Rafting, a “gateway” to water fun

"Old Yeller"

Gary Groen, an avid rafter, presented the program for the Summer Reading Program, “Make a Splash–Read,” on Wed July 21.

Groen spoke about some of the basics of rafting, how he got into rafing, safety measures, how camping gear, food, water, etc are carried on the raft, and showed some pictures from his most recent trip.

Groen also brought some well-worn books which are maps of the rivers he usually rafts. The books are a mile-by-mile description of rapids, campgrounds, etc.and are very important when learning a river.

Different kinds of rafts

After, a short introduction, Groen took the kids outside to see three different kinds of rafts.

Catamaran

The first raft was a catamaran, a one-person craft with two parallel hulls which uses oars.  The kids enjoyed climbing on it and pretending to row.

Catamaran

“Old Yeller” a raft

The challenge for the kids was to inflate and assemble “Old Yeller,” a 12′ 7″ raft.  After blowing it up, the frame, floors, oars, ice chests, seats, etc. were all put together. After everything was assembled, the kids were wishing they could launch it. (Unfortunately, time did not permit for disassembling everything).

Self-bailing Moravia, “Super Tanker”

The third raft is a 16-foot self-bailing Moravia, which he calls “Super Tanker.”  It is large enough that it has its own custom trailer.  The kids climbed aboard and were excited to test the walkie talkies which are used to communicate on the river.

"Super Tanker"

Groen stressed how important it is to wear a well-fitting life vest while in a raft.  He also stressed the “golden rule of rafting”–All litter and waste material must be carried out.

Submitted by: Sue Groen, Children library instructor