Is it Whitewater rafting or white water rafting!? Missoula’s Whitewater Rafting Terminology Guide
Read on to find out! In this blog we’ll share definitions to commonly-asked questions we get during rafting trips on the rivers near Missoula. Educating people on all things rafting is something that we are passionate about.
Whitewater Rafting vs White Water Rafting
Technically, the grammatically-correct version would be whitewater as one word, and it is more-commonly used in the rafting industry. However, white water is the more-commonly used term, though, when people do Google searches to find white water rafting trips near Missoula.
Whichever version gets you rafting on the Alberton Gorge is the right way to spell it!
Paddle vs Row vs Oar
This is a fun one & can instantly make you sound like a pro…
You paddle with a paddle and you row with an oar. You do not oar your boat or row your paddle. A raft paddle has a large flat blade on one end, with a shaft in the middle and a t-grip on the other side. A kayak paddle is a shaft with a large flat blade on both sides, and an oar is a longer, thicker shaft with a larger flat blade on one end and a cylindrical handle on the other.
It sounds like a riddle, doesn’t it!?
Keeper Hole
Not all holes (or technically, hydraulic jumps) are keeper holes. We define keeper holes generally by their shape; a hole is a recirculation of water back up river formed by a rock or other unmoving obstacle in the river. A hole can have many different shapes, but usually we see them in a curve or smiley face.
So what is a keeper hole!? When that curve is upside down or “frowny” when looking at it from up river, you know you have a true keeper hole. When you see the frown, beware! This can trap people or gear in a recirculating current.
White Water Rapid
A whitewater rapid is usually formed by one or more of the following occurrences:
#1: gradient- the steepness of the river changes. #2: rocks or obstacles in the river. #3: constriction, meaning the river gets narrower, resulting in more turbulence. Many times it is a combination of these factors that form into rapids, but any of them can create one on their own.
When you think about the rivers near Missoula where you can enjoy guided white water rafting trips, you’ll encounter a variety of whitewater rapid experiences! For example, the Lochsa River has the most-intense white water rapids near us that you can raft. The Alberton Gorge also has some intense white water rafting, until water levels drop in late June/early July. When water levels drop the Alberton Gorge rapids are fun and splashy.
River Hazards
There are many forms of hazards on the river. Rivers are water flowing downstream, so we tend to think of hazards as unmoving objects in the water that could keep a boat or person stuck in one place. Wood, manmade objects (fences, rebar, cars, rope, etc), and rocks are the most common types of hazards we encounter.
River Classifications–What do the different classes of rivers mean?
Class I Rapids: moving water
Class II Rapids: moving water with features such as waves or even holes, generally with minimal consequences and no need to scout.
Class III Rapids: larger features such as waves, holes and rocks may be present, but in general our consequences are relatively low and the rapids are reasonably straight forward.
Class IV Rapids: introduces hazards in our main path or line that require a boater to make specific moves to ensure safety. We tend to see higher consequences in a flip or swim and scouting is recommended.
Class V Rapids: mandatory scouting, and boaters will encounter multiple scenarios where they must make certain moves linked throughout the rapid. There will be no swim zones and significant chances of injury or even death in the event of a swim or flip.
This is for advanced boaters and you will encounter powerful, pushy water.
Class VI Rapids: considered to be at the limits of current navigation capabilities and technology, or un-runnable (which means we don’t raft them).
Class VI rapids do get run from time to time, but when they are, they’re usually reclassified somewhere between a Class 5.1 and 5.9. That might sound like a small jump, but the difference between a 5.1 and a 5.2 is just as significant as the leap from a Class 4 to a Class 5. In other words, each decimal point marks a big increase in difficulty.
To break this down further, we tend to think of class I-III as beginner rapid classifications. You can look up the term “shoot the v, cut the c” to learn more about general whitewater basics. Class IV rapids are intermediate skill level required and the introduction of major hazards. Class V rapids are for advanced whitewater boaters. They require highly-technical skills, evaluation, adequate reaction time and experienced decision making. Class VI is generally considered un-runnable and should only be attempted by a team of expert and professional whitewater boaters with careful planning, ideal flows, safety considerations and highly-advanced skill levels.
These classifications serve as a starting point, but many factors can complicate rating a river. You can have class II lines with class V consequences. And certain rivers, such as the Grand Canyon, may use different classification systems like 1-10. This may cause confusion if you’re familiar with the Class I-VI ranking we just described.
Bottom Line: All moving water should be considered potentially dangerous, respected and safety precautions should be taken.
Pin
A raft or kayak pinned in place to a rock or obstacle by the force of the water.
Flip
If you hear someone say “we flipped, they mean their boat flipped fully upside down.
Clean Line Principle of Rafting
The goal of the clean line principle is to minimize the potential for snagging your gear or clothing on something that could which could lead to an entrapment. You want to keep your gear and clothing as streamlined and uncluttered as possible.
You shouldn’t have any items that are loose enough or long enough to allow for a closed fist to enter it and potentially become entrapped.
Foot Entrapments On The River
A foot entrapment is when when your foot gets stuck on a feature on the bottom of the river, perhaps on a rock or other obstacle. This can be a serious issue that you want to avoid because the swift current can push you down river. It happens quicker than expected, so take a moment to review this section.
How To Avoid A Foot Entrapment: As a basic rule do not stand up or put your feet down when you are in moving water that is above your knee level. While swimming or floating in moving water keep your feet up and pointed downstream. We like to say float on your back, nose and toes upwards & pointed downstream.
PFD
PFD means personal floatation device. A properly-fitted PFD should be worn at ALL times in swift water. Did you know that there are different types of PFDs for different activities? You wouldn’t want to use a life jacket that you use at the lake on the river, for example.
Always wear your PFD, even as a professional. One great reason why is that many times we boat with people who have different skill levels. If we as experts do not wear our PFD, we are teaching others who look up to us or admire our skills that this behavior is ok. As an expert river runner you can set a good example for others and help make our sport safer- most fatalities occur when not wearing a PFD.
This is just a few of the whitewater terms that you may encounter while rafting. There are many more concepts to study when learning about whitewater rafting. Ready to learn more? Schedule a private river instruction session with Zoo Town Surfers. Our team will help you dial in your gear and increase your skills as a boater.
Embarking on a kayaking adventure can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether you’re learning the ropes for fun or aiming to improve your skills, these kayaking tips for beginners will help you understand the essentials—from gear and safety to the mental challenges of the sport.
Kayaking is a rewarding water sport that challenges you physically and mentally. As a beginner, you might feel overwhelmed by the learning curve, but with the right guidance and practice, you can quickly build confidence on the water.
In this article, we share practical advice and beginner-friendly tips that cover:
Essential gear and on-water safety
Fundamental paddling techniques
Overcoming the mental challenges of being new to kayaking
Why Kayaking Might Seem Daunting
For many beginners, kayaking feels intimidating. The initial fear of being a novice on the water can be overwhelming. Here are some common challenges:
Starting Over: It takes time to shake off the mindset that you’re a beginner. Every mistake is part of the learning process.
On-Water Challenges: Every rapid or unexpected situation might seem life-threatening, even though it’s all part of the kayaking experience.
Peer Pressure: Encounters with more experienced paddlers can sometimes make you question your abilities.
Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Embrace your journey and learn from every paddle stroke.
4 Essential Kayaking Tips for Beginners
1. Dial Your Roll
A strong rolling technique is critical for maintaining balance and quickly righting yourself when needed. Here’s how to improve:
Practice in a Controlled Environment: Start in a pool or calm eddy areas like the Jonsrud or Brennan’s.
Consistency Is Key: The more you practice rolling, the more instinctive it becomes. A solid roll is essential for your safety and efficiency on the water.
2. Dial Your Gear
Reliable gear makes all the difference. Focus on quality and proper fit for:
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Helmets and drysuits
Sprayskirts and paddles
Your kayak itself
Tip: Renting gear can be a cost-effective solution when you’re just starting out. Check local libraries or rental programs like Love Boat Library for affordable options.
3. Dial Your Crew
Building a supportive community is crucial for growth and safety:
Choose Trusted Paddlers: As you paddle more, seek out people who share your passion and safety values.
Learn Together: Taking a swiftwater class is highly recommended. Not only will it improve your skills, but it will also help you build confidence on the river.
Stay Safe: Always look out for the safety of both yourself and your crew when exploring new routes.
4. Dress for the Swim
Understanding water conditions is key to your survival:
Know Your Environment: Always check the water levels and temperature before heading out.
Prepare for the Unexpected: Dress appropriately for the cold. A prolonged rescue or long swim can quickly turn dangerous, even on a clear day.
These kayaking tips for beginners cover the absolute basics to get you started. While mastering the mental game is a more personal journey, focusing on your technique, gear, and crew will build a strong foundation for a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience.
I recently went on a 12 day self-support kayaking trip on the Grand Canyon. Prior to this trip, my backcountry cooking skills consisted of the ability to boil water and add it to a freeze-dried meal pouch. However, with the help of two backcountry cooking gurus and the right tools, I was able to expand my culinary expertise for self-support kayaking trips from boiled water added to Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce to fresh, homemade (camp-made) lasagna with meat sauce!
Here are a few of the meals we made during our 12-day adventure in the Grand Canyon, as well as a few tips and tricks that I learned for cooking and eating well in the backcountry.
Meal Preparation and Packing Tips
Main cooking tools used:
Fry-Bake pan and lid– this pan acts similarly to a lightweight dutch oven and a fry pan all in one. It is non-stick, easy to clean, and was safe to use as a cutting board!
*helpful to bring some sort of clamp tool so that you can hold the pan steady while mixing, flipping, stirring, etc..
MSR Whisperlite stove– easy to use, lightweight, folds up small, cooks hot
Metal spatula that was sharp enough to use as a knife– we were able to cut veggies, potatoes, and sausages right in the fry-bake pan with the spatula
Must-Try Meal 1: Cinnamon Rolls
On Christmas Eve, our trip leader and one of the backcountry cooking gurus on our trip prepared the dough for our Christmas breakfast feast of cinnamon rolls. He mixed together, yeast, water, sugar, melted butter, a bit of salt, and some powdered milk. The mixture was placed in a plastic bag and then wrapped in a down jacket, where it sat all night while the yeast rose.
When we woke on Christmas morning (at 4 a.m. because our tent had blown down in a wind storm), the dough ball was huge! The yeast had risen so much that it had almost burst open the drybag that it was inside. I folded and kneaded the dough on a cutting board while others prepared a filling mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. I rolled the dough flat on the cutting board, spread the filling on it, then rolled it into a spiral and cut it into cinnamon rolls. We baked the cinnamon rolls in the fry-bake pan over the whisperlite stove for about 30 minutes until they were golden, then proceeded to enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning in the Grand Canyon!
Must-Try Meal 2: Lasagna
The trick with cooking over only one stove is that you have to cook everything in separate steps. The veggies had to be cooked, then the pasta boiled, then the sauce made, then the salami heated, then the layers layered, then the cheese cut and melted. It was a long process, but the end result was pretty amazing.
Must-Try Meal 3: Pizza
We prepared the dough with flour, yeast, and water, and let it sit in a down jacket for about an hour while we let it rise. While the dough was rising, I prepared a red sauce with a packet of “just add water” tomato sauce while we cooked up some veggies and sausage. Once the dough was ready, I added more flour, kneaded and folded it, then prepared some mini pizza dough rounds. We baked the pizza dough rounds in the fry-bake, then added sauce, veggies, sausage, and cheese before baking it once more. The final product = awesome pizza and lots of mice scurrying around the camp kitchen vying for dough crumbs.
Must-Try Meal 4: Curried Vegetables and Quinoa
The curry dish had lots of vegetables, was high in protein, and it definitely kept us warm with the super spicy curry sauce. We cooked the quinoa first, using about a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa, bringing it to a boil, then taking it off the heat, covering it, and letting it sit while cooking the rest of the meal. We then cut up and sautéed what was left of our fresh vegetables- zucchini, carrots, onion- and added a packet of curry sauce, as well as a packet of coconut cream. It was a treat to have such healthy and fresh food on day seven of our 12-day adventure.
Brennan’s Wave is more than just a spot for epic surf sessions—it’s a community hub that brings people together for adventure and celebration. As we look back on an eventful June filled with kayaking, local gatherings, and community-driven projects, the energy at Brennan’s Wave truly encapsulated the spirit of Missoula.
A Month of Action and Community Spirit
June flew by faster than I could have imagined. The month was packed with events, thrilling surf sessions, and plenty of hard work. Organizing these events is a labor of love—rewarding yet challenging, especially when funds are tight. Despite the hurdles, every event at Brennan’s Wave reminds us of the passion driving our community.
Celebrating Missoula’s Downtown Revival
A huge shout-out goes to the Missoula Downtown Association for transforming Caras Park and Brennans Wave into vibrant community landmarks. These spaces not only highlight Missoula’s pride in its downtown and the Clark Fork River but also serve as a stage for exciting activities and events.
Spotlight on Whitewater Kayaking
These events have played a pivotal role in putting whitewater kayaking in the spotlight. What once took place in remote, hidden locations is now front and center at Brennan’s Wave, where:
Spectators can witness the safe and fun nature of freestyle kayaking.
People of all ages are inspired to learn and participate in the sport.
The community gets a firsthand look at how adventure and safety can go hand in hand.
Enhancing River Spaces for a Better Future
The transformation at Brennan’s Wave goes beyond sports. River enhancement projects have turned old, underused structures into safe, functional recreational amenities. Gone are the days of concrete slabs with dangerous rebar—modern designs now offer a safer, more enjoyable experience for all river users.
I often dream of the day when I can paddle from Brennan’s Wave to the proposed Max Wave near Osprey Stadium, a testament to how thoughtful enhancements are moving Missoula in the right direction.
A Boost to the Local Economy and Well-Being
Events at Brennan’s Wave and Caras Park do more than entertain; they:
Stimulate the local economy.
Promote health and wellness.
Strengthen community pride and unity.
While not everyone in Missoula may agree on every detail, this diversity of opinion is what fuels progress and keeps our community vibrant.
If you’re looking to enhance your kayaking hobby and make every paddle count, you’re in the right place. Kayaking isn’t just about extreme rapids or high-speed descents—it’s a versatile sport that adapts to your personal style, pace, and level of adventure.
Embracing the Fun of Kayaking
Kayaking is a fun and dynamic sport that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re taking it slow on calm waters or challenging yourself in whitewater rapids, the ultimate goal is to have fun. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Flexibility: Choose a level that suits your experience—from gentle flat-water paddling to adrenaline-pumping whitewater adventures.
Progression: Experiment with new techniques and moves to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Safety: Always prioritize safety by learning essential skills and understanding the water conditions.
Lessons from a Decade of Experience
After dedicating over 10 years to kayaking as both an instructor and a passionate paddler, I’ve observed that the sport thrives on two core elements:
Image and Perception: While extreme whitewater kayaking, vertical feats, and innovative safety designs are exciting, creating a positive image of the sport is equally important.
Accessibility: Not everyone needs to push their limits immediately. Beginners are often introduced to kayaking on flat water, building confidence before progressing to more challenging conditions.
Building a Lifelong Passion
The growth of kayaking as a sport depends on nurturing a community of lifelong paddlers. Here are a few tips to keep your passion alive:
Set Personal Goals: Create achievable challenges that match your skill level.
Stay Consistent: Regular practice builds both skill and comfort on the water.
Embrace Variety: Every outing is different. Enjoy the new perspectives that each river or lake offers.
Whether you’re taking a relaxed paddle or testing your limits on rough water, remember that your kayaking hobby is all about having fun and enjoying the journey. Embrace the unique challenges each day brings, and keep the fire for paddling alive by setting personal goals and cherishing every moment on the water.
When it comes to kayaking for older paddlers, few experiences compare to a weekend on the Lochsa River. Last weekend, I headed to the river—one of my all-time favorites—and was greeted by a mix of rainy, snowy weather and the occasional beam of sunshine. The popular put-in at Fish Creek was bustling with river enthusiasts, ranging from seasoned paddlers to the vibrant new generation.
A Classic Lochsa Experience
Arriving at Wilderness Gateway, a favorite camp spot for river runners, I quickly realized that I was no longer part of the younger crowd. Several groups gathered at the gateway, and our own group soon decided to set up camp away from the hustle—a nod to the days when older paddlers would stake out a quiet spot with their comfortable tents, campers, and trucks. It was a gentle reminder that, yes, you do get older—but that doesn’t mean you must compromise on your love for the river.
Embracing Age with a Positive Attitude
Getting older doesn’t have to come with a negative attitude. When I started kayaking, I admired the experienced paddlers who not only had top-notch skills but were also friendly, helpful, and genuinely passionate about being on the water. Today, while the sport continues to evolve, I still believe that a positive mindset is key. It’s not about what you used to do—it’s about embracing new techniques, new equipment, and learning from paddlers of all ages.
Learning and Mentoring on the River
I make it a point to paddle with both young and older enthusiasts because I value constant learning and progression, both on and off the water. This approach isn’t limited to kayaking; it applies to many areas of life, including family businesses where traditional methods sometimes clash with innovative ideas. The takeaway is simple: stay curious, be open to learning, and act as a mentor when you can.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Ultimately, whether you’re a veteran of the river or just starting out, the goal remains the same—to have fun. I’ve met too many paddlers who let a negative attitude overshadow the joy of kayaking. Both the overly cautious older dawg and the hot-headed youngster can benefit from a little humility and openness. Embracing the strengths of both generations not only enriches your own experience but also paves the way for a more vibrant future for kayaking.
So, whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, remember: kayaking is about enjoying the ride, learning continuously, and sharing the joy with others.
Tune in, turn on, and discover the wonderful sport of kayaking.
