Learning Kayaking On the Rapids

When whitewater kayaking, the kayaker must be familiar with the different types of whitewater rapids. Knowing the different classifications of whitewater rapids is critical to the kayak enthusiast; each classification requires a different level of kayaking skill. Further, along with the different rapid classifications, kayakers must be equally familiar with the different types of water features. Knowing the waters is the first step in kayaking safety!

Categorizations: There are six unlike categories of whitewaters. The water is easier when lower the classification of water. For instance the best water for a novice kayaker is the Class I whitewater rapids as it has the minimum difficulty in the water.

It is not very tough to handle Class II waters but they need a little more skill as they have more hindrances in the water. On the other hand more complex skills are required to handle Class III waters as there are many more obstacles in the water and he should also know ledging. When kayakers take up Class IV, V, and VI waters they will require the ability to manage all types of water features and hindrances possible in the water successfully. This requires considerably superior proficiency.

Water features include eddies, holes, playspots, pourovers, stoppers, sweepers, and waves. Eddies are areas in the water that are moving slower than the rest of the water body and if not handled properly, a kayaker is sure to capsize.

Holes, playspots, pourovers, stoppers and sweepers are all terms referring to the different motions in water that determine the skill a kayaker requires. Finally, waves can be considerably dangerous, especially if the kayaker takes on a body of water they are unprepared for.