whitewater rafting – Lazy Days

The Birth of River Floats

After World War II ended, outdoor enthusiasts obtained surplus rubber rafts from the army. The Elk River in Missouri is a popular hotspot for river float trips today.

Lazy Days Resort and Campground is a popular destination in today’s modern world of river float trips. It offers rivergoers a chance to relax and enjoy the serene river currents.

The Evolution of River Rafts

As river floats gained momentum, the demand for sturdier and more versatile rafts grew. That led to the development of specialized river rafts designed to navigate through various water conditions.

These rafts are typically made of durable, high-quality synthetic rubber and equipped with features, like handles and ropes for easy portage. The introduction of inflatable rafts revolutionized the experience, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

The Rise of Whitewater Rafting

As river floats became popular, some adventurous souls sought a more adrenaline-fueled experience. This desire led to the emergence of whitewater rafting, where enthusiasts tackled the thrilling river rapids.

With its challenging rapids, the Salmon River Canyon in Idaho became a mecca for whitewater rafting in 1940s America. By the 1960s, commercial whitewater rafting was a full-scale recreational outdoor activity offered to the masses.

Iconic Destinations for River Adventures

America is blessed with abundant breathtaking rivers, streams, and creeks, offering endless river floats and whitewater rafting opportunities. From the Snake River in Wyoming to Hells Canyon in Oregon, there are destinations to suit every adventurer and thrill-seeker skill level.

Whether you seek the calm, gentle flowing currents found on the Elk River in Missouri or the wild river rides of the Colorado River, whitewater rafting is no longer a sport just for athletes. It’s an adventure waiting for you to embark on.

Whitewater Rafting Trips to River Float Trips

Whitewater rafting trips provide an adrenaline rush like no other. With experienced guides and state-of-the-art equipment, participants navigate the raging river currents, experiencing the power and beauty of nature up close. Whether a half-day excursion or a multi-day expedition, whitewater rafting offers unforgettable memories.

On the flip side are river float trips, which offer a serene, low-key float drifting along easy-flowing river currents with little paddling required. Unlike adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting, river float trips use the same inflatable river raft used to run rapids in whitewater rafting to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, providing a truly relaxing experience.

Where to Start Your River Float Trip?

The history of river floats and whitewater rafting in America is a testament to human ingenuity and the desire for adventure. From humble beginnings with surplus army rafts, river floats evolved into the thrilling world of whitewater rafting.

Today, countless rivers and streams across America beckon paddlers and thrill-seekers to experience the rush of conquering the rapids. So, grab a paddle, embrace the river’s flow, and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the rich history of river floats and whitewater rafting in America.

Remember, as outdoor enthusiasts, it’s our responsibility to protect these natural wonders. Always follow the ‘leave no trace‘ principle and respect the local wildlife and ecosystems.

Two of North America’s most popular outdoor activities during the summer months are float trips and whitewater rafting. But there are some distinct differences between each.

Float trips involve a leisurely journey down a river in an inflatable boat, while whitewater rafting is a more intense adventure on rapids and fast-moving water.

Float Trips—Enjoy the Calm Relaxation of Slow Moving Water

A unique way to relax and enjoy nature is a river float. Imagine the peacefulness of floating down a river, taking in the sights and sounds of nature around you. A river float can be an incredibly calming experience, allowing you to take some time away from the flurry of activity that comes from everyday life. It’s also an opportunity to reconnect with friends or family while enjoying the calm cooling waters to beat the summer heat.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting adventure, river floats have something for everyone. There are many benefits to going on a river float, such as cooling off, spending time with friends, and sipping on a refreshing cocktail. With the proper preparation, you can ensure that your river float is full of good times.

Whitewater Rafting—Navigating Rough Waters With an Experienced Guide

Whitewater rafting is a thrill seeker’s paradise, all while getting a full-body workout. From navigating rapids with an experienced guide, you can safely and enjoy a thrill-seeking adventure down a rapidly moving river.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The river most frequently mentioned in Lazy Days blogs is Elk River, a gently flowing river with few obstacles, and swimming in the river is easy. The other river is the Big Sugar Creek, which has ripples and tiny waves with few obstructions and is shallow in spots, and the risk to swimmers is minimal, making self-rescue easy. Most rivers in Missouri are too slow to even rank on American Whitewater’s benchmark for whitewater rapids.

How the Non-Profit, American Whitewater, Classifies Rivers

The International Scale of Whitewater Difficulty, created in the 1950s by American Whitewater. It is NOT exact, and NOT all rivers can fit into each category. The scale is simply a guide.

Class I Rapids are fast-moving currents with small waves and ripples. Obstacles are easily missed by rafters with little training, knowledge, and experience. The risk is slight to swimmers, and self-rescue is easy. Most rivers in Missouri fall within this category or do not rank at all.

Class II Rapids is for novice beginners–a straightforward approach without the need to scout out the river path beforehand. Waves are mid-sized, and obstacles are occasional but easily avoidable with training or a river guide–very few rivers in Missouri rank as Class II.

Class III Rapids is for intermediate paddlers. Most Class III rapids occur in Class II rivers in Missouri and are quick maneuverable obstacles with low risk. River obstacles are more frequent and may be challenging to avoid, because of the fast-moving currents. Scouting the river ahead of time is advisable but optional. The class III rapids often come with a few strong eddies.

Class IV Rapids is for advanced paddlers. These rivers are not considered float trips. There is a great deal of hard paddling, and you must listen to the instruction of your river guide to navigate chutes, big waves, long rapids, and eddy turns. Self-rescue can be difficult, so the risk is low to moderate.

Class V Rapids are for expert paddlers. Rivers in this class often contain large drops and unavoidable waves, holes, and congested chutes that require complex maneuvers. Rapids often continue for long distances, so paddlers should have a high fitness level. Swimming is hazardous and often tricky. But luckily, there are NO rivers in Missouri that contain class V rapids.

Book A Float Down Elk River or the Big Sugar Creek

If you’re ready for a relaxing river float, book your first float down the Elk River and your second float for the next day on Big Sugar Creek at the premier rental location for rafts, kayaks, and canoes at Lazy Days Campground in Noel, MO.

Lazy Days Resort is easy to get to from Interstate 49. They are located a short one-minute drive southwest of I-49; take exit 5 at mile marker 6.

Read what our recent guests had to say about their stay at Lazy Days!

Tag: whitewater rafting

From Rubber Rafts to Thrilling Rapids: The Deep History of River Floats and Whitewater Rafting in America