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There they are, a strange fleet of boats in
rainbow colors waiting on the gravel bar. Some of the strange
beasts have just one set of long wooden oars. Some have canoe
paddles set nearby and helmets waiting. Some look hardly big
enough for more than one person. The guide yells, "All aboard!"
Now what? Click on the boat names (left) for a short primer on
the most common types of crafts used on commercial rafting trips
in the United States and what you can expect from each.
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Types of Boats
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Oar Boats
One of the most common crafts you'll see on commercial rafting
trips is the oar boat. Usually 16 to 18 feet long, this inflatable
raft is generally made of Hypalon or urethane (durable high-tech
materials have replaced the old "rubber" raft). Powered by a guide
using a set of long oars, it's the workhorse of the fleet, carrying
both people and gear. The guide sits in the middle and rows while
passengers ride comfortably in the front (bow) and back (stern) on
padded cushions or the boat's inflated tubes. You can keep a small
bag or ammo box handy with your binoculars, sunscreen, snacks, and
field guides.
The driest seat is where the boatman sits. Sorry, that seat's taken. But
normally a seat in the middle of the stern (back) compartment will be the next
driest. The stern is the bumpiest place to ride, like sitting in the back of a
bus. The bow (front) seats give you the best view, although you have a better
chance of being splashed.
The guide does all the work, so oar boats are a good choice for first-time
river runners. They're also a good way to go if you just want to sit and watch
the scenery, look for wildlife, take pictures, fish, or simply relax. Close your
eyes, let the river current and the oars push and pull you along, and enjoy.
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 Paddle
Rafts
On rivers with strong currents and a lot of white-water action, paddle rafts
are often the craft of choice. Paddle rafts are usually just smaller oar boats
with the rowing frame removed. The boat is powered by a group of paddlers
sitting on the side tubes and using canoe paddles. The guide, who sits in the
stern shouting such commands as "Forward," "Backward," "Right turn," "Left
turn," and "Rest," steers the boat by using a paddle as a rudder. A
well-coordinated crew can make a raft dance across the water, but it takes
practice, cooperation, and work.
The real excitement of a paddle raft comes in the rapids. Leaning into the
paddle puts you close to the water, and the waves make for a wet, exciting ride.
A wet suit on a cold river will help against the splashes. A helmet will protect
you from your companions' flailing paddles or if you lean a bit too far
overboard and take a swim in a rocky river.
Because a paddle raft doesn't carry cargo, you won't have easy access to your
gear during the day, which may mean no picture taking, fishing, or snacking.
You'll be expected to paddle, even on calm water, so a paddle raft is more
strenuous than an oar boat. You'll get wet. But if you like wet, wild fun, a
paddle raft is a great choice.
 Duckies
Ready to captain your own craft? Many outfitters bring along
inflatable kayaks for the adventurous and energetic to use. Known as
orange torpedoes or duckies (short for rubber duck), they're quite
stable and self-bailing, so you don't have to worry about them
filling up with water. They do, however, require some skill and
strenuous paddling. You use a double-bladed kayak paddle, wear a
helmet and often a wet suit, and do all the paddling and steering
yourself. Since duckies are small, you might be in for a wild ride.
If you?re with a large group, paddling a ducky will give you a
little quiet time on the river, some solitude. And for the
experienced, duckies are a great way to take on the river yourself.
 Dories
Very difficult, extended rapids. Scouting is necessary
They float as easily as a bubble on the water. They're dories -
flat-bottomed, splay-sided rowboats with upturned ends. Like an oar boat, a dory
is rowed by a single boatman using a set of oars in the middle of the boat.
Crafted from wood, fiberglass, or aluminum, dories hold up to four passengers
and a guide. Some dories have backrests and cushioned seats and provide a
luxurious ride. Originally used for fishing, they're great for those who want to
cast as they drift. While rafts can be boisterous and wild, dories are a touch
of class on the water.
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