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

Rafting or whitewater rafting is a recreational activity utilizing a raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid 1970"s.

In 1980s, as rafting continued to gain its popularity, a lot of rivers were opened for rafting activities. It became extremely popular as a leisure sport and adventurous traveling in 1990s in our Russian Caucasus, where there are lots of mountain rivers. Certainly the routs for untrained passengers are quite easy and safe. And Rafting with experienced guides are the safest way to avoid all the dangers. However, even in safe areas, moving water can always present risks - such as when a swimmer attempts to stand up on a rocky riverbed in strong current, risking foot entrapment. Irresponsible behavior along the lines of rafting while intoxicated has also contributed to many accidents.

In Russia, rafts are different from the European style. Rafts are usually propelled with ordinary paddles and typically hold 4 to 12 persons. In Russia, rafts are often hand made and are often a catamaran style with two inflatable tubes attached to a frame. Pairs of paddlers navigate these rafts. Catamaran style rafts have become popular in the western United States as well, but are typically rowed instead of paddled.

Nowadays, river rafting is still continuously gaining its popularity among extreme water sports in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. Though whitewater rafting can be a dangerous sport without a special equipment and experienced guide. Rafting is not akin to an amusement park ride. But strictly following the instructions of the guide thousands of people safely enjoy raft trips every year. And the emotions and drive of rafting are undescribable!