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"Rivers are cultural arteries," says Eugene Buchanan, former Alaskan river guide and editor-in-chief of Paddler magazine. "Look all over the world and you'll see that civilization has grown around rivers, and rafting is one of the best ways to really see that culture." But that's only half the story. Rafting is also an incomparable stimulator of adrenaline. Some rafters flock to big-volume class IV-V rivers like Zimbabwe's Zambezi or ,Nepal's Karnali to experience huge, freight-train rapids. Others prefer the challenge of tight, technical drop- pool rivers like the Chattooga River in Georgia, USA. You don't have to be a river rat to enjoy whitewater rafting, though believe it or not, it's actually a begin- ner-friendly sport. Since rafters are usually escorted downriver by guides, previous experi- ence isn't required on most rivers. Head out on an ultrapopular class III-IV river like the Ocoee in Tennessee (site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events) and you're in for a high-quality whitewater experi- ence, but without a wilderness element. With more than 20 outfitters servicing the Ocoee, a summer day often sees hundreds of rafts snaking down the river like an endless train. Put on in Nepalese whitewater and you're unlikely to see another group of rafters for days. Rivers around the world run the gamut from raging rapids to mellow sightsee- ing-style waterways. The river you choose to paddle depends on the culture and landscape you want to explore as well as the level of challenge you seek. No matter where you paddle, rafting before each trip, outfitters tutor you on paddling technique, safety issues, and how best to avoid accidents. The quality of a trip is also dependent on the quality of the guide. An experienced trip leader will make sure you get the most out of the rapids you run. On many rivers, guides are locals who can fill you in on the history of the area or point out wildlife and flora along the way. As for the logistics, on fully outfitted trips, all are taken care of: food, gear, camping, transportation to and from the river-you name it, it's not your job. On the river, you are required to paddle but on land it's time to relax. On most extended river trips, demands teamwork. Most rafts-which are either paddle rafts or oar rigs-hold 6 to 12 passengers, plus a guide to steer the boat. On paddle rafts, each passenger is armed with a paddle and is responsible for helping to pro- pel the boat. On an oar rig, which has an inter- nal frame that supports two large oars, the guide rows near the back of the boat-passengers need only to hold on or shift their weight from side to side as directed. Either way, rafters should be prepared to get wet, and an unscheduled swim is always a dis- tinct possibility. For most people, paddle rafts are the more exciting option, since each participant is integral to the success of the trip. Without the power of everyone's strokes, the guide is unable to drive the boat in the right direction. "A big part of being a good crew member is knowing how to be responsible for yourself if the boat flips or you get launched into the river," says Clint Schneider, avid paddler and spokesperson for the out- fitter Expediciones Chile. "When the guide needs you to do something, it's important you know how to do it." So pay close attention when, CLASS I: Easy. Fast-moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily avoided with little training. Risk is slight; self· rescue is easy. CLASS II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide. clear channels which are evident without scouting. Rocks and medium·sized waves are easily skirted. CLASS III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate. irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found. particularly on large·volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Self-rescue is usu· ally easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. CLASS IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river. it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or con- stricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast. reli- able eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers. scout rapids, or rest Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Water conditions may malle self-rescue difficult Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. CLASS V: Expert Extremely long. obstructed. or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large. unavoidable waves and holes or steep. congested chutes with complex. demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demand· ing a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small. turbulent. or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale. several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult CLASS VI: Extreme and Exploratory. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty. unpredictability. and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only. at favorable water levels. after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. 'Official rating system from the American Whitewater Association used to com· pare rivers throughout the world. This system is not exact; rivers do not always fit easily into one category. II is no substitute accurate firsthand descriptions. you'll camp and spend time under the stars. Guides usually double as chefs and serve all meals. And you may be sur- prised: these days, the food on rafting trips is more like three-star cuisine than military rations. The daily expedition schedule is pretty standard no matter what river you tackle. You rise in the morning to hot coffee and breakfast. And then it's on to the river. Expect to paddle five to six hours a day, with a riverside lunch break. Many rivers have fascinating side canyons that can be explored along the way. Then it's back on the water until late afternoon. Although rafting is relatively safe, tions anytime you put on a river you're taking a risk. The most common concerns are minor bumps and bruises, but worse things do happen. And depending on the location of the river, an injury can be a big deal when an evacuation is called for. "Extended whitewater expedi- aren't for couch potatoes," Buchanan says. "People take an active role in the expedition, so they need to get ready for long days." Preparation entails developing your upper body and core strength and improving your stamina so you can handle extended days on the river. Buchanan recommends spending time in the weight room as well as doing sit-ups and push-Ups. When picking a river destination, it's important to con- sider the weather conditions and water levels that are likely dur- ing your trip. Most outfitters offer trips only when sufficient water levels are expected. Although decent water is never guar- anteed, plan your trip during the main rafting season and you'll probably catch fine conditions. Whitewater flows through every continent on the globe except Antarctica. Whether you're looking for a jungle float trip or big-water wilderness, do some research and you'll find a river to take you there.-Mark Anders