| For many, whitewater kayaking is a fun, adventurous, | | | | basically the same as competing in slalom down a hill |
| and often adrenaline filled experience. whitewater | | | | on skis. The kayaker navigates a section of a river, |
| rafting is usually done on a river in a kayak which is | | | | going in and out of the gates or poles. This involves |
| made of durable, tough plastic that is able to flex a little | | | | going downstream through some gates and upstream |
| as it moves down the river. Kayaks can be anywhere | | | | through others. Interestingly, this is the only type of |
| from about 6 feet long to 12 feet or longer. | | | | kayaking that is seen in the Olympics. |
| For beginners, tamer sections of a river are much | | | | The most unique form of whitewater kayaking is |
| better to learn in. the more extreme and advanced | | | | called playboating or freestyle. Instead of going |
| kayaking enthusiasts sometimes can end up looking | | | | upstream or downstream, the kayaker generally stays |
| like they are insane, especially if the river is particularly | | | | in one area of the river performing different |
| harsh. | | | | maneuvers, which can include spinning, cartwheels and |
| Types Of Whitewater Kayaking | | | | other aerial feats. Sometimes you will hear this version |
| There are basically four types of kayaking. The first is | | | | of kayaking called whitewater rodeo in America. |
| generally called river running. This type of whitewater | | | | Whichever version of kayaking interests you the most, |
| kayaking can be a combination of sight seeing and | | | | there is one main requirement: you have to have a |
| running down the rapids, or whatever types of | | | | river to go whitewater kayaking. You can generally |
| challenges the river may offer. These kayaking trips | | | | rent all of the other equipment once you arrive at the |
| can be one day or several days. | | | | river, but it will take some investigating to find a river |
| Creeking is a much more difficult type of kayaking. | | | | suitable for whitewater kayaking near you. |
| This is the type of whitewater kayaking which involves | | | | Whitewater kayaking can be a thrilling an interesting |
| going down difficult parts of the river or rapids. Boats | | | | sport to compete in. Of course, you have to have a |
| used in this type of kayaking are generally larger with | | | | certain love of the water since you will be immersed in |
| a rounder front and back, which helps the kayak | | | | it quite often if you are going to go whitewater |
| resurface more quickly if it happens to go under. | | | | kayaking. |
| Slalom is another type of whitewater kayaking. This is | | | | |