Why is it hard to navigate a raft?

Question

Why is it hard to navigate a raft?

Answer 1

I am a certified West Virginia white water raft guide. This upcoming summer marks my fourth year on the water.

(I am writing based on my experience with nine person rafts on a class 3-5 river- eight customers and myself as the guide)

Many factors come into play when considering raft navigation. The most challenging part is your inability to expect the unexpected. "You will never step in the same river twice for ever flowing waters are always upon you." That is a key concept for anyone interested in white water; change in a river is constant and inevitable. Rocks move, waves and holes take new locations and patterns, and hazards such as falling trees appear without notice. The fact that the river you are on is always in a state of change is one of the most challenging aspects of guiding a raft.

Other than that, it is pretty straight forward on a familiar river. Knowing the class rating (a subjective scale from one to six describing the danger involved in a rapid) is a key step in a successful run. Guiding a raft becomes natural and easy once you establish effective communication patterns with the people providing the paddle power. The most important part is planning before you act. A rapid is read from bottom to top (looking downstream); you decide where you need to end up then take the necessary steps in advance to make it. Knowing how and when to give paddle commands comes with time and practice.

Don't think I am saying it isn't hard to guide a raft; it is a very challenging task both intellectually and physically. Yet keeping on your toes for unexpected hazards and planning in advance makes for a safe, enjoyable ride.

PS- Always wear a helmet, life jacket, and have an experienced paddler with you in case something happens.

Answer 2

Rafts, generally square, do  not have a bow to go into the waves and current. What are you using to steer?

Answer 3

It is hard to navigate a raft because of the water current. either you are going against the water, or you are going with the water which makes it hard to row