Fishing Frenzy

Beginner's Strategies Whitewater Kayaking Gear

Whitewater kayaking is the sport of paddling on moving bodies of water, typically rivers. The experience can range from a fun float trips to adrenalin charged challenges. Whitewater kayaking requires the same basic gear used by all kayakers. Gear details change as a result of conditions and other variables associated with whitewater kayaking.

Kayaks built for whitewater kayaking, known as playboats, are frequently fabricated from durable and flexible plastic. Lengths vary from around 6 ft to as long as 12 ft ., perhaps longer. More recent designs usually run about 6 ft to 7 feet long. Personal kayak shape and size are determined by the user's height, weight, type of water the kayak will be used in and primary kayak use.

Whitewater kayaks for fun float trips don't require the features that kayaks used on dangerous river rapids need to have. New kayaks cost from close to $600 to thousands of dollars.

Paddles for whitewater kayaking are usually around 6 feet long. Longer paddles are ideal for fun whitewater trips on creeks or rivers while shorter paddles are better where quick movement is essential.

Playboaters can get optimum power from bigger blades while medium blades are fine for creeks and general rivers. Spoon shaped paddles supply power for playboating. Wing blades were designed to obtain optimum power and need a special paddling technique.

Whitewater kayaking paddles are available in a wide range of materials such as fiber composites, fiberglass, carbon, plastic, wood and laminated wood. Every material has its own good and bad points. Boater size and paddling style will affect choice of paddle.

Type III Personal floatation devices (PFDs) include models which are specifically for kayaking. The best PFD is one which might be adjusted to fit snugly if the user is wearing a tee shirt or a wet suit. Numerous skilled whitewater kayakers suggest purchasing the best whitewater kayaking helmet that the budget permits. Function as well as protection are essential concerns, before style. For serious whitewater kayaking, you'll find helmets that seem to be almost like those found in football. They feature face guards and offer much more coverage and protection than standard kayaking helmets.

Resistant Neoprene is the best whitewater kayaking spray skirt material. UV rays, abrasions and stretching will affect the wear and life-span of the spray skirt. Spray skirts must be very easy to remove swiftly in case of emergency.