Welcome to Whitewater 101

WHITEWATER 101
Make sure you're river-savvy on the day of your trip by getting a rapid lowdown on whitewater rafting right here. Remember, none of our trips require any previous experience.

What is Whitewater? When water converges and diverges it causes waves, holes and eddies to form, which we call whitewater rapids. Whitewater rafting is the sport which allows enjoyment of these rapids by riding an inflatable craft down them at high speed. With an expert river guide seated in the rear, it is possible for anyone to whitewater raft without any experience.
The first commercial whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River began in the early 1980s. Alpine Rafting was one of the pioneers of rafting on the Kicking Horse, launching their first commercial trip in 1984.

The Kicking Horse River is an ideal site for rafting as it is suitable for all ages and abilities. Depending on the route you choose, you can take on any grade between Class 1 to Class 4+ !

Check out the whitewater ratings chart below to learn more.
Class 1 – Moving water
Class 2 - Small waves
Class 3 - Easy manoeuvering rapids, waves
Class 4 - Intense rapids, technical maneuvering
Class 5 – Long, powerful rapids with serious consequences.

The Kicking Horse River is divided into 3 Sections: The Upper, Middle & Lower Canyons.
Upper Canyon - Class I and Class 2+
Rapids Middle Canyon - Continuous Class 3 and a 1 km Class 4 Section
Lower Canyon - 4 Kilometres of continuous Class 4+ followed by float into Golden

Featured Rapids:
PORTAGE/SHOTGUN (4)
Location: Middle Canyon
This 800 metre section is a classic example of a glacier fed Class 4 Run ! Prior to tackling this rapid you'll have the opportunity to scout it with your guide and fellow rafters.
The beginning of the rapid is a glassy chute with a rapid called "Terminator" to the left. This smooth lead-up gives no hint as to the carnage to come: a Class 4 boulder field with overhead waves. Just when you think the fun is about to climax, the river bends and stares into Shotgun - the crux maneuver of the Portage & Shotgun rapids. Shotgun is an underwater rock ledge which forms a fantastic pourover, giving you the sensation of dropping and getting soaked all in one!
Trips that run the Middle Canyon: Kicking Horse River Challenge, Ultimate Whitewater, Kicking Horse Classic, and Afternoon Whitewater

ROLLER COASTER (3+)
Location: Middle Canyon
This 0.5 kilometre rapid is a friendly section of river that everyone will love. There are nine waves in a row ranging from 7 to 10 feet high awaiting unsuspecting rafters. This section really gets the crew rollicking as it feels as though you're riding a whitewater roller coaster!

WAVE TRAIN (4)
Location: Lower Canyon
Leaving middle canyon, Wave Train is the first rapid in the Lower Canyon designed to give intrepid rafters a real taste of what's to come. The waves are similar to the rapids of Roller Coaster in the Middle Canyon, only steeper, bigger and much faster! At their biggest, the waves can reach over 15 feet high... imagine the height of a two story building lumbering over you to get an idea.


After hitching the Wave Train above, seasoned rafters are now ready to take on the tricky challenge of Double Trouble. The rapid consists of two monstrous waves at midpoint on the Lower Canyon section. When the raft is at the base of the waves it's impossible to see what's ahead beyond the frothing wave in front of you... sounds scary but the sheer thrill of it make it a must do for all rafters!
Kicking Horse River Trips that run the Middle Canyon: Kicking Horse River Challenge, Ultimate Whitewater

New way to navigate whitewater on the Kicking horse River

Alpine Rafting, a white water rafting adventure company based on the Kicking Horse River, in Golden BC has launched an awesome new way to get down the river this summer - in a Cataraft.

A cataraft is essentially two giant infatable tubes held together with a mesh floor and metal frame. The open floor means the waves can smash it's occupants from down below as well as above. I had a blast Catarafting!

read more digg story

Making sense of rapid ratings

Like with any sport, newbies can often be daunted by the peculiar lingo involved. To help you out, here is a quick guide to whitewater rafting ratings.

Whitewater is rated on a scale - here in Canada, it is rated from Class 1 to Class 5. However, depending in what country you are in, or even who you are talking to, ratings can vary wildly. For example, on the Colorado River, we see rapids rated on a scale of 1 to 10.

Like in most of Canada, on the Kicking Horse River in Golden BC, the Class 1 to Class 5 system is used. Here are what those rapids mean:

• Class 1: Gentle, moving water. These are very small waves requiring only gentle maneuvering. Kicking Horse River example: Family Whitewater

• Class 2: Regular waves, very visible, possibly reachung three to four feet in height. Simple maneuvering may be required to avoid rocks, river bends or other obstacles. Kicking Horse River Example: Family Whitewater, Afternoon Whitewater, Kicking Horse Classic

• Class 3: Large, continuous sets of waves, some in excess of 6 feet. "Holes" or "hydraulics" may be present and and can be either run through or avoided. Small drops, ledges or waterfalls may also be present. Scouting Class 3 rapids is suggested for all but the most experienced of river persons. Kicking Horse River example: Kicking Horse Classic, Afternoon Whitewater, Kicking Horse River Challenge, Ultimate Whitewater

• Class 4: Erratic waves or holes without pattern. Large obstructions need to be avoided in what are referred to as "must moves". There is a risk of injury if swimming without benefit of a raft! Very difficult and scouting is certainly necessary. Kicking Horse River example: Ultimate Whitewater, Kicking Horse River Challenge

• Class 5: Leaving fun territory and rafting far up into the scary scale! Very challenging for even the most experienced of river persons. High risk of capsizing or injury. Navigation and scouting is essential. Kicking Horse River example: no Class 5 run on the Kicking Horse River, or in British Columbia.

Important Questions to ask a River Outfitter

Before you begin your search for the right Whitewater Rafting company for your adventure, there are some important questions to ask:

1. What is the minimum age of their guides? Obviously, a guide's age is a strong indicator of his or her experience level. Look for companies with guides that are at minimum in their late twenties/early thirties. Although there are always exceptional young guides, a relatively mature age ensures adequate life experience and river skills.
2. What condition is their river gear in? This is a simple but reliable key as to the company's attitude. Look for a crew that replaces the river gear you will be wearing all day on an annual basis. Tears, holes, and faded equipment are not acceptable.You want to make sue you remain comfortable and safe for the whole day.
   
3. How long has the company been in business? Seems obvious but the longer an outfitter has been in business, the more honed the river expertise will be and the more capable they will be.
4. How many rivers do they run? When companies attempt to run multiple rivers, often their guides are not adequately trained for the vagaries of each separate one. Look for companies running one or a couple rivers. That way, you know the guides are experienced on that stretch of water - experience is essential to any good guide.

Learn more by visiting Alpine Rafting Alpine Advantage Page