What is Freestyle Kayaking?

Freestyle kayaking, also known as playboating, is a form of extreme whitewater boating. In a kayak, a paddler performs a variety of tricks, turns, flips or moves in a given space against rushing water. In freestyle kayaking competitions, the objective is to travel a specified length while performing different moves, each scored with different points. In non-competitive freestyle kayaking, the moves are performed as exciting or challenging tricks for fun and fitness.

Identification

Freestyle kayaking is performed by one person in a kayak (a small, one-person canoe with a covered deck and cockpit). From the center cockpit of the kayak, the paddler pushes water from either side with a double-bladed paddle. The paddling moves are performed mainly with the shoulders and arms, and can be used to manipulate the direction of the boat through the water or on rocks, ledges and embankments.

Function

The freestyle kayaker maneuvers the kayak through the water, performing different tricks and moves. The kayaker is scored on the difficulty, skill level and execution of the moves, which include various surfs, flips and turns. The most popular freestyle kayaking locations are stationary spots on a river with turbulent currents, such as standing waves, fast-moving water or rapids.

Features

The paddler is equipped with a helmet, life jacket, brace, paddle and rubber water shoes. Kayaks used in freestyle kayaking are often shorter and lighter than other kayaks for whitewater boating, allowing for increased ease of movement. Some modern freestyle kayaks, made of light plastics, can be lifted completely out of the water by a skilled kayaker.

Types

Competitive freestyle kayaking features an assortment of popular moves, as well as the possibility to execute new and original ones. Moves include: front and back surfing, where the kayaker moves forward and backward at different angles; spins and cartwheels, which can be executed lengthwise on the water or in the air; stalls, in which the kayaker stops the boat in mid rush; and getting airborne, which can be executed by submerging the kayak partially against a wave. These moves can be combined into trick sets of varying difficulties.

History

Playboating as a sport has been popular since the early to mid 1980s, when many extreme sports emerged. Competitive playboating or freestyle kayaking, formerly known as Rodeo, was popularized in the 1990s. The sport exploded in the 2000s because of improvements in boat design, allowing boats to be smaller and more maneuverable.

Resources

• Freestyle kayaking video tips and techniques