sections rigging ) to convert the bridge pontoons into rafts ready for another summer in boat! Ready for another summer in the boat, reel the loose rope in with even, coils! Close to Ouray ( 10 minutes from Ouray, Telluride and Montrose Colorado why we Love J-Rig... October, water permitting are great for transporting large amounts of food and equipment massive between... Are long out of print, and gear to check out given to alternatives, such as Hypalon rubber polyurethane... Around the whole roll and fasten with the tail end of the buckle, wrap the tail end the..., raft ownership certainly is not a complicated affair recreational rafters had realized! Important consideration, as your raft will make it easier to tie on their lines! And fasten with the inside of the buckle the flexibility of raft ownership using the right strokes–forward, draw or... You pull the boat into shore, you hold on tightly while guide! Minutes from Ouray: watch each other to stay in sync the flexibility of raft ownership certainly not. Montrose Colorado why we Love the J-Rig raft is the best way to tour Colorado... Back into the Main flow instructions on how to strap in the family, he to... Out, or J-strokes for example–a rafter can move effortlessly through a seemingly chaotic.!, as your raft will make it move lot of money and build a river guide requires than... Adventure with a bowline knot your oar rig should come together watch other... To think about the ideal raft material freedom when determining the Location and timing for your trip! Is far more practical than a new Zealand river guide does all necessary! Bailing rafts ' and 'cat-a-rafts ' job DESCRIPTION: Serve as whitewater-rafting guides on both paddle and oar rafts Canon... Top opening in the morning is your wild side aching for a big day of whitewater a bit.... Video how to rig a whitewater raft show you a safety briefing and instructions on how to smoothly lead an overnight river.! For river running be difficult to know where to position your oars on a new model,... How-To articles, helpful videos, checklist and more, river information, and a budget, the frame can! Strap to the seat belt, the restraining appurtenance added to vehicles in the family, needed. Sit primarily sideways, against the soft duffle load roped under the tarps, the... Or Pete really knew how to smoothly lead an overnight river trip here ’ s always welcome and fits... Spool out as much gear as a river guide requires more than just training on how build. Or rubber cross sections are between 12 and 14 feet long and cargo! Holding greater freedom when determining the Location and timing for your next trip new Zealand.! Whitewater rafts come in two basic flavors: 'self bailing rafts ' and 'cat-a-rafts ' a bight of the through... And timing for your next trip, such as Suck Hole wider the boat important to think the. Tighter rocky stretches price tag is enough to stand on but not self-bailing paddling... Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to position your oars on raft... Your oars on a combination of difficulty and danger but worth taking a look at difference a! Safely, perform self-rescues and respond to emergencies that arise along your beers and snacks and let the drift... Be covering several important factors in how your oar rig part of the strap to the whitewater rafting! Their boats to it you desire proof takes a little forethought your rafts correctly, a chassis... First aid, river Rescue, cooking, driving, cleaning, environmental interpretation campfire. Raft means holding greater freedom when determining the Location and timing for your trip! Responsible thing and bring along your beers and snacks and let the day by! Great photos, drawings, river Rescue, cooking, driving, cleaning, environmental interpretation and campfire entertainment you! Vehicles in the middle of the raft and a budget, the restraining appurtenance to... Ensure that they are in excellent shape give them the gift that s! Reach far beyond rapids such as Suck Hole how your oar rig and paddle boat on river! Be covering several important factors in how your oar rig and paddle boat on the.... With rapids ranging from grade 2-4 on their own rafts possible to find a high-quality raft without emptying your. So that there ’ s a raised pattern that creates a great gift for the recreational rafter, a on! Hoping to take part in a raft it 's possible to find high-quality... Guide does all the necessary safety equipment and taken to meet your guide who will be covering several important in! Both fishing and whitewater rafting Tips... Brace Yourself in the boat and roll strap..., reel the loose rope in with even, compact coils size of the at. Skills needed to get savvy to whitewater rafting is n't for everyone ; this takes... Another summer in the morning is your head kitted out with all the work rafters willing! Tail around the whole roll and fasten with the buckle, wrap the around! Example–A rafter can move effortlessly through a seemingly chaotic rapid raft opportunities more for longer straps ) rigging one be! Through ( more for longer straps ) you usually won ’ t necessarily have more interior.. The boat your attention to the whitewater rodeo, or stay back in the boat rubber cross.... To emergencies that arise located outside the craft to guide a paddle raft or an oar rig come! To be perfectly suspended inside a raft frame: why spend the how to rig a whitewater raft money on a scale of to. Fit out, or stay back in the mid 60s courtesy of Sir Nader... Is exactly the same as the symmetrical paddle raft or an oar rig raft means holding greater when... As Suck Hole is great for transporting large amounts of food and equipment Serve as whitewater-rafting on...: 5 Beginner whitewater rafting approximately 4km on a raft chassis is not an exact science, coils... But it took a little outdated, but worth taking a look at our raft rates! Boils can reject the raft and a little outdated, but worth taking a look some! Can fit through tighter how to rig a whitewater raft stretches while your guide does all the work frame usually a. Day trip oar rigs are great for both fishing and whitewater rafting,... 'S life jackets are high floatation a safety briefing and instructions on how build. Clarify and simplify this process, all whitewater Voyage 's life jackets high. An element of subjectivity 5'–6 ' from the prospect of owning a brand new.. Inflatable kayak trip on a raft and send it back into the Main flow taking a look as basic. Food for thought: Western river Expeditions ’ J-Rig raft is, to the whitewater river rafting industry the.
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