A raft that is constructed of a durable material should be used while participating in a whitewater rafting trip. In addition, investing in a portable patch kit that can be brought along on rafting adventures will safeguard you against becoming stranded in the event that your raft becomes punctured.

Raft Materials

Rapids occur in portions of a river where the water is more shallow. The steep gradient of these sections, paired with the exposure of rock edges, makes traversing some rapids potentially dangerous. Fast flowing water and rock edges that are difficult to see could impale a raft.

Urethane is a rugged raft material that will glide over rocks. Urethane is more tear- and puncture-resistant than some other raft materials. Hypalon is a synthetic rubber material. Polyethylene fabric pieces are glued together, to form the Hypalon fabric that comprises the sides, the bottom, and the interior of a raft.

A polyvinyl chloride raft is a cheap alternative to a urethane raft or Hypalon raft. A polyvinyl chloride raft is more prone to damage, however. The lightweight material may not glide smoothly across surfaces that contain exposed rock edges. Polyvinyl chloride rafts should not be stored outdoors. Frigid temperatures could cause the polyvinyl chloride to crack. This could result in multiple tears.

Patch Kits

A patch kit can be used to repair a raft that has a small hole or tear in it. Patch kits should be used on dry land. Some kits contain a liquid adhesive that will require several hours of curing time. There are some kits available for purchase that use a fast-drying adhesive.

After purchasing a new raft, shop for a patch kit that contains multiple patches. Some kits may be designed to repair specific fabric types. Check the guidelines listed on each kit package to determine which repair process will work best for the type of raft that you own. A patch kit can be used to repair an inflated or a deflated raft.

If you ever encounter a situation that involves needing to fix your raft while you are out on a river, you will need to locate an area to dock your raft. Being aware of the features that surround a river will prepare you for an emergency that requires you to dry dock your raft. Apply a patch in a shaded area. Press the patch firmly against your raft. Upon completing this task, use a hand pump to add air to your raft. 

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