Rafts

Human-made rafts

Rafts used for recreational rafting are almost exclusively inflatable rafts, manufactured of flexible materials such as PVC, hypalon, polyurethane, and nylon. These materials are resistant to the collisions and heavy wear the boats experience when traveling through whitewater. Whitewater rafts are also designed with high rocker, a raised bow and stern, which allows them to pass over waves and obstacles more easily. Most have drain holes in the floor to prevent the boat from becoming swamped with water.