River Rafting History
River rafting has a very long history, beginning, way back in the 1800's and of course even before then. By the 1800s many exploration trips used to rivers as part of their transportation. In fact, some exploration trips use the river exclusively and was a way of mapping the country. By 1842, the U.S. Army sent John Freeman on a long expedition on the Platte River.
From the beginning, the military as well as private investors would use the river water ways as transportation, exploration, and of course capitalization. The rivers were often used to transport goods from one part of the country to another. Of course, the river had its own personality and the rapids along the river were considered white water rafting.
By the 1960s, the rivers were no longer used for exploration but were recognized as a recreational activity. Whether it was a placid scenic river trip through the Grand Canyon, or an exhilarating white water rafting trip through some of the roughest rapids in the country, it was all because you wanted to try it, and not because you had to transport items or explore it.
By the time the 1970s rolled around, whitewater rafting had become an Olympic sport. And many rivers in other countries were being rated as to the difficulty and excitement level.
During the 90s, while still an Olympic event, the International Federation of Rafting was the governing body. And by the year 1999, the International River Rafting Championship had become an annual event.
Considered an extreme sport, river rafting is an extremely popular for many due to the fact that there are scenic trips that do not incorporate high adventure, and yet there are those areas on almost every river that can be engaged as high risk rapids. This means that river rafting is something almost everyone in the family can do, as long as you take your weakest member's physical abilities into consideration.
When it comes to finding a professional river guide, do your research and make sure that they are registered with the governing bodies. You want one that has a lot of experience on the river you're considering rafting, after all, rivers change very quickly and what is a peaceful trip can become a raging torrent before you know it.
There are many documentaries and historical notes concerning the exploration of the world's rivers. In fact, the rivers have long been a mode of transportation, and it wasn't until just recently that recreational river rafting came into being. Enjoy exploring some of the most inaccessible areas in the world today through scenic rafting trips or whitewater rafting trips. Just remember, your professional river guide is the one that knows the river and all of its personalities, choose wisely, and make sure you're fully prepared, whether it's for a scenic trip or a white water rapids trip.
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