The features that form on steep rivers, including rapids and waterfalls.
Also known as rapids and wildwater. A stretch of turbulent, fast moving water that flows through rocks, over falls, and around other obstructions.
Turbulent, heavily aerated water caused by its flowing around or over obstacles in the current.
The broken section of a wave that looks like foam
A long stretch of foaming waves and rapids. Also called "wild water."
Water moving downstream with rocks and other obstructions that form such features as waves, holes, eddies and drops. Whitewater Classifications Frequently Asked Questions: Do I need to contact the leader to say I am going on a trip ? For most trips there is no need to contact the leader to say you are planning on attending, unless it says RSVP Trip (*see below). Just show up at the put-in with appropriate gear and boat. PFD's (life vests) are required on all RICKA and Blackstone Paddlers Trips. The PFD must be worn in the manner intended by the manufacturer, zipped and/or buckled. When planning your arrival time, please allow enough time to get your boat and gear ready to paddle in time for launch time. For a list of suggested gear- click on gear.*What is a RSVP trip? A RSVP trip is a trip where it is mandatory that you contact the leader to tell the leader that you are planning on paddling with the group. A RSVP trip will be clearly stated.
Whitewater is formed in a rapid, when a river's gradient drops enough to form a bubbly, or aerated and unstable current; the frothy water appears white. The term is also used loosely to refer to less-turbulent but still agitated flows.