Cleaning Up Your Mess
“Cleaning up your mess”. A term we guides have used for years to describe someone that is capable of rectifying a situation on the river without significant help from others. This might include self rescue, freeing a raft stuck on a rock, collecting unintentional swimmers after a rapid or re-righting an overturned raft. It is known as a badge of honor in the boating community if you can “clean up your mess”. Let's take a look at the process of re-righting an overturned raft, or commonly called a “flipped raft”.
East coast whitewater rafters tend to row smaller, more maneuverable boats, on rivers that are narrow, with “pool-drop’ rapids, and multiple eddies, potentially allowing time and space to re-right or un flip your raft. This allows the nimble, experienced rower the time to crawl onto their overturned raft and begin the process of re-righting.
Climbing onto an overturned raft typically includes attaching a “flip line” to a side D-ring and throwing the other end of the line over the raft. A flip line is generally a 10-20’ long piece of webbing with looped ends and a carabiner attached to one end. This allows the rower the potential to pull themselves onto the overturned raft. Flattening your body and using the “seal method”, lunging your abdomen onto the raft, makes it a bit easier. Most experienced whitewater rowers carry a flip line in their PFD, wrapped around their waist, or in an attached pocket.
Once on the overturned raft, one must stand up, hold onto their flip line and walk to the outer edge of the raft, the opposite side of where the flip line is attached. Leaning back, heels pressed against the side tube, the rower will extend their arms while holding the flip line, keeping their hips extended and head back. If done correctly, the raft should fairly easily turn upright. The same flip line can be used to pull oneself into the raft once it is upright.
There are several factors to consider prior to attempting to re-right an overturned raft. Are the oars still in the locks and attached with their leash? Is the water depth sufficient for my landing? Am I wearing my necessary PPE? These are important questions to answer to mitigate risk and ensure safety.
Finallly, let’s add a “Pro Tip” to the discussion. Pro Tip #42, don’t purchase a PFD for fashion, buy one for function. One that fits well, has adequate flotation and is designed to allow you to climb back into your boat.