Rafting History
White Water Rafting is one of the earliest forms of transportation. It was also a means of carrying people, hunting, and transferring food.
Modern Rafting dates back as far as 1842. It was Lieutenant John Fremont of the U.S. Army who first chronicled his explorations of the Platte River. The Raft he used was most likely designed by Horace H. Day. Day’s Rafts were constructed from four independent rubber cloth tubes and wrap-around floor.
Rafts were originally the simplest form of man’s transportation in water and were then made of several logs, planks or reeds which were fastened together. Soon, inflatable vessels were developed as life rafts which were later used by the military for beach assaults.
It was in the 1960s when Rafting became established. It was then when routes like the Grand Canyon were navigated and Whitewater Rafting companies were formed.
The ‘70s marked a major improvement in the activity when it was included in the Munich Olympic Games.
Equipment and tools were also developed and techniques were improved over time. In 1980s, rivers in South America and Africa, to name a few, were being added to the list of the world’s fun whitewater rivers.
In 1992, Rafting was included in the Barcelona Games and in the Atlanta Games in 1996. Moreover, the Ocoee River in Tennessee Valley played host to the whitewater events of the Summer Olympic Games. In 1997, the International Federation of Rafting was founded and the first official international championship was held in 1999.
With developments in Rafts, skills and equipment, River Rafting is continuously becoming popular among extreme water sport enthusiasts. Nowadays, more and more people are discovering the fun and adventure that this activity offers. With enough preparation, use of proper pieces of Rafting Gear, and physical and mental readiness, you are on your way to riding the waves and conquering turbulent waters.
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Basics & Backgrounds
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