Anti-roll white water rafting – Creature Craft

June 20, 2017

With white water rafting growing in popularity and offering participants a thrill ride which is hard to match, inventor Darren Vancil has come up with a fantastic alternative to rafting.

In conventional rafting the raft can go completely upside down with all passengers falling out. This then requires the effort of re-flipping, which is impossible in faster sections of the river.

The native of the Colorado river has given enthusiasts like himself the chance to take the sport to a new level by venturing into white-waters riders would normally have to avoid.

Tackle the biggest white water!

Tackle the biggest white water!

It was invented in 1997 so it’s hardly new…when Darren was inspired to find an alternative after his raft dangerously flipped during Colorado’s Gore Canyon Race, which resulted in a dislocated shoulder and a very uncomfortable swim.

Speaking of what the craft offers on more rough sections of the river, he mentions, “This river is not possible to swim, and the only reason we can run it is because we’re in a craft that we’re not going to swim out of”.

The Creature Craft anti-roll raft

The Creature Craft anti-roll raft

The triangular inflatable shape of the Creature Craft offers an inflatable anti-roll cage to prevent its passengers from flipping over in rapid rivers. Riders are strapped into their seats with an easy-release belt.

Levels and currents have little or no effect on the boat due to the rolling technique it employs.

Riders can have fun and stay safe

Riders can have fun and stay safe

“Even in much more moderate water you can play and surf and drive into the big holes and just be safe,” said Vancil. “We’re getting more and more respect as we go around the world and run these huge rivers”.

The rafts are also increasingly being used for river safety boats, allowing rescuers to reach riders in more dangerous situations.

A new form of river rescue craft

A new form of river rescue craft

It’s a great way to have fun and stay safe on the water. It’s been a slow-burner since 1997 but hope to see more of them in the UK soon.

Check out their promo video to learn more about them.

Learn more about Creature Craft rafts

Find the best white water rafting in the UK, try TOAD.

One of the best is Lee Valley White Water, the site for the 2012 London Games.

Quotes via: www.nbc11news.com/sports/headlines/Extreme-whitewater-rafting-possible-with-locally-made-Creature-Craft-261924311.html

Images via: www.icicle.tv and www.designboom.com

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Latest blogs

7 Best Laptop Backpacks for the UK in 2020 (January Update)
7 Best Laptop Backpacks for the UK in 2020 (January Update) SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack SwissGear produce great kit and the 199 ScanSmart laptop backpack doesn’t disappoint. Life in the 21st Century is an exciting place to be. Technology is developing all the time and there are any number of adventures to be had all over the
Best Running Headphones for the UK in 2020 (January Update)
Best Running Headphones for the UK in 2020 (January Update) MPOW Wireless Headphones Performance on a number of levels that runners will appreciate. As you can see, they’re well-priced, but more importantly for when you’re on the move, they don’t fall out! Whether you prefer to pound the pavements, take in the views of a trail, battle a
Best Mountain Biking Helmets for the UK in 2020 (January Update)
Best Mountain Biking Helmets for the UK in 2020 (January Update) King Bike Road and Mountain Helmet - Hybrid Whether you’re the type of mountain biker who likes to rumble along country lanes, or rocket downhill, there are times when the ground you’re on throws you unexpected bumps, ridges, or holes. Most of the time you’ll react in time, and
Best Value Mens' Cycling Helmet for the UK 2020 (January Update)
Best Value Mens' Cycling Helmet for the UK 2020 (January Update) Prowell F59 Cycle Helmet A great-looking, very comfortable helmet with good venting and visibility. Broken arms and legs can heal, and a scrape or two will only add street-cred to you as a dedicated cyclist, but take a hard enough knock on an unprotected skull and you could be in for a
Best Mens' Cycling Shoes for the UK 2020 (January Update)
Best Mens' Cycling Shoes for the UK 2020 (January Update) Pearl Izumi The Pearl Izumi cycling shoe is classically-styled to make a statement, and technically designed to ensure an efficient, comfortable ride. Serious cyclists need a shoe which will keep you warm & dry in cold, wet conditions; cool & comfortable on hot days; and which
BEST Bike Lights for the UK in 2020 (January Update)
BEST Bike Lights for the UK in 2020 (January Update) Cycleafer A good-looking, solid light with good features, at a good price. Commuting by bicycle has become more than a fringe fad. With fuel prices higher than ever and environmental concerns growing, more people are leaving the car keys on the hook by the door, avoiding the crowded
Best Dive Watch for the UK in 2019 (November Update)
Best Dive Watch for the UK in 2019 (November Update) Phoibos – PX005B It appears as if Phoibos set aside all pretence and hype, and invested in one primary concept – make a watch that functions well at significant depths. At a price point of £150, they did a very efficient job... As a recreational or professional diver in 2019,
BEST Skis for Your Ski Holiday in 2020 (January Update)
BEST Skis for Your Ski Holiday in 2020 (January Update) The Head Supershape Magnum are fast, can handle short carves and long carves and also are at a great price. Written by Ollie Denton There are a lot of skis on the market for this season, but fear not! We have compiled a list of our favourite skis on the market right