Whitewater Kayaks – Where to Buy

If you’re thinking of purchasing a whitewater kayak, you might be wondering where to buy one. If you’ve ever paddled whitewater before, you’ve probably noticed that there are so many different styles to choose from. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips: good fishing kayaks

Consider the size of your kayak. Longer kayaks are generally faster, but require paddling further downstream. Long boats are also great for longer expeditions and creek racing. Their added speed can outweigh their lack of maneuverability, though. If you plan on paddling in pools and gentle rapids, pay attention to stern rocker. More rocker will make your boat faster in rapids but slower in pools. Choosing the right size depends on your ability to paddle in different environments.

Consider the weight of the kayak. If you’re an experienced paddler, a lighter kayak will be easier to control. If you’re new to whitewater kayaking, you might want to start small with a creek kayak. Creek kayaks are ideal for beginners and small rivers. You can also choose a river kayak or a freestyle kayak. Freestyle kayaks are short, high-volume vessels with high concentrations of volume in the bow. These types of kayaks are great for play areas and park-and-play spots.

Play boats are the smallest whitewater kayaks in the fleet, ranging from six to eight feet. They’re shaped to help you perform advanced tricks and are great for practicing roll techniques. Longer playboats are ideal for first-time whitewater kayaking, but they’re less stable than longer ones. If you’re new to the sport, you might want to try both types and get a feel for which one suits your needs best.

River runners are designed to go fast down rivers. They’re the most versatile of all-mountain kayaks, and their rounded hull shape and aggressive rocker profiles help them stay afloat in fast-moving river sections. You might consider a creek kayak if you’re just starting out and looking to paddle a variety of rivers and different flows. However, if you’re an experienced kayaker, you should consider a technical whitewater kayak.

River runner kayaks are usually seven to eight feet long, and are suited for downriver playboating. These boats are tippy and require a lot of skill to get used to, but they offer ample river running capability. A playboat can be challenging to learn in, but if you’re confident, you’ll get the hang of it very quickly. The best place to start is at a mellow river with some eddies or small surf holes.