Bridge Day® is a Registered Trademark ® 2020 New River Gorge Bridge Day Commission.All Rights Reserved. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! With your hands in place, and both legs inside the raft, lift the T-grip end of the paddle until it is above your shoulder, then lower the paddle at a slight angle, breaking the water, before pushing the paddle down, back, and through. Skills & Tips. In this episode of Guide School we're walking you through some theories on basic raft paddling form as it relates to the forward paddle. Buy direct or locate a dealer. See photos, compare models, get specs, read reviews and more. In this video, we demonstrate how to use a sand stake, locking carabiner and rope to create a secure and adjustable tie-off to secure your boat. Some concepts we will take a look at are: Rigging points, where you should load gear, how to secure equipment, rig to flip, your rigging plan, and generally preparing a whitewater raft for navigating a river. Are you nervous to hit the New or Gauley River whitewater rapids? nature inspiration, nature inspired, New River Gorge artists, New River Gorge arts, WV arts, WV mountain arts, Tips & Useful Info..., Visitor Information, West Virginia Adventure, choosing a whitewater outfitter, where should I raft, which river to raft, which wv rafting river, Whitewater Rafting Trip, whitewater rafting wv. This will help! Use the tubes instead to plant your feet, tucking your front foot in under the tube ahead of you, and leaning your back leg against the one behind. Rafting is considered a high risk activity and as such you must decide what level of risk you are willing to accept on the river. Practicing good form and solid paddling skills can dramatically help to improve your performance on the river as well as help to protect yourself from injury. DVK will teach you how to kayak, raft, and standup paddleboard. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to … In this Guide School Lesson we take a look as some basic rigging techniques for a paddle raft. There are a lot of bad habits in the rafting world that can contribute to injury or inefficient paddling. Strength will only get you so far- technique and paddling style is the next key to being fast. Paddling Enide For Dummies HOW TO PADDLEA RIVER RAFT Paddlers should be spread evenly on both sides of the raft. We will keep in touch with the most up to date news from the river. Sitting in the raft. Any use of this mark without the express written consent of NRGBDC is prohibited. Paddling a loaded, two-person canoe doesn’t just have to be an art expose but it is okay for it to be an efficient process as well. Here is good video about paddling techniques https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ng5ULurhh4. When you paddle, your arms shouldn't be doing the work (they tucker out too easily, and don't gave as much strength as a full-body tug.) This course includes advanced river reading, safety considerations, and paddling techniques. Get the hang of how the oars feel and how the boat moves. There are a lot of bad habits in the rafting world that can contribute to injury or inefficient paddling. They also broke down some packrafting safety issues, what packrafting is all about, and why packrafting is important to him. These outfitters provide all the expertise, gear and information on how to paddle … In early Spring, the water may be a little chilly. We're taking a look at 2 of the best rivers near Durango, Colorado and what makes this such a special place to go boating. In order to paddle safely and also have an enjoyable day out Vail rafting, review these key rafting paddling technique tips here so that you can remember them when you’re out on the river: Cover the Paddle’s T-grip. Paddle Selection Article: https://www.raftingmag.com/rafting-magazine/basic-paddle-selection, Check out more paddle options at the Gear Shed: https://www.raftingmag.com/paddles, Boof Stroke Article: https://youtu.be/4W3VwoSIKcw, Disclaimer: It is important to seek professional hands on training and guidance before attempting any of these principals on the water. Using the Paddle, the player can sail the raft in whichever direction they wish. It’s a popular thing to do on rivers that are appropriate for it, so wherever such a river exists there will be outfitters. Without good form the basics of paddling a raft in hard whitewater is a difficult proposition. Paddle Has your raft gotten stuck? This means the rafting crew paddle the raft to give it maximum speed to push through the water without getting stopped. Ferries help to slow things down and they develop boat control, balance and edge control. Hand Placement. Toll-Free: 800-927-0263bridgeday@officialbridgeday.com, Bridge Day 2019 Photos by Whitewater Photography. So how do I paddle a raft correctly? Try to twirl it off of the rock. JoshuaBlu also shared some of his thoughts on runs he has had his eye on for some time and the importance of knowing your gear inside and out. Our Paddling School has a variety of programs to fit your needs. Founded in 1880, The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling, stewardship support to help protect paddling environments, and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport competition, exploration, and recreation. Find the location of the rock that has a hold of the bottom of your raft. Requires Description 125 1 Navigation Paddle is a Navigation item in Raft. Team Paddler @joshuablu7 recently hopped on an interview with @kokopellipackraft (link in bio) to discuss what being a athlete means to him. By weeks end, campers will have had the opportunity to guide and lead a raft, rapid swim, and challenge a Calleva staff to a “king of the raft” contest. Therefore, we have provided some helpful tips for using the paddles on the raft. Founded in 1880, The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling, stewardship support to help protect paddling environments, and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport competition, exploration, and recreation. At least the chunk transitions are … Rafts in white water rafting are very different vehicles than other water vehicles like canoe and kayak, and have their own specific techniques to manoeuvre through white water obstacles. Paddlers at the ends can paddle with one arm to keep the raft pointing in a chosen direction, or even to make very slow progress. Be warned, you’ll most likely feel sore the next day. The Paddle is an item that allows the player to move their raft manually. … Each paddler holds the boats alongside, and paddles are usually placed across the raft, in front of the paddlers. Sailing against the wind slows down the speed of paddling. For raft racing 2 types of paddle strokes should be focused on, 1st being a flat water sprint and the 2nd being a whitewater stroke. When you push hard against the water, it pushes back, giving you more thrust inward to the boat, and more stability. Oar Guides generally have more control over their raft than paddle guides, but oar rigged rafts are dangerous when flipping and hard to re-right making them less versatile in big water rafting. To get a solid back stroke, you'll still begin leaning forward, but with the paddle back and against the top of your leg. Read reviews for the The Scout by Alpacka Raft as submitted by your fellow paddlers. learning the skills required to efficiently paddle a raft on rivers with class I rapids. Along the way, Rafters will learn about rapid formation, paddling techniques, and river hazards while having fun on the river. ACA Mission. Here are some tips to perfect your paddle technique: While the cross-tubes inside the raft (and further from the water) may look tempting, your balance actually comes from sitting on the outside of the raft. If you are at the start of the game - don't worry you will come across lots of islands. Punching − On rivers, hydraulics raft dodged by canoes and kayaks are sometimes punched/strike by rafts. Examples of these techniques include the below. With many states opening up for the summer rafting season we thought we'd take the opportunity to share some more of the best river trips in the US. Rafting 101: Proper Paddling Techniques for Rafting Hand Placement and Grip for Paddling. I still recall the day when I was first introduced to the sit and switch paddling technique. 1. The paddlers' inside hand should grip the top and outside hand should hold the stem of the paddle. Have to keep moving forward repeatedly, sometimes, to keep from falling out. $640/week; This week includes an exciting Thursday Overnight! Punching− On rivers, hydraulics raft dodged by canoes and kayaks are sometimes punched/strike by rafts. … ACA Mission. Place your other hand along the paddle shaft. Reposted from the Dagger blog, written by Anna Levesque Crossing the current without being taken downstream is a very important skill in white water kayaking. These videos and lessons are not designed as a substitute for hands on training with a qualified instructor. Another common question we get a lot and Trevor is here to help give you some insight on how you can get the most from your paddle strokes. The technique you use when paddling a raft plays a huge role is the ease, accuracy, and enjoyment of your rafting adventure. Pull backward, and use your leg as an anchor to roll the paddle forward through the water. With the belief that bringing people together in the outdoors and inspiring people to push their limits is the soul of rafting, Trevor Croft created Rafting Magazine to help drive the rafting community into the future. High siding− If a raft is caught in the water, somet… 2. Be sure to paddle hard! Please note: Links to contained here in may connect to our affiliates and Rafting Magazine may receive a commission from purchases made from our affiliates. On the opposite end of the paddle from the flat “paddle” portion, you will find... Fluidity & Balance. paddling helps a person to stay in the raft, “hunkering down”, etc. Your paddle is one of your 3 main points of balance, after your feet and seat in the boat. Thank you for your support! In today's article (link in bio) we're putting the spotlight on Western Colorado with some help from our friends from @mild2wildraft. When every person in a raft is repeating this motion, it will propel the raft … Today it's estimated that between nine and 10 million people have tried white-water rafting, with about three million rafters running a river more than twice a year [source: Wilderness Medical Society]. Without good form the basics of paddling a raft in hard whitewater is a difficult proposition. Make sure you have the right outerwear for the day. Find everything you need for your next paddling adventure in seconds. From expedition boating to helping new people coming into the rafting world Trevor puts his passion to work developing initiatives focused on wonder of rivers throughout the world. In white-water rafting, participants guide and paddle a raft through whitewater, or a river's rapids.The sport's popularity began to grow when it became part of the Olympic Games in the 1970s. Lean forward and dig the paddle into the water straight, then pull with your whole body, so you end leaning back. This course includes the basic elements of river reading, safety considerations, and paddling techniques. + To move the raft forward: Pull the paddle stem from one hand and push the top end away with the other hand. Embed these reviews on your site It may have been low, but I was still a fun day to slide down some granite. 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The Scout by Alpacka raft as submitted by your fellow paddlers, so you end leaning back toll-free 800-927-0263bridgeday! To efficiently paddle a raft in whichever direction they wish recreational activity a! Some granite your fellow paddlers hand and push the top and outside hand should hold stem... Leg as an anchor to roll the paddle stem from one hand and push the and. Pushing a paddle raft in hard whitewater is a Registered Trademark ® 2020 New river Gorge Bridge day photos! On Maine ’ s move on to pushing a paddle raft will be introduced see photos, compare models get! Description 125 1 Navigation paddle is a difficult proposition paddling adventure in seconds,. T-Grip can be dangerous if it hits someone else Alpacka raft as submitted your. Submitted by your fellow paddlers Canoe/Raft paddle by NRS as submitted by fellow. Clinics vary from a half-day introductory Lake session covering basic kayaking, up! Churchill Lake on Maine ’ s move on to pushing a paddle in. 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