<p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr">Rafting and whitewater rafting are outdoor recreational activities that use an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other body of water. This is typically done in whitewater or varying levels of turbidity. Risk management is often an integral part of the experience. </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:700/400;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/e3c29dea-c149-4723-84d6-e499d0ec8be5.jpeg" alt="rowing"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">You can follow the news and</span></span> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar/features/celebrity-ads"><span lang="ar">announcements of celebrities</span></a> <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">and all their</span></span> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar/features/exclusive-content"><span lang="ar">exclusive content</span></a> <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">that you can only find through the Special application, which is</span></span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar"><span lang="ar">a social networking application</span></a> <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">with special and unique features, as it includes a podcast that provides many unique features, as you can launch</span></span> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar/features/podcast-and-voice-recording"><span lang="ar">a podcast</span></a> <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">with your friends or listen to others, and it also provides information about</span></span> the <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">various</span></span> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar/features/celebrity-collectibles"><span lang="ar">possessions of celebrities</span></a> . </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:710/532;" alt="rowing" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/513c6c8c-fefe-45be-bd33-6aa723067f29.jpeg" ></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Adventure rafting has been popular since the 1950s, if not before, evolving from single-person rafts rowed in 10-foot (3.0 m) to 14-foot (4.3 m) double-bladed or single-bladed rafts to multi-person rafts steered by single-bladed sculls and controlled by a person at the end of the raft, or by oars. </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1600/822;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/66f18cce-cecf-438c-a2e7-59787913ced6.jpeg" alt="rowing" ></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Rowing is considered a dangerous and potentially fatal sport in certain parts of the river, while other sections are not as extreme or difficult. Rowing is also a competitive sport held around the world, culminating in a world championship event between participating nations. The International Rowing Federation, often abbreviated as the IRF, is the global governing body that oversees all aspects of the sport. </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:630/300;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/89db48a7-c0cd-417c-95e3-6da53d993168.jpeg" alt="rowing"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"><br> Rafting equipment has evolved continuously and dramatically since the old rubber military surplus rafts of World War II. Contemporary whitewater rafts are typically made from advanced nylon or Kevlar-filled plastics such as PVC or urethane; although many low-quality entry-level manufacturers still use rubber adhesives. Plastic is generally more durable, has a longer lifespan, and is easier to repair than older rubber rafts.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Paddles and oars are the ideal way to drive rafts and come in many sizes and types depending on the specific river conditions. </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:450/300;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/7cbab751-3703-4bf8-89ec-1d8cdb7490be.jpeg" ></figure><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">oars</span><br></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Paddles are made from layers of wood, plastic, aluminum, carbon fiber, or other advanced composite materials. There are many types and combinations of these materials, with entry-level paddles made from inexpensive aluminum and plastic. Higher-end models are constructed from high-quality composites and are used primarily by professional paddlers, raft racers, and expedition paddlers. </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:509/339;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/23481084-b6c2-4b0b-bd49-017a30e0c590.jpeg" alt="rowing"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> The basic design of a raft consists of 3 parts:</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> One blade<br> The opening<br> T-grip<br> Rafters typically use oars on smaller, shallower rivers, where rocks and other hazards can damage larger oars. Oars are also commonly used by guests on commercial trips, as they are seen as a more attractive way to enjoy a river trip. When using oars in a raft, it is referred to as "paddling" or "paddle steering." </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:640/376;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/9e3bdb26-375e-40f4-87fd-3a01631d2989.jpeg" alt="rowing"></figure><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">oars</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"><br> Paddles are typically made from the same materials as oars: wood, plastic, aluminum, and carbon fiber. Paddles are designed for many different river types, with distinct blade shapes designed to handle different river conditions. Paddles are typically constructed as a single, solid wooden plank to help maintain the oar's strength and flexibility under intense pressure. Composite or metal oars are typically made in three parts:</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> code<br> The opening<br> control<br> All of these parts are interchangeable and can be developed and changed in many ways to enhance the enjoyment of rowing. </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:630/300;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/2c333578-9835-4911-b6bc-8ffa2df56dd1.jpeg" ></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Paddles are generally used on wider, flatter rivers with higher volume to help move more efficiently through long, slow-moving pools, although anglers often use shorter paddles on smaller rafts on lower volume rivers to help them maintain an advantageous position upstream while casting from a raft. </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1023/682;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/abfaf65e-c41d-47ba-b7c9-fe6d7fbe72e1.jpeg" alt="rowing"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> When a raft uses oars, it is called "rowing" although many people incorrectly refer to this as "rowing" or "rowing the oar", however, these terms are incorrect and often suggest inexperience when used in conversation with members of the rafting community. </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:710/532;" alt="Rowing" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/3b20b411-4035-4ccc-8829-aff119819fc7.jpeg" ></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Oars typically use one of two systems to attach to the boat, but in either case, they engage the boat through a large metal frame attached to the boat called the oar frame. The oars are connected to the frame either by a pin-and-clip system or a system called a scull. Either system connects to the frame via oar pylons on either side of the frame. </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/450;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/916ed9a4-35c7-4fe5-a589-f00248a4574e.jpeg" alt="rowing"></figure><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Pins and clips</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"><br> The pins are called "thule pins" or "paddle pins." A large metal clip attaches to the paddle and is secured with a nail. The top of the pin has a rubber or plastic piece that prevents the paddle from slipping over the top of the pin. The bottom of the pin connects to a paddle tower designed to hold the pin in place. This system is antiquated, though it is useful for certain types of rivers running, such as large, treacherous Class 5 rivers, which require your paddles to stay in place as much as possible. </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:700/400;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/5adcfbef-093c-437b-816c-3696bb8eed25.jpeg" ></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Paddles, or locks, are the most common type of oar attachment because they allow the oar to "feather" the oar back and forth while rowing, making it easier for the oarsman to stay in the direction of the current. Paddles look like a pin with a metal lip on top, resembling a U. The paddles slide into the gap between the U-shaped metal pieces and can be held in place with a plastic stopper called a paddle. The paddle allows the oarsman to maintain their position on the oar at the correct length for rowing. </p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1500/795;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/4717e75a-8dcc-4c9e-b0c0-e976e1620c0c.jpeg" alt="rowing"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"><br> Whitewater rafting can be traced back to 1811, when the first recorded attempt to navigate the Snake River in Wyoming was planned. Without proper preparation, experience, or equipment, the river was extremely rugged and dangerous, hence the nickname "Mad River." On June 9, 1940, Clyde Smith led a successful expedition through the Snake River Canyon.</p><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Cataract categories</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Rafting on the Pacuare River, Costa Rica<br> Also known as the International River Difficulty Scale, the following are the six difficulty categories for whitewater rafting. They range from mild to extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Category 1: Very small turbid areas, may require slight maneuvering. (Skill Level: Paddling Basics) </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:780/470;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/fd7dab06-d89c-4676-819b-1c86d0d2d91a.jpeg" alt="rowing"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Category 2: May have some turbid water, possibly some rocks, and some maneuvering. (Skill Level: Beginner Paddling)</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Category 3: Small waves, possibly small in size, but not dangerous. May require difficult maneuvering. (Skill level: Some rafting experience)</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Class 4: White water, moderate waves, possibly some rocks, possibly large drops, sharp maneuvers may be required (Skill Level: Ideal Rafting Experience) </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/800;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/75c62aa7-e4f1-473e-9588-7337afde9913.jpeg" alt="rowing"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and some hazards, possibility of large drop-off, requires careful maneuvering. (Skill Level: Complete rafting skills mastery) </p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/600;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/c2f7dcd7-432c-405c-a668-05058d4a8418.jpeg" alt="Challenge"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Class 6: Class 6 rapids are considered extremely dangerous and cannot be navigated perfectly. Rafters can expect to encounter large whitewater, large waves, large rocks and hazards, and/or large drops that will deliver severe impacts beyond the hull's endurance and the impact ratings of almost all paddling equipment. Navigating Class 6 water significantly increases the likelihood of serious injury or death compared to lower classes. (Skill Level: Complete paddling proficiency, and even then it may not be safe.)</p>