The sport is commonly called river rafting, or white water rafting, named after the white water squalls that are created when rocks or hazards impede a flowing river. Rafting generally involves an inflatable raft filled with a group of people, a guide, helmets, paddles, lifejackets, and sometimes cameras, all flying down the river with some uneasiness. The most important thing on the raft is certainly the guide. Rafting guides are experienced rafters who know the intricacies of the river like a science. A guide teaches a group of rafters how to swim in the current safely, how to pull people back into the raft, and mostly, how to have a great time. There are six classes of whitewater. Class 1 is the easiest, requiring no experience, and providing very little excitement. Class 6 is therefore the highest class, and likely spells instant death to a first time rafter and a very tough challenge for even the world's best.

Historically, whitewater rafting horror stories consisted of falling over dangerously high water falls, or encountering large sharp rocks and being swept away into the current. These misconceptions are no longer a real threat as raft maneuvering techniques and guide experience on rivers increases.

The sport offers accessibility to remote locations and beautiful, picturesque landscapes in the heart of towering mountain ranges, thick jungles, and even hot, sandy deserts.