Definitions of Rafting Terms
class n. rivers are rated on a difficulty scale from I - VI where VI is the limits of navigability and danger.
f·p·m n. (feet per mile) 1. these are the units for to measure the gradient of a river. 2. an average of how many feet a river drops each mile.
gnar·ly adj. 1. particularly difficult or scary. 2. a term to describe something that is really, really cool.
gra·di·ent n. this is a measure of how steep a river is. Rivers that have higher gradient tend to have bigger drops and/or have continuous rapids. Gradient is typically measured in feet per mile (fpm) and can measured as an average of the entire trip or mile by mile.
out·fit·ter n. this is an individual or corporation that is permitted to take money in exchange for a guided trip. They provide equipment, insurance, and qualified guides.
per·mits n. some rivers requite permits to raft or kayak. The purpose of the permit is to track use or limit the number of boaters on the river. The permits are issued by the managing agency and some are issued on a competitive basis.
put·in n. this is where the trip starts. It's the location you put your rafts or kayaks in.
riv·er guide n. 1. someone that loves rivers, being in charge, or avoiding the real world so much that they guide rivers as a job. 2. the person in the raft that appears to know what they're doing.
sea·son n. most rivers have a season when they are most likey to have enough water for rafting or kayaking. This is due to rainy seasons, snow melt, or releases from upstream dams.
take·out n. this is where the trip ends. It's the location you take your rafts or kayaks out.
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