noun
raftsman; rafter
A person who operates or rides a raft, especially for transporting goods or people on rivers. Synonymous with 筏師.
See also: 筏師
昔、筏乗りは川の流れを巧みに操って木材を運んだ。
In the old days, raftsmen skillfully navigated the river currents to transport timber.
筏師 is a synonym, also meaning raftsman. 筏乗り emphasizes the act of riding or operating the raft, while 筏師 can imply a more professional or master status.
Compound of 筏 (raft) and 乗り (riding, from 乗る). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word straightforwardly describes a person who rides a raft.