Assemble six to eight 12-foot long dry logs, which are roughly 12 inches in diameter. These will be the base of your raft. Next, find two 7- or 8-foot long and 6-inch diameter logs. These will be the cross logs that hold the larger ones together on the ends. Locate a long pole, at least 10 feet long, suitable for the depth of the water you'll be in. Finally, get a strong rope, which will be used to hold everything together.
Align the larger logs side-by-side until you have a platform for your raft. Then, using your ax, cut dovetail notches in the logs, about 1 foot or so from the end. The notches should be about 2 inches deep and should be wider at the bottom than at the opening. Do this on one end of the logs, leaving the other end for after the next step.
Cut the smaller logs into a triangular shape. Line up the notches on the larger logs and slide the triangular-shaped log into the notches, ensuring the wider base is at the bottom of the notch. This will connect all the logs. Once secure, go to the other side of the large logs and repeat the steps above, cutting dovetail notches and aligning them. Slide the other triangular-shaped log into those notches. Your log is almost secure.
Tie rope around the crosspieces as an added measure of security, to ensure they don't slip out of their dovetail notches. Keep excess rope on hand in case you need it for emergency repairs. Line the top of your raft with brush to make it softer to stand on.
Put on a life jacket and give them to your passengers. Carefully place your raft in the water and test it in a shallow area, ensuring that it will carry the weight of you and your passengers. Do not use your raft in deep, rushing water that would test the limits of its design. Practice using your 10-foot-long pole to help move the raft through the water.