Whitewater 101

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Whitewater 101

Here is some info on what whitewater is all about, so you can be river-savvy the day of your trip! Remember, none of our trips require any previous experience.

What is Whitewater?

Whitewater is formed by water converging and diverging which forms waves, holes and eddies. Whitewater Rafting is a sport practiced on rivers in an inflatable craft which allows enjoyment of the rapids. With the expertise of a river guide seated in the rear, it is possible to Whitewater Raft without any experience! Whitewater Rafting began commercially on the Kicking Horse River in the early 80’s. Alpine Rafting was one of the pioneers of Rafting on the Kicking Horse, launching their first commercial trip in 1984.

Whitewater Ratings

The Kicking Horse River offers rafting adventures for all ages and abilities. We will tackle Class 1 to Class 4+ depending on the trip you choose, from Class 1 to Class IV+ ! Check out the whitewater ratings chart below to learn more.

Class 1 – Moving water Class 2 - Small waves
Class 3 - Easy manoeuvering rapids, waves
Class 4 - Intense rapids, technical maneuvering
Class 5 – Long, powerful rapids with serious consequences.

The Kicking Horse River is divided into 3 Sections: The Upper, Middle & Lower Canyons.

Upper Canyon - Class I and Class 2+ Rapids
Middle Canyon - Continuous Class 3 and a 1 km Class 4 Section
Lower Canyon - 4 Kilometres of continuous Class 4+ followed by float into Golden

Featured Rapids:

PORTAGE/SHOTGUN (4)

Location: Middle Canyon

This 800 metre section is a classic example of a Glacier fed Class 4 Run ! Prior to running this rapid you'll have the opportunity to scout it with your guide and fellow rafters.

The beginning of the rapid is a glassy chute with a rapid called "Terminator" to the left. This smooth lead-up is no match for what's to come: A Class 4 Boulder field with overhead waves. Just when you think the fun is going to stop, the river bends and brings us to Shotgun: the crux maneuver of the Portage & Shotgun rapids. Shotgun is an underwater rock ledge which forms a fantastic pourover, giving you the sensation of dropping and getting soaked all in one!

ROLLER COASTER (3+)

Location: Middle Canyon

This 0.5 Kilometre rapid is a friendly section of river that everyone will love. There are 9 waves in a row ranging from 7 to 10 feet high awaiting unsuspecting rafters! This section really gets the crew laughing as it literally feels as though you're riding a whitewater roller coaster!

WAVE TRAIN (4)

Location: Lower Canyon

Thought we left the fun in the Middle Canyon? Think again! Wave Train is the first rapid in the Lower Canyon designed to give unsuspecting rafters a taste of what's to come. The Waves are similar to the Rapids of Roller Coaster in the Middle Canyon however steeper, bigger and faster! At it's biggest the waves are 15 feet high..that's two stories.

DOUBLE TROUBLE (4+)

Location: Lower Canyon

After hitting the Wave Train above, seasoned rafters are now ready to take on the challenge of Double Trouble. The rapid consists of 2 monstrous waves at midpoint on the Lower Canyon section. When the raft is at the base of the waves it is impossible to see what's ahead beyond the frothing wave in front of you...A must do!

Did You Know?