Today's vinyl or rubberized rafts evolved from the flat log or plank crafts that once ferried people across rivers or transported animals and cargo downriver. Inflatable rafts are tough yet light enough to lift and carry, which makes them easy to transport from place to place. Rafting isn't only for the adventurous who seek the thrill of white, foamy river rapids; it can also mean a lazy ride on a serene lake or pond.
Oar Rafts
If you want a guide to do most of the work on a rafting trip, then an oar raft is the best choice. An oar raft has a large rowing frame situated at the stern or in the middle of the raft, and a seat for one person to manage all the rowing. When the going gets rough, other rafters may be encouraged to pick up a paddle and help the rower maneuver the raft through extreme whitewater.
Motorized Rafts
Motorized rafts are self-explanatory: they use outboard motors to propel the raft instead of physical labor required by oars or paddles. Perfect for older or inexperienced rafters, motorized rafts have the advantage of being able to putter not only downstream, but upstream as well. The website Riversearch says that Grand Canyon's Colorado River is a popular spot for motorized rafts.
Self-Bailing Rafts
One of the most ingenious modifications to rafting is the self-bailing feature of large, flat rafts designed to carry lots of gear and people on a river trip. As water cascades into the boat, it flows just as quickly out openings at the sides of the inflated floor that is separate from the rest of the craft and laced to the sides. Self-bailing boats, while hard to maneuver in tight spots, are rafting workhorses.
Paddle Rafts
Many whitewater rafters want to take an active role in shooting down the rapids. Paddle rafts offer the more audacious rafter an opportunity to do just that. Like galley slaves of old, passengers sit on inflatable seats called "thwarts" and follow the shouted commands of a guide, usually called a captain, who lets them know when and on which side of the boat to paddle. Rafting the West website says this rafting and paddling configuration gives customers a "full-immersion" experience. Most paddle rafts are also self-bailing rafts, so there's no need to gather plastic containers, buckets and helmets to bail rising water inside the raft.
Catarafts
Highly maneuverable catarafts---designed with two tapered tubes, or pontoons, and a metal frame connecting the two---are smaller rafts and provide, according to Professor Ron Watters at Idaho State University, a thrilling, wet ride that may not be for timid or elderly rafters, or children. These small, open rafts don't have much room for gear, but they are easily manipulated and can be paddled or rowed.
J-Rigs
Extremely large, flat inflatable rafts used by commercial companies to haul lots of passengers, food and camping gear are called J-Rigs. Two large, rudder-like oars at either end of the raft propel this craft through whitewater. J-Rigs travel fast and furious, and, with the momentum of a large raft filled with people and gear, often have to slam into the shore in order to stop.
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