rafting is one of the earliest modes of transportation used by humankind - centuries ago, it was the most efficient means to transport goods and people, as well as hunting animals. in the 1840s the 'first rubber raft' was created by lieutenant john fremont and horace day - these army officials documented a trip down the platte river.

rafting as a leisure activity did not gain popularity until the 1900s - in 1940, the first recreational for profit white water rafting trip took place on the salmon river in idaho.

during the second world war inflatable rubber rafts were used in battle to cross european rivers and to keep the navy afloat after ship wrecks - they were designed to have many compartments which could save the raft, and its passengers, if the raft recieved bullet holes.