Rafting Terminology

https://raftinginfo.com/rafting-terminology/
Researched and compiled by Carrie Birdsong

· Eddy: An eddy is a part of the river that forms downstream of an obstruction. The water in the eddy is flowing in the opposite direction of the river and can be utilized to slow or stop the raft. In some cases, they can become powerful and may have a negative effect on rafts.

· Flow: The flow is the current volume of the river – which is measured in cubic feet per second. The United States Geologic Survey has created gauging stations where they record and publish flows from rivers around the country.

· Rapid: Rapids are formed in tight areas of the river where the surface of the river bed changes dramatically. They usually occur in short spurts and range in the difficulty of negotiation. They are often what people think of when they think of white-water rafting.

· River Left and River Right: These words are used to specify a side of the side of the river to distinguish points of interest. River right or left always refers to the side of the river headed downstream. In other words, when you go downstream, “river right” is on the right, and “river left” is on the left. This is then reversed when facing upstream.

· High Side!: This infrequently (but still important) term is used by guides to help keep the boat upright. It is generally used immediately before large waves and mandates the crew to lift the upstream side of the raft in time to allow the current to pass under the raft. It often prevents the raft from becoming stuck on a rock or also from flipping over.

· Biner: Shorthand for Carabiner – or the little clip that is used to secure things to a raft.

· D-Ring: Metal, D-shaped ring attached to a raft to help secure lines, rope, frames, and other essentials.

· Perimeter Line: The line that travels through all the D-rings along the perimeter of the raft. This serves as a secure line for anyone who falls out to pull themselves back in.

Whitewater rafting is a fun and exciting sport for people of all ages and walks of life. Knowing some of the terms before your first trip can help to prepare you, but it is still important to pay attention to the instructions that your guide is giving you.