Things You'll Need:
- River Raft First Aid Kits
- Life Vests
- River Raft Oars
- River Raft Paddles
- River Raft Repair Kits
- River Rafts
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Step 1
Land your rafts a safe distance from the rapids and seek out a vantage point from which to scout out the terrain before entering any set of rapids.
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Step 2
Know the rating on the rapids you are about to enter and know what that rating means.
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Step 3
Decide if your rafting crew is up to engaging the rapids. If you have doubts, you may want to carry your rafts around the rapids. Never allow pride and recklessness to lead you and others into dangerous situations.
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Step 4
Note the tongues of the rapids. These are V-shaped indentions at the entry to the rapids, which are caused by the lowest level of water, flowing the swiftest, into the rapids.
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Step 5
Plan your course starting from the tongue of the rapids. This is almost always the best point of entry. If the rapids have multiple tongues, decide which tongue offers the safest route.
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Step 6
Take note of all potential hazards on your course through the rapids. Note reversals, standing waves and bends in the rapids, and plan your course accordingly. Check carefully for rocks hiding just below the surface.
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Step 7
Plan an alternate course.
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Step 8
Educate your rafting crew on the course you are about to take. Explain to them the paddling techniques necessary for each part of the rapids. Make sure they understand the concept of ferrying, or crossing the river.
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Step 9
Make sure everyone in your crew is wearing a life vest and knows what to do if they should fall from the raft or if the raft is overturned.
