history of white water rafting

Rafting is one of the earliest means of transportation, used as a means for shipping people, hunting, and transferring food.

In 1842, Lieutenant John Fremont of the U.S. Army first journalized his rafting expedition on the Platte River.

In these day’s rafts were constructed from four independent rubber cloth tubes and wrap-around floor.

In 1960s, white water rafting became more widely recognized and routes like The Grand Canyon were routed and whitewater rafting companies were established.

In 1970s, white water rafting marked its major development as a leisure sport when it was then included in the Munich Olympic Games.
In 1980s, as rafting continued to gain its popularity, a lot more rivers started be used by the pioneering independent companies throughout Scotland,  South America and Africa.

In 1990s, rafting was included in major game events like the Barcelona Games in 1992, Atlanta Games in 1996, and the white water events of the Summer Olympic Games hosted by Ocoee River in Tennessee Valley. In addition, the International Federation of Rafting was instituted in 1997 and in 1999 the first Official International Championship was held.

Nowadays, white water rafting is still gaining popularity, from complete beginners to adrenaline seeking white water enthusiasts.

More rafting information

For more information on white water rafting please read:

• White Water Rafts
• White Water Rafting Terminology
• Grades Of White Water

Scotland White Water Rafting Gift Vouchers Rafting Breaks In Scotland