A whitewater rafting trip happens so fast our guides have an abbreviated lingo all their own. Short, quick and to the point, they shout out all the commands you and your fellow rafters need to manage your white water rafting trip. All forward! All back! Dig!
All Forward: Paddle forward. Your guide will call this when it’s time to power over a wave or avoid an obstacle. Sometimes he or she will add left or right, meaning only rafters on the right or left should paddle.
All Back: Paddle backward. When your guide wants to change course, paddling back fast will change the forward momentum and get you on a better track. Sometimes he or she will add left or right, meaning only rafters on the right or left should paddle.
Stop: Cease paddling. Sometimes your guide will give you a break from paddling or call stop to decrease your speed in a tactical move.
