How to Kayak on Whitewater Rapids

For people who love the water and are bored with sail or motor travel, then kayaking may be the sport to try. Whitewater kayaking provides thrills while putting you close to the water. You can use a small, hard kayak for whitewater or an inflatable kayak. Both require significant paddling skills and upper body strength. The spills can be tougher too, so wear a helmet.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Rent a kayak and paddles before you spend money on one. See if you like it and if you are suited to the sport. Most good whitewater rapids are lined with rental companies. Try out various sizes and types too.

2. Consider lessons before attempting to kayak on whitewater rapids, particularly rough rapids. You must learn how to steer the boat and how to fall and right yourself.

3. Practice in the boat in smooth rapids before hitting the bigger drops. Paddles on the right to go left and vice versa. When you see a dip ahead, where the water drops over rocks, point the kayak directly into the rapids. Paddle quickly to correct any movement, as the only way you will say afloat is to enter the rapids dead on.

4. Go kayaking with a partner or a group. If you fall, you will want someone near in case you get into trouble. Wear a helmet so you won't bang your head on the rocks.

5. Know what do if you are in trouble. If you are in a hard kayak in which your whole body is encased, then you will need to know how to flip it back up. On an inflatable, you sit on top of the vessel and will just fall out. Let go of the paddle and make sure you are safe before worrying about retrieving your boat or your paddles.

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