last edited Dec 11, 2019
Rafting and Whitewater
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Rafting
What is rafting?
A raft is an inflatable boat designed for 4 to 7 people. It allows you to descend rivers and rapids to discover landscapes that are otherwise inaccessible. In practice, the guide sits at the back of the raft and gives instructions to coordinate the paddlers to weave between waves and rocks. In any case, everyone will end up thoroughly shaken and soaked during the descent (which is also one of the aims of rafting).
Generally, almost anyone can go rafting, including children from the age of 7 or 8, as long as they can swim a little. The key is to tackle rivers whose strength and challenges match the rafters' abilities.
As for the necessary equipment, it’s limited to a life jacket, a helmet, and a paddle, all provided by the organisers.
River classification
For rafting, canoeing, and whitewater sports, there’s an international classification (from I to VI) of waterways based on their strength and difficulty. This helps determine what type of route you can tackle depending on your level. Note that during snowmelt or heavy rain, some rivers may rise by one class in this ranking.
- Class I: calm water with a gentle current. Accessible to everyone, including for manoeuvring.
- Class II: small waves and a few easy-to-avoid obstacles (this is the limit for "general public" canoeing).
- Class III: large waves, swirls, and counter-currents on mostly straight routes with few risks. Requires some manoeuvring skills.
- Class IV: strong waves and swirls, counter-currents, and precise manoeuvres needed. Many "general public" rafting trips take place in this class.
- Class V: difficult to very difficult manoeuvres in an environment of (very) strong waves, powerful swirls, high flow rates, and counter-currents, sometimes with sudden drops.
- Class VI: rivers and/or conditions generally considered impassable.
Where to go rafting?
Hydrospeed and Canyoning
Hydrospeed
Your turn to expand: What it is, equipment and precautions, plus where to practice what’s also called "whitewater swimming."
Canyoning
Your turn to expand: What it is, equipment and precautions, plus where to practice.