Whitewater Kayaks

Whitewater Kayaks are specifically designed for rapids and rough water conditions.
These Kayaks tend to be shorter for more control, and are Sit-in kayaks as opposed to sit-on Kayaks.

The conditions and places you can go in Whitewater Kayaks will vary on your skill level and the type of Kayak you buy. If you are an experienced wave ski paddler or Ocean Kayaker, this may be a good next step in your Kayaking adventure.

There are 5 types of Whitewater Kayaking;

River Running

This can involve a steady day trip down a river enjoying the various grades of water, or a race to the end during competitions.

The day trip would normally involve an Inflatable Kayak, which would be more comfortable and able to carry more gear for a lunch or picnic stop-off.

Creeking

Creeking is an Adrenalin rush for kayakers where they race down narrow channels between rocks with fast flowing water. This can involve drop-offs and waterfalls to contend with, and other rock hazards. This requires a substantial amount of skill, and also a quality Kayak or Canoe to use.

Slalom

This is the competitive part of Whitewater Kayaking, and involves a kayaker maneuvering around obstacles and gates in the fastest time possible. These kayaks are particularly short to allow maximum maneuverability, and the kayaker is usually extremely fit and experienced.

The grade of Slalom course is similar to that of rapids.

Some water sports centers have man-made slalom courses for training or racing purposes, and it is recommended you get coaching before attempting this.

Playboating

Playboating is a newer sport, and involves doing tricks and stunts with the kayak. The Kayaks used for this tend to be pointier so there is less air in the ends and allowing the kayaker to flip it on its end and perform many tricks.

This is a great competition and spectator sport as the kayakers generally stay in one place on a wave and perform all sorts of tricks.

Squirt Boating

This predates Playboating and uses longer thinner kayaks so the entire boat can be submerged for periods of time, and tricks performed.

Whatever your choice of Whitewater Kayaking, make sure you are physically able to do it, and you have the correct equipment. Nearly all Whitewater Kayaks have a Skirt or Cockpit cover that is used to keep water from entering the boat.

Also the Paddle type is shorter and different style to the river or ocean kayaker, and is lightweight and has a 45degree twist which allows for greater maneuverability.