The popular sport of Whitewater Kayaking
Whitewater kayaking is a sport that involves paddling a kayak on a whitewater river. Whitewater kayaking is of many types, Grade 1 is the slow moving water, while Grade VI consists of aggressive stretches of water.
There are 4 types of whitewater kayaks available. These are different from the sea kayaks. Features of the 4 types of whitewater kayaks are given below:
River Running Kayaks – These are perfect for the beginner as well as for the experienced paddler. They are designed with soft edges, and are quite stable and extremely fast due to their substantial volume and length.
Creeking kayaks – Creeking kayaks are usually 8 ft. in length and have a rounded displacement hull allowing for soft landings, even from huge drops. Creeking kayaks are built for those who seek extreme thrills in the whitewater.
Freestyle kayaks – This kayak is for those who like to be artistic, gymnastic, to perform moves like spinning, surfing and other vertical moves. These kayaks are short and have centralized distribution of volume in their sterns and bows.
Free Running Kayaks – These kayaks are designed for those kayakers who love paddling the river, but want to enjoy the thrill of the entire river. This is the most suitable kayak for beginners.
You can now choose your kayak based on your requirement.
A kayak is a small boat that looks almost like a surf boat. It has a covered deck and one or more cockpits too. One paddler each sits in the cockpit. The lower part of the paddler is covered by a spray deck that keeps the boat and the paddler dry.
Kayaks were originally invented by the people living in the Arctic. They used to hunt for food on the lakes. The kayaks were made from animal skins that were stretched over wooden frames. Nowadays kayaks are mainly used for adventure sport called whitewater kayaking.
Whitewater kayaking is an adventure sport and is also known as an extreme sport. These kayaks are available for purchase in many stores.
Rapids are graded in the same way that the ski runs are graded – according to the hazards or difficulties involved in the rapids. Whitewater is classified into six grades or classes.
Grade 1or class is applied to those rapids or whitewater that have very small rough areas and need very little maneuvering.
Grade 2 can be described as moving water, which offers little difficulty, and may have some rocks, some small drops, and may also require maneuvering skills.
Grade 3 may have medium waves and may require a lot of maneuvering and paddling skills.
Grade 4 of whitewater kayaking is where the whitewater has long waves and long rapids, and for this whitewater experience may be needed.
Grade 5 of whitewater kayaking requires advanced whitewater experience as these include large rocks, hazards and, a large drop.
Class 6 whitewater kayaking is very hazardous and dangerous even for experienced paddlers. This should be tried only by experts. Unless proper precautions are taken engaging in whitewater kayaking at Class 6 can even prove fatal.
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