Rafting. Encyclopedia of World Sport

Rafting races and competitions are generally either local or specialized events.Whitewater rafting was incorporated, for example, into Eco-Challenge, the multisport endurance marathon. Rafting has also been
included and televised as part of “extreme sports”
events. Rafting is a general term for the use of specific
types of water craft. In general, rafts are broader and
flatter than canoes and other vessels. Inflatable rafts
are made of flexible chambers that become buoyant
when filled with air.
Since the 1960s rafting has gained popularity as a
recreational activity, particularly inflatable rafts that
are used on calm lakes and streams or near beaches.
Rafts are also used to navigate further out in oceans
and bays. They are frequently used on fast-running
rivers, a sport called white-water rafting or river running (see Canoeing and Kayaking).
Like canoes, rowboats, and other craft, most rafts
have passenger compartments and are powered and
steered by paddles, oars, or motors. Rafting differs
from other types of boating primarily in the way the
crafts handle. They create more drag in the water and
require more power to propel. They are generally less
responsive to turns than canoes or rowboats. However,
they are stable and otherwise easy to control. Inflatable
rafts can carry groups and are frequently used for commercial river tours and white-water expeditions.
The most inexpensive of the many inflatable rafts
are simple in design and generally made of lightweight rubber and other material. Less responsive and
more easily damaged, these are better suited to safe
conditions.
Other rafts are designed and built for rigorous
conditions. These are made of durable reinforced materials, such as nylon and neoprene. They also have
more complex designs and features for added strength,
safety, and handling. They often feature numerous individual air chambers. Rafts have also been developed
that closely resemble canoes and other craft and have
similar handling characteristics.
—JOHN TOWNES

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