Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting’s latest news and product reviews. Paddling Life keeps you informed on what’s new in whitewater rafts, rafting competitions, rafting industry news, and much more.

Conservation

Landmark decision reached to protect Croatia’s Mrežnica and Tounjčica Rivers

Decision marks a significant milestone in the United for Rivers campaign to protect over 400 kilometres of rivers throughout the Western Balkans In a groundbreaking...

Eugene Buchanan - March 22, 2024

Multi-Sport

Covet Corner: New Gear from NRS!

Northwest River Supplies (NRS) has launched a suite of new products, all designed to help paddlers get after it on the water. Designed with...

Eugene Buchanan - March 14, 2024

Contests

Win Schwag and Trips! OARS Launches 2nd Best River Trip in West Contest

Forget the NCAA hoops bracket. Admitting the Grand is the undisputed, overall champ—like some might feel about Illinois, North Carolina or Kansas—outfitter OARS has...

Eugene Buchanan - March 12, 2024

Events

Down River Equipment’s Raftopia Returns April 1-6!

Hey Colorado rafters: Want to see firsthand the latest and greatest of everything in the rafting world, and also shop for some of the...

Staff Post - March 1, 2024

Apparel

Review of the Level Six Odin Drysuit

Just as Odin rules Valhalla in Norse mythology, the new Odin from Level 6 rules the river when it comes to drysuits. Marking the ever-evolving...

Nick Hinds - February 28, 2024

Paddling Life Exclusives

AW Protects Lower Big Sandy with Land Purchase!

Let's give a big round of applause for American Whitewater and the Lower Big Sandy. On January 26, American Whitewater made a historic purchase...

Eugene Buchanan - February 2, 2024

Events

Former Guide/Instructor/Ranger Launches Paddling Safety Series Zoom Seminars

From a forum for Corran Addison to tout his new river rating scale to rescue experts outlining current safety protocols, there's a new zoom...

Eugene Buchanan - January 29, 2024

Accessories

CKS Top-selling Accessories for 2023

Want to know what the hottest-selling accessories were at online paddling powerhouse CKS Online this past year? Read on for a snapshot of what...

Eugene Buchanan - January 22, 2024

Paddling Industry News

Permit Props: EXPLORE Act Moves to House Floor

River permits for both commercial outfitters and private paddlers just got a shot in the arm as the House Committee on Natural Resources voted...

Eugene Buchanan - January 17, 2024

Competition

2024 R4 World Rafting Championship Coming to Bosnia-Herzegovina

Get your Bosnia cowbells out. The International Rafting Federation has announced that its 2024 R4 World Rating Championships will be held on the raging...

Eugene Buchanan - January 10, 2024

Accessories

Reviewing BOTE’s Aero Lounge Collection: Unleash Comfort and Versatility

When embarking on multi-day river trips or simply seeking moments of leisure and relaxation, there's an unspoken competition to outdo one another with the...

Miles De Feyter - December 24, 2023

Inflatables

Staying in the Family: SOTAR Founder Sells Company to Son/Daughter-in-law

Like a river staying in its banks, raft manufacturer SOTAR is staying with the family. Founded and previously owned by Glenn Lewman Jr., the...

Eugene Buchanan - December 11, 2023

Paddling Industry News

4 Corners Riversports Celebrates 40 Years

Blow out the birthday candles (while you're blowing up your raft). Four Corners Riversports in Durango, CO, hit a huge milestone—in both retail and...

Eugene Buchanan - December 7, 2023

Paddling Industry News

America Outdoors Releases 2022 River Use Data:

America Outdoors Set to Release 2022 River Use Data Report details data from 41 top whitewater river segments Knoxville, TN's America Outdoors, the nation's one-stop resource for...

Eugene Buchanan - December 6, 2023

Paddling Life Exclusives

Richard Bangs Releases New Book: “The Art of Living Dangerously” (with Special PL Q&A)

In 1973, Richard Bangs founded Sobek Expeditions, the original and now largest adventure travel company in the world, with over a million clients guided...

Eugene Buchanan - November 20, 2023

Destinations

Oklahoma Gets New $30M Whitewater Park

WOKA is transforming the town of Watts, Oklahoma. Following 2016’s opening of the $45 million Oklahoma Whitewater Center/Riversport Rapids in downtown Oklahoma City, the town...

Eugene Buchanan - November 16, 2023

Paddling Industry News

Nepal Earthquake Postpones Great Karnali Quest 2023.

The recent devastating earthquake in Nepal that occurred November 3 has unfortunately forced the postponement of the this year's 248-km Great Karnali Quest 2023,...

Eugene Buchanan - November 13, 2023

Paddling Life Exclusives

One Down, Three to Go: First Dam Down on Cali’s Klamath (A Report from American Whitewater)

An Important Milestone on the Klamath – Removal of the Copco 2 Dam Complete! By: Thomas O'Keefe Crews spent October putting the final touches on the...

Eugene Buchanan - November 12, 2023

Destinations

Low-head Dam Removed on Colo.’s Arkansas, Improving Beginner Stretch

The Salida Town Run of the Arkansas from Stone Bridge to the whitewater park downtown just got a whole lot safer. The Colorado Sun...

Eugene Buchanan - November 10, 2023

Evergreen

PL Founder Touts Benefits of Getting Kids Outside in Men’s Journal Story

Paddling Life founder Eugene Buchanan is no stranger to getting outside, and dragging his kids along with him. In face, one of this books,...

Eugene Buchanan - October 12, 2023

Paddling Industry News

Raft College?

College students rejoice! There's a new program that gives university students the foundation of knowledge and experience required to pursue river-related careers. The River Management Society...

Eugene Buchanan - October 10, 2023

Paddling Life Exclusives

Good Gauley: Gauley Fest Turns 40!

Good Gauley, Miss Molly! American Whitewater's Gauley Fest is Turning 40, Complete with an '80s-theme party! Get ready for some of the best whitewater in...

Eugene Buchanan - September 12, 2023

Events

Ocoee Carnage Party Celebrates Boating Biffs

Like carnage? It doesn’t get any better than the annual Ocoee Carnage Party, an annual event where raft guides, boaters, and outdoors enthusiasts around...

Eugene Buchanan - September 7, 2023

Destinations