Payette River Boating Vocabulary (Rapids, Safety, and Access)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms related to the Payette River boating map, rapids, safety gear, and access points from the lecture notes.

Whitewater Class I

Small waves; passages clear; no serious obstacles.

Whitewater Class II

Medium-sized waves; passages clear; some maneuvering may be required.

Whitewater Class III

Waves numerous, high and irregular; rocks and eddies; narrow passages; scouting usually required.

Whitewater Class IV

Powerful, irregular waves; boiling eddies; dangerous rocks; congested passages; precise maneuvering required; scouting mandatory.

Whitewater Class V

Exceedingly difficult; violent rapids often following each other; big drops; violent current; scouting mandatory.

Whitewater Class VI

Limit of navigability; generally considered unrunnable.

PFD (Personal Flotation Device)

Buoyant device worn to provide flotation and increase safety on the water.

Wet Suit

Neoprene garment for insulation in cold water boating.

Dry Suit

Waterproof suit that keeps the wearer dry in cold water; worn with insulating layers.

Helmet

Protective headgear to prevent head injury from rocks and boat frames.

Throw Bag

Rescue bag containing rope used to throw a line to a swimmer in trouble.

Self Rescue

Swim to safety and either get back in the boat or reach shore; use technique to pass hazards and recover.

Scout

To inspect major rapids before floating in order to identify hazards and plan a route.

Confluence

The point where two rivers join.

Banks (River Access Location)

Named Payette River access points used for launching or taking out.

Beehive Bend

A named rapid/section along the Payette River used in boating routes.

Staircase

A named rapid on the Payette River.

Go Left or You're Fired

A named rapid on the Payette; notable for its maneuvering requirements.

Bennett’s Rock

A named rapid/rock feature on the Payette River.

Killer Surf Wave

A named rapid featuring a strong surf wave on the Payette.

Mike’s Hole

A named rapid/hole on the Payette River.

Oxbow

A named rapid on the Payette; also a bend in a river forming an oxbow.