Whitewater Rafting Termonolgy

(Source: Max Bellamy)

Whitewater rafting uses special terminology, so familiarizing oneself with some key expressions and terms of white water rafting before taking a trip could definitely be helpful.

Many of the terms relate to the river. A run is used to describe that segment of the river that is feasible for rafting. Put-in and take-out are the points where the trip commences and finishes. The gradient is a phrase used to quantify the depth of the river.

The term boils is used to refer to an unexpected and abrupt rise in the level of the water. A hydraulic is used to refer to a transformation in the current that can lead to a modification of the speed of the raft, whereas an eddy is the flow of water upstream behind an obstacle or obstruction.

Bow and stern are used to describe the front and the back of the boat. When a boat capsizes or tips over due to an accident, it is known as a flip and when a boat is held against an obstacle by the strength of the current it is called a wrap.

A strainer is a barrier that allows restrictive entry. It enables water to pass through but impedes the passage of swimmers and rafts. A swimmer is a person who falls out of the boat and a throw bag is a piece of equipment that is used to save the swimmer.

Whitewater rafting has become a major adventure sport today. It is extremely popular in countries like Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia. It is a great favorite with the youth and others with a great appetite for risks. The sport has gained in popularity over the last few decades in the U.S. states like Colorado.