How to Paddle a River Raft

While paddling a river raft doesn't work quite as well as rowing a raft with oars, it's a fun way to get everyone working as a team to guide the raft down a river and through whitewater rapids.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• River Raft First Aid Kits
• Life Vests
• River Raft Oars
• River Raft Paddles
• River Raft Repair Kits
• River Rafts

1. Position paddlers evenly on both sides of the raft. Paddlers should kneel on knees, sit on thwarts or straddle the buoyancy tubes when paddling.

2. Hold the paddle with the inside hand on the top of the paddle and the outside hand, knuckles facing out, gripping the paddle low on its stem.

3. Lean forward and insert the paddle into the water. Dip the blade completely beneath the surface.

4. Straighten your top arm while pulling back on the paddle with your lower arm to draw it through the water. This is the standard forward paddle.

5. Reverse forward motion to backpaddle. Dip the blade and pull the upper arm back while extending your lower arm.

6. Have the right side of the raft (from the paddler's perspective) paddle back while left side paddles forward to turn the bow right. Reverse this procedure to go left.

7. Reach out with the paddle, dip in deep and pull toward yourself to draw stroke, pulling the raft in the direction of your paddle stroke.

8. Dip the paddle in close to the raft and push away to pry stroke, or move the raft sideways away from the direction of your paddle stroke.

9. Communicate with your rafting team and work together.

Tips & Warnings

• Paddling is all about team work. Pick a captain, the most experienced rafter, to call out directions so everyone can work together.
• Always wear a life vest when whitewater rafting.
• River rafting is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

on 11/22/2005 The strongest paddle stroke (and easiest)is to lean forward at your waist, lock BOTH arms straight out in front of you and lean back making a rocking motion. Let your back pull the paddle back-not your arms. You'll be less tired at the end of the day.