| Kayaking is an adventurous sport, and is definitely not | | | | chance of getting caught up in between the rocks, due |
| meant for the weak-hearted. Whitewater kayaking is | | | | to their soft chine. These kayaks are usually 8 feet in |
| a sport that involves paddling a kayak on a | | | | length and have a rounded displacement hull, allowing |
| whitewater river. Whitewater kayaking is of many | | | | for soft landings, even from huge drops! Creeking |
| types, ranging from gentle waters to dangerous | | | | kayaks are the largest in the whitewater family. These |
| whitewater, involving rapids of 6 grades. Grade I is the | | | | kayaks are definitely built with the whitewater thrill |
| slow moving water, while Grade VI consists of | | | | seeker in mind. |
| aggressive stretches of water. | | | | Freestyle Kayaks |
| Due to the many grades of whitewater, not all | | | | These are also known as Rodeo or Playboating |
| manufactured kayaks are suitable for every grade. | | | | kayaks. If you like to be artistic or gymnastic, to |
| There are mainly 4 types of whitewater kayaks | | | | perform moves like spinning, surfing and various other |
| available. It is good to note that these kayaks are very | | | | vertical moves, then this kayak could be the one you're |
| different from sea kayaks. All of these are very easy | | | | looking for. Read on and see if this is the one you |
| to maneuver, while maintaining high stability in the | | | | need. With a Freestyle kayak, you can perform tricks |
| water. Features of the 4 types of whitewater kayaks | | | | on a variety of river features, and perform even better |
| are listed below. | | | | on waves and holes. These kayaks are short and |
| River Running Kayaks | | | | have centralized distribution of volume, in their sterns |
| These kayaks are perfect for beginners, as well as | | | | and bows. |
| for the experienced paddler. These kayaks are | | | | Free Running Kayaks |
| designed with soft edges, and are quite stable, and | | | | Free Running kayaks are designed for those |
| extremely fast, due to their substantial volume and | | | | kayakers, who love paddling the river, but want to |
| length. Their flat bottom enables advanced kayakers | | | | enjoy the thrill of the entire river. You could call this |
| to surf with ease. River Running kayaks are extremely | | | | type of kayak, a hybrid between a river running kayak |
| comfortable and their smooth round bows, make it | | | | and a freestyle kayak. Of the 4 types of kayaks, |
| easy to brace and roll. Remarkably, these kayaks also | | | | these are the most suitable for beginners, who can |
| contain outfitting that can be customized. | | | | use them to learn how to brace, roll and play. The best |
| Creeking Kayaks | | | | thing about these kayaks is that they provide enough |
| If you're interested in risks, thrills and extreme | | | | stability to go on a down river exploration. |
| adventure in whitewater, then a creek boat is the one | | | | Now that you have all the information about the 4 |
| you're looking for. Creeking kayaks are designed to | | | | types of whitewater kayaks, you can make a |
| maneuver very technical and difficult rapids, while | | | | well-informed decision, based on your level of |
| enduring every abuse of boulders and rocks in the | | | | expertise. |
| narrow creeks. These kayaks have potentially less | | | | |