Riverboarding (sometimes spelled River Boarding) is a whitewater sport. It has a lot of similarities with body boarding. The main difference is that it takes place in whitewater rapids and a special board is used. Even though the board is different the person still lays flat on it.

Riverboarding is a sport where participants ride down rivers on large, buoyant boards made of plastic or foam. Riding in the prone position, participants use fins for both propulsion and steering. The sport is popular recreationally in the United States, Europe and New Zealand, despite its dangerous and unpredictable nature.

Ride down rivers on a thick, buoyant board.

There are no written or standardized rules for riverboarding. There are however restrictions on what rivers can used. These restrictions are mostly based on weather and water level.

Riverboarding was created in the 1980's when American Robert Carlson began running rivers on a bodyboard. After realizing bodyboards sank too much in highly aerated water, Carlson designed his own board which featured a thick buoyant shell and a slick bottom. Since then, personal submarine shells made of plastic have been introduced to the design. Once the sport caught on in Europe, lightweight boards were created out foam. This was done mostly to prevent injury during collisions with other riders. Today, riverboarding has a large following in the United States, Europe and New Zealand, where it is known as "sledging."

Booties
Elbow Pads
Fins
Gloves
Helmet
Knee Pads
Personal Flotation Device
Riverboard
Shin Guards
Wetsuit

Due to the fast-moving nature of river water, participants should be strong, confident swimmers before attempting riverboarding. Participants should also never riverboard alone, as assistance is sometimes needed.

Advanced swimming lessons and experience on a board are strongly encouraged.

Riverboard - thick, buoyant board, usually with handles and a slick bottom

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riverboarding