River Rafting in the Grand Canyon
March 16, 2008
Rafting through the Grand Canyon is the experience of a lifetime. Viewing the canyon from along the rim is a stunning experience on its own, but it pales in comparison to the adventure of riding the river through it. Several river recreation outfitters offer guided rafting tours through the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon was formed over several million years. An ancestral version of what is now the Colorado River slowly eroded the earth, creating this breathtaking formation. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The canyon is over 250 miles long and is over a mile deep in some parts.
Grand Canyon river rafting is one of the most fascinating experiences available. Grand Canyon river rafting tours usually run several days and many last more than a week. These tours often include side trips to areas at the bottom of the canyon where travelers near the river. Visitors often stop and examine Native American ruins and fascinating geological formations.
River Rafting in California
March 15, 2008
River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most popular California river rafting destination is the mighty American River. The American River begins in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and runs to the Sacramento River. The American River splits into three forks before it converges. The North Fork, the Middle Fork, and the South Fork each offer rafters unique adventures.
The North Fork of the American River offers the most challenging rapids on the river. It is fed by the runoff from the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the early spring when the snow melts. This runoff, mixed with the narrow canyons found downriver make for some exciting and challenging Class IV rapids. Chamberlin Falls Gorge, the most intense part of the American River, is found on the North Fork. This fork of the river is only open for rafting for a few months of the year, usually from April to the early summer.
The Middle Fork of the American river is slightly easier to navigate than the North Fork. Adventurous, physically fit novices can try a guided tour on the Middle Fork. The Middle Fork contains some of the most popular Class III and IV rapids in the state. Parts of this fork run through beautiful 2,000-foot tall canyons. The season for Middle Fork rafting runs from April through October, giving rafters many months of the year to enjoy the river.
River Rafting in Colorado
March 14, 2008
The sport of river rafting was practically invented in Colorado. In the late 1960s Bill Dvorak came up with many safety standards for equipment and many guidelines for proper rafting technique. His Dvorak Expeditions company was the first licensed river recreation outfitter in the country. In the decades since, river rafting has become a hugely popular pastime in Colorado and around the world. Colorado river rafting is some of the best in the world. Some of the most notable of Colorado’s many rivers are the Arkansas River, the Colorado River, and the Dolores River. Each one offers rafters a unique and exciting experience.
The Arkansas River starts near Leadville, Colorado and extends through the Midwest, cutting through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas before emptying into the Mississippi River. There are many beautiful and famous sights on the Arkansas River, including Royal Gorge and Big Horn Sheep Canyon. The rapids on the Arkansas River range from class II all the way to Class V, depending on the part of the river. There are countless excursions offered on different stretches of the Arkansas River lasting from a half day to several days.
River Rafting in Washington State
March 12, 2008
The great state of Washington offers some of the best white-water rafting in the entire country. There are around 15 rivers in Washington state that are great for river rafting. Some of the most famous are the Klickitat, the Yakima, and the Skagit rivers. Each offers a unique Washington river rafting experience.
There are several river recreation outfitters in Washington that specialize in river rafting tours on a variety of Washington rivers. These tours can vary in length from one afternoon to several days. The outfitters usually arrange for accommodations on tours lasting multiple days. Each river recreation outfitter offers trips for rafters at different skill levels. Some of the rivers are rated Class V, which is the rating for the most hazardous rivers navigable, while others are Class I, which means they are a leisurely float suitable for the whole family. Most outfitters offer river tours from May through August, with tours on particular rivers continuing through the fall.
The Klickitat River provides some of the most exciting rafting that Washington has to offer. In the early spring months, runoff created by melting snow from Mt. Adams and the Goat Rock Wilderness drains into the river. This water provides some great rapids, creating adventurous Class III rapids. The river is between 17 and 21 miles long, depending on the water level, and takes about a day to navigate.
A Review of Popular River Rafting Trips and Services
March 10, 2008
Organized river rafting trips are a good idea for novices and experts alike. River rafting tours provide all of the equipment, guidance, and instruction necessary. If the trip covers several days, the rafting company may provide camping accommodations as well. Trips are available for rafters of all skill levels, from beginners rafting for the first time, to skilled experts looking for the toughest rivers in the country.
River rafting tours are offered on many major rivers in the country. Trips are available in many different lengths, varying from an afternoon to a two week trek. River rafting trips designed for families as well as trips that cater to experienced rafters are available almost anywhere. While much river rafting is done in the Southwest, it is by no means the only place for a river rafting adventure. North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and many other states have great rivers for rafting.
A couple of well-established river rafting outfitters are Dvorak Expeditions, California River Rafting Excitement, and the Nantahala Outdoor Center. All three of these companies offer great guides, top-of-the-line equipment, and routes on some of the best rivers.
River Rafting: An Overview
March 9, 2008
White-water rafting can be one of the most exhilarating experiences of a lifetime. River rafters see breathtaking scenery, get great exercise, and experience terrific adventure. There are great places to go river rafting all over the world, but many of the best rivers for white-water rafting are here in the United States.
It’s a good idea to contact a licensed river rafting agency to plan a rafting trip. These agencies, found near most major rivers, provide trained guides and planned routes for rafting rides. Many agencies also provide training for novice river rafters. These services are especially good for people rafting for the first time.
River rafting has been a sport for decades. The person generally credited with inventing river rafting is Bill Dvorak. In 1969, Dvorak was the first person issued a river recreation outfitters license when he formed Dvorak Expeditions in Salida, Colorado. Dvorak created many of the safety guidelines and license requirements for equipment used in white-water rafting. He came up with the idea of having guides lead rafting tours.
A Review of Inflatable Boat Manufacturers
March 7, 2008
There are many manufacturers of inflatable boats on the market today. Included below is an overview of each of the key manufacturers.
Zodiac Inflatable Boats: Zodiac Inflatable Boats can be set up in no time, stored in a closet at home, transported in the trunk of the user’s car, or kept in a locker on board. Zodiac Inflatable Boats are for safe, economical, hassle free boating. Their models are Cadet S, Cadet Yachtline, Cadet Fastroller, Touring S, Futura S, Futura Fastroller, and Futura Sport.
Avon Inflatable Boats: Since 1959, Avon Inflatable Boats have produced over 200,000 inflatable and rigid inflatable boats, from the traditional Redstart Dinghy to highly sophisticated 8 meter Searider rigid hull craft, and encompassing a very comprehensive range, covering all sectors of leisure, commercial, rescue and defense needs. Avon makes all their products in the same factory, to the same exacting standards, not only for the user’s enjoyment, but also for their total safety and security.
Sevylor Inflatable Boats: Sevylor makes a wide range of products to meet the needs of most recreational boat users. Sevylor Inflatable Boat models include the Sevylor SV series, the HF series, the XR series, the K series, the Sun series, the SVX series, and the T series.
Should You Buy a Used Inflatable Boat?
March 6, 2008
There are two types of used inflatable boats for sale ? those that have never been patched before, and those that have been repaired. Repaired boats are worked upon by factory technicians using the same glue and same techniques used for a new boat, and hence are as good as new ones. All the boats are tested for 24 hours before being advertised for sale.
Used inflatable boats are mostly sold at a discount. Used inflatable boats that have never been patched before sell between $219 and $1,049. Repaired boats sell between $764 and $2,024. The discount on these prices may be up to 20%. These boats vary from 8-foot to 14-foot long. Some boats are with motors, while others come without motors.
There is a wide selection of used inflatable boats in various classified advertisement websites on the Internet. It is fairly easy to place a boat for sale on these websites if the user has a photograph and details of the Used Inflatable Boat.
When selling used inflatable boats, the seller usually advertises the make and model. For example, a seller gives make and model data such as Sea Eagle 8H, Hurricane 24 ft. Aluminum RIB, Avon CRRC 450 etc.
How to Repair an Inflatable Boat
March 5, 2008
The owner can attempt small inflatable boat repair if factory-gluing instructions are followed closely. Rips and holes larger than one inch in the air chambers, or those within two inches of a seam, should be repaired with internal and external patches by a professional repair technician at a certified repair facility. A quick patch repair by the user may solve the problem for a short period of time, but it is recommended to have it redone by a professional.
It is also recommended that major inflatable boat repair, and the addition of large accessories such as oar locks, seating or towing rings, be done by a professional repair technician at a certified repair facility.
If the boat is still under warranty, and the user is experiencing a seam failure, or the wooden transom is separating from the molded transom flanges or tube set, or the fabric is turning yellow and sticky, it is recommended that the dealer be contacted immediately. Defective seams or sticky fabric may result in complete warranty coverage, and the user may receive a new boat free, or at a small-prorated fee.
Inflatable Boat Trailers
March 3, 2008
An inflatable boat trailer is needed if the user has a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), since those boats have only a deflatable collar surrounding a solid hull. RIB’s are regular boats in many ways. A true inflatable boat does not need a trailer but in some cases the user may want one.
Larger inflatable boats can take some time to inflate and be assembled completely. If the user has an inflatable boat with an outboard motor, they may prefer to get it ready at home before heading to the launching area. In that case, an inflatable boat trailer may be necessary.
The requirements for an inflatable boat trailer are the same as for a conventional boat except that the user will not need the load capacity necessary for a conventional boat because an Inflatable boat is much lighter.
If the user is looking at used trailers, they must be sure to inspect it carefully for any damage that may already exist, be sure it has functioning brakes in good condition, check the wiring for the lights and see if the tires have sufficient tread.
