Rafting Instructor’s Manual and Graphics

Dr. Robert B. Kauffman

Robert B. Kauffman, Ph.D.

[Keywords: Rafting, river rescue, oar rafting, trip leadership]

Introduction

Mechanical advantage is discussed briefly in Chapter 6 on Rescue Techniques. I would suggest reading Chapter 6 located on the Swiftwater Rescue page. It is a stellar discussion.

Rafting Manual: The Rafting Instructor’s Manual was developed by Dr. Kauffman who is responsible for its contents. People are welcome to use any and all the materials. They do so with the following stipulations listed in the disclaimer section.

Disclaimer

1. Users using the materials acknowledge that they are knowledgeable in rafting and know how to use the materials contained herein. These materials are provided to assist people already knowledgeable and trained in rafting.

2. The author has attempted to be accurate and has not purposely created false information. Again, users of these materials assume that they are knowledgeable and can determine for themselves any errors or incorrect information.

Cam Straps are a staple of the rafting industry. Check them out in Chapter 2.

3. In an effort to advance rafting instruction, these materials are offered free. Anyone who uses the materials, in part or in full, may do so. The only request is to provide Dr. Kauffman with the appropriate acknowledgement for the materials used. In other words, acknowledge but don’t plagiarize. Use, but don’t abuse. Recognize the source.

Rafting Instructor’s Manual

Chapter 3 covers river dynamics. The “Anatomy of an Eddy” is fundamental knowledge. Having reviewed other diagrams of eddies in numerous publications, most eddies are drawn as “mush”. All eddies have the three areas noted in the diagram and like people who are anatomically the same, eddies can have very different personalities. River Dynamics graphics are located on the Swiftwater Rescue page.

Because of size limitations and convenience, the manual is provided by chapters. This makes the materials easier to access also. The files can be opened and/or downloaded. (Note: The chapters on river dynamics has been updated and published as pamphlets. (see Pamphlets))

GRAPHICS

The graphics below are a sampling from the manual. They represent some of the more popular graphics. To open or view the graphic, right click on the graphic and click on “View Image”. This enlarges the image to full screen. To download, you can do it from “View Image” screen or right clicking on the small image and then click on “Save Image As…” Other graphics are available from the author and depending on the size of the request, they may require using a dropbox. If higher resolution graphics are needed, contact the author.

Chapter 2: Equipment and Repairs

Figure 2.6 – Parts of a Raft
Figure 2.7 – Anatomy of a Raft
Figure 2.8
Figure 2.9
Figure 2.10 – Tying Down Gear with Cam Straps
Figure 2.11
Figure 2.17
Figure 2.22
Figure 2.23

Chapter 3 – River Dynamics

The river dynamics graphics are the same as in the swiftwater rescue manual. Go to that site for the graphics that are available. Click here to go to the Swiftwater Rescue Manual page.

Chapter 4 – Strokes and Maneuvers

Figure 4.1
Figure 4.8
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.2
Figure 4.16
The neoprene seal at the neck, wrists and ankles create a water tight seal. Contrast the drysuit with a wetsuit in Chapter 5 on Rafting Safety.

Chapter 5 – Rafting Safety

Figure 5.9
Figure 5.10
Figure 5.11
Figure 5.12
High siding is a self-rescue skill that can prevent pinning the raft. Rescue techniques are discussed in Chapter 6. Also, high siding should be included as part of the pre-trip talk in Chapter 7.

Chapter 6 – Rescue Techniques

Figure 6.8
Figure 6.10
Figure 6.10
Figure 6.12
Figure 6.16
Figure 6.17

Chapter 7 – Trip Leadership

Having worked several legal cases, this is good advice. Many cases result because the guide wants an exciting trip while the participants want something less. Chapter 7 discusses the “roller coaster experience” in more depth.
Figure 7.6
Figure 7.7
Figure 7.8
Figure 7.9
Figure 7.10
Figure 7.11
Figure 7.12
Figure 7.4
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