In many unspoiled areas, overgrown with lush vegetation, The river is the most convenient route for a journey cut by ravines and chains of hills, a lake or sea along the shore. However, you should always remember, that moving on water carries many dangers, especially if you use makeshift floating structures. In any case, you should think about it, whether the means of water transport available is suitable for crossing the waterway. The conditions on the water can change very quickly. Therefore, if you are not experienced in dealing with water, choose the water route only then, when there's no better way to get there. Remember to bring a rescue harness, vest or life jacket.

Raft launch

The raft can only be used on lakes and slow-flowing rivers. It has to be built close to the shore, because it may turn out to be too heavy, to move her. Before launching, we tie it to some stable object on the shore. The hawser must be sufficiently long, so that there is slack to push the raft down.

Using jacks – Wooden poles are placed under the raft on both sides, with which it is lifted up and pushed down like jacks, into the water.

After launching – Must see, like a launched platform floats on the water. If everything is alright, you can start loading your luggage in the middle of the deck.

SAILING

For longer raft trips down the river, it is a good idea to set up the mast and unfasten the sail, to be able to use the power of the wind. Only then can you sail on the raft, when the wind blows from the direction, in which we are sailing. The raft has no keel, and the rudder allows you to control the course only in light winds. If the front of the raft goes underwater, you need to reduce the sail area. You can only sail like this down the river. The sail does not allow it to go against the tide.

Rigidly fixed ropes prevent the lower boom from twisting.
Wooden blocks attached to the four sides of the raft with holes for poles supporting the mast.
The oar on the support tied to the stern serves as the rudder.
A rope tied to the boom allows you to lower and raise the sail.
The upper boom is notched like this, so that it can be lowered or raised by reducing or increasing the sail area.
The sail can be made of a camping cloth or tarpaulin.
The mast struts are fixed in wooden blocks with holes attached to the deck.

Setting the mast and sail

The mast must be seated between four short beams firmly connected to each other and tied to the deck. It should be supported on four sides by poles embedded in wooden blocks with grooves, attached to the deck. The sailcloth can be replaced by a waterproof camping cloth or tarpaulin.