Best way to do it if you're soloing it is, right after you cast off, Play Dead! I suggest falling to the right of the raft. Right when you see the fork, get up and run for the right oar and steer right as fast as you can. Once you start veering, you're good. Play Dead if you have to. Also, having a flier with you is nice so you can use the Housing CH to return back there whenever.
Now, if you're a giant, you're boned. Just try to survive.

-- From a disgruntled Mari user...