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ABC’s
Standing for Airway, Breathing and Circulation, this should be the first thing you check for when providing first aid to someone in need. Crucial to surviving is staying calm and knowing what to do in a scary situation. This way you will have a great story to tell your grandkids.
Above
Upriver. Hopefully you knew that one already.
Agile bow
This is the member of the paddle crew designated to jump ship onto the shore and hold the boat. It might seem simple, but this person must always stow their paddle and grab the bowline before exiting the boat, or things could get ridiculous fast.
Back roller
A broad reversal (see Reversal) that is normally caused by a dam or ledge. Lookout!
Beam
The raft’s width at its widest point.
Below
Downriver.
Boof
This action happens to your boat when you slide over rocks and do not do a nosedive but instead land nearly level. This can be done when the boaters lean back just before the drop. Normally, it’s also done by emptying the bow and moving people to the rear.
Cartwheeling
A paddling technique of spinning or rotating the raft just before hitting a rock so to spin off the rock. As in, “Holy crap do some cartwheeling before we get stuck and die!”
Chute
A swift channel between obstructions. Beware, it’ll be faster and steeper.
Draw stroke
Paddling technique that moves the boat sideways by reaching the paddle far out and plunging the paddle deep into the water, then pulling the paddle toward the boat.
Downstream ferry
Rowing or paddling downstream with the angle and intent to travel faster than the current to break through an eddy line.
Eddy
Where the current stops and turns upstream. The water created below obstructions, banks and bends flows upward and causes the edginess in the water.
Farmer John
A wetsuit that wears like bib overalls, extending from the feet to the shoulders.
Flotilla
A group of boats together on a trip. You know, friends.
Gorp
Basically this is a name for Trail Mix. M&Ms, raisins, nuts or anything that’s high energy to munch on during the easy areas.
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Hair
Really fast and extremely turbulent water, the top layer covered in white foam. Dangerous, just like a rafter's middle name!
Haystack
A big standing wave that occurs due to the slowing current.
Head Chef
A guide that’s in charge of the grub; purchasing it and preparing it with the help of other guides.
Hoopi
I don’t know where this name came from but it supposedly describes a 5/8 inch diameter tubular nylon webbing that has many uses on a raft. Just say stuff like, “Yo, where’s the hoopi?” and I think people will be impressed.
Krusing “with a K”
This is what your guide calls yelling at you while interjecting some fun phrases in there to motivate you. It goes something like this, “Paddle! Paddle! Paddle! Gimme some of that extra stuff! Paddle! Hot Coffee!”
Lawn-chair position
The safest way to ride out a rapid if you get tossed over. Lean back, with your feet visible on the surface and your hands to your side. Ride out the rapid until you can pull yourself into the boat.
“Nice lookin’ rubber”
A high compliment made to a raft. And no, not the other thing.
Piggyback Rig
A rope and pulley system designed for rescues where you need almost quadruple the strength available. Also called a pig rig.
Pitch
A section of the surrounding rapids that is steeper than others.
Put-in
River access point.
Reversal
A dangerous area of the river where currents can swing upwards onto themselves and trap and drown swimmers.
Sleeper
A submerged rock.
Smoker
An extremely violent and unforgiving rapid.
The Strokes
Two bow paddlers who set the pace and rhythm for the rest of the boat. Also a decent band from New York City.
Wild Thing
When your boat is caught on a rock, this technique is used as everyone on the boat starts jumping around like crazy people in order to break it free.
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