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Sweeping the Middle Fork: Watch What It Takes to Pilot a 4,000-Pound Raft in Whitewater Rapids
Sweeping the Middle Fork: Watch What It Takes to Pilot a 4,000-Pound Raft in Whitewater Rapids
Jun 16, 2025 2:15 AM

  There are a lot of watercraft on Idahos Salmon and Middle Fork Rivers at any given moment. There are full-sized rafts, dories, canoes, kayaks, and fishing floats. But one of the most iconic boats youll see is the Sweep Boat.

  Mostly popular in Idaho, these specialized inflatables are made to haul gear over whitewater rapids. They are large. They are steered with long oars (known as sweeps). And they are both essential for river trips and very challenging to pilot. One mistake and all your groups gear and supplies could easily take a spill.

  The compelling short film Driving Sweep follows Idaho River Adventures river guide Katie Veteto as she learns to pilot a Sweep boat. Although shes run the river many times and knows it well, shes never driven a sweep boat. Now, its her turn to learn how to do it on the Middle Fork River.

  Runtime: 9:47

  

Sweeping the Middle Fork: Watch What It Takes to Pilot a 4,000-Pound Raft in Whitewater Rapids1

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