What is the science of whitewater rafts?
Each spring, rivers and streams swell with runoff from mountain snowmelt, attracting thousands of rafting thrill seekers to their waters. Scientific advancements in recent years have changed the face of whitewater raft technology, increasing both safety and handling.HistoryRubber rafts were invented in the 1840’s to replace wooden boats, which were often reduced to splinters in larger rapids. A square rubber raft with fully attached floor was used commonly used until the 1960’s, when the development of increasingly refined plasticates and synthetic rubbers, reinvented the science of raft design.MaterialsDesigned to take the brutal punishment the jagged rocks and intense river hydraulics can dish out, synthetic coatings encase polyester or nylon base material which provides the preferred amount of strength or flexibility for the raft’s intended use. In addition, the material’s denier and thread count are tailored for the raft’s target climate and water conditions.ConstructionRubberized
