White water rafting has become a favorite adventure recreation travel destination of many thrill seekers from all over the world. Of all the mountainous areas throughout the Appalachian range; West Virginia has become one of the most popular destinations for white water rafting adventures on the east coast. What is whitewater rafting, what are the origins of whitewater rafting and why whitewater river rafting in West Virginia?

About White Water Rafting and History

White water rafting is an exhilarating sport which became popular in the 1970's and became widely known as a form of adventurous recreation in the decades to follow. Canoeing became a popular recreation in the earlier years which was adopted from Native American Indians who used canoes and early types of kayaks extensively for transportation, fishing and other necessities of daily life. This form of transportation was not limited to North America, but has been utilized by natives all over the world throughout history. Although canoes, kayaks and rafts have been used in various practical ways for hundreds of years, it is likely that none would have imagined the adrenalized form of recreation that is popular today.

This form of extreme rafting is significantly different from canoeing or common river rafting, which involves gentle and relaxed excursions down peaceful streams or rivers. White water is a term derived from roaring rapids which have a characteristic white color from the air bubbles trapped under water which moves at a steady and consistent speed. Typically white water rapids are formed when the water from a river originates in a high elevation then quickly descends to a lower elevation. This causes the water to churn and agitate as it crashes into stony river beds and rock covered banks.

Where most seeking relaxation and the serene sights and sounds of a gentle flowing river when taking a canoe trip; white water rafting requires that an individual be prepared both mentally and physically for an extremely challenging physical adventure. Most who endeavor to embark on a white water journey will seek a professional guide who provides instruction before and during the trip down the river. Utilizing a professional guide and participating with a group in a white water trip does reduce the risk of danger. However, this does not eliminate the fact that white water rafting can be dangerous if one is not prepared for the raging waters.

Class of White Water Rapids

Several classes of rapids exist throughout many diverse rivers and locations. The most popular white waters are located in mountainous states and originate in higher elevations. It is advisable that beginners to this extreme form of recreation study and plan which grade or class of rapid they are willing to attempt prior to their first white water trip.

Consider the below list of white water classes and their characteristics

(especially when planning your first white water rafting trip)

Grade/Class - Experience Level - Characteristics

1 - [Skill: Beginner Basic] Smaller rough rapids, require some subtle maneuvers.

2 - [Skill: Basic Paddling] Rougher waters, could involve rocks, does require ability to move around obstacles.

3 - [Skill: Some Experience] small sized rolling waves and some white waters, slight dangers but not significant. More experienced maneuvers.

4 - [Skill: Experienced White water] Considerable Whitewater, possible rocks, medium size waves, higher drops, quick harder moves.

5 - [Skill: Advanced Experience] Fast White water, bigger waves, significant rocks, strong flowing, hazardous drops, precision maneuvers.

6 - [Skill: Extremely Lucky] Highly dangerous serious white water, massive powerful waves, considerable chance of death or injury.

White Water Rafting Vessels

Canoes

One of the least used types of flotation methods for white water is the canoe. Although used at times for lower class river waters, canoes are not designed for impact against sharp rocks and jagged edges. Wood crafted canoes can be very expensive and significant damage can be sustained against vessels of such craftsmanship. Fiberglass and plastic synthetic material canoes though more flexible and forgiving upon impact may still suffer breach in faster more powerful waters.

Kayaks

Fast and maneuverable kayaks are the boat of choice among professional rafters who have little to no fear of raging water. Designed for usually no more than one or two occupants, a kayak provides the ability to turn quickly and sharply in fast moving waters. This smaller vessels though quick and agile they provide little impact protection and are less forgiving when a mistake is made. Kayaks can withstand considerable impacts since the weight is much less than a canoe and they are made with synthetic material that is pliable and rigid.

Rafts

Inflatable rafts are certainly the most used vessel of choice for navigating dangerous white waters. The reason for this is likely the ability of inflatable rafts to absorb considerable impacts when fast moving waters force the boat into jagged rock lined river banks. Though these boats are much more difficult to maneuver, they can carry several occupants who routinely work together to guide the vessel through the raging waters. Inflatable rafts designed for whitewater are rugged and durable and can be quite expensive. Larger sized rafts are commonly used by whitewater river rafting guides who bravely host group tours down various class river rapids.

Whitewater River Rafting in West Virginia

Popular white water rafting destinations exist all over the world. Nearly a world away New Zealand is one location that is highly prized for beautiful mountain scenery, fast rushing waters and voluminous mountain rivers. The western United States offers many white water river excursions to thrill seeking tourists from Idaho to the Colorado river and the famous Grand Canyon. However, these destinations are often too far for many who live on the eastern coast of the US, and many will not consider white water rafting simply because of the necessity to travel so far for a white water vacation.

Hidden in the eastern Allegheny mountain state of West Virginia are some of the best whitewater rapids offered anywhere in the world. West Virginia is known for the frequent flooding and powerful raging waters that can cause devastation to little towns and villages along smaller streams and rivers. West Virginia is filled with many high elevation mountain tops and ridges which disperse water during the heavy volume rainfalls this region receives each year. The heaviest rainfalls occur in spring and late fall prior to the change to the winter season. Since all water must flow downhill, West Virginia has many locations where the high mountains naturally drop in a steep grade and subsequently the water flows rapidly to streams, creeks and rivers below. This creates many conducive environments for fast moving white water rapids, especially during the rainy seasons of the mountain state.

Two river of notable mention located in the heart of West Virginia are the New River and the Gauley River. Both of these rivers offer some of the most dynamic white water excursions found anywhere. While the New River can provide lower class beginner tours, the Gauley is for more advanced serious whitewater thrill seekers. The Gauley with names such as Heaven's gate and Pure Screaming Hell rapids certainly should give an idea of what to expect. The New River is a little more forgiving while offering class 2 through class 5 rapids and a much longer scenic path through the mountains of West Virginia. The New River also has a unique characteristic of flowing northward as is attributed to the elevation in which it begins and the lower altitude in which it ends.

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