Beginner's Guide to 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 specifics differ due to conditions and other variables involved in whitewater kayaking.

Kayaks built for whitewater kayaking, often called playboats, are usually made of durable and flexible plastic. Lengths vary from around 6 feet to as long as 12 feet, maybe longer. Newer designs tend to run around 6 feet to 7 feet in length. Personal kayak size and shape 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 do not need the features that kayaks used on dangerous river rapids must possess. New kayaks can cost from around $600 to thousands of dollars.

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

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

Whitewater kayaking paddles are available in a variety of materials including fiber composites, fiberglass, carbon, plastic, wood and laminated wood. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses. Boater size and paddling style will affect choice of paddle.

Type III Personal floatation devices (PFDs) include models that are specifically for kayaking. The best PFD is one that can be adjusted to fit snugly whether the user is wearing a tee shirt or a wet suit.
Many experienced whitewater kayakers suggest buying the best whitewater kayaking helmet that the budget allows. Function and protection are important considerations, even before style. For serious whitewater kayaking, there are helmets that look almost like those used in football. They feature face guards and offer more coverage and protection that standard kayaking helmets.

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


by Anders Eriksson / Datorsam.com, Make Money with Adsense

Comments

north face sale
north face sale - By north face sale - Homepage
15th December 2011 - 11:27pm

cheap north face jackets
cheap north face jackets - By cheap north face jackets - Homepage
15th December 2011 - 11:27pm

Louis Vuitton Borse
Louis Vuitton Borse - By Louis Vuitton Borse - Homepage
15th December 2011 - 11:28pm

Replica Watches Rolex Watches Breitling Watches Omega Watches Tag Heuer Watches IWC watches Panerai watches Patek Philippe watches A.Lange
répliques montres - By répliques montres - Homepage
20th February 2012 - 3:45am

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

Kayaking Florida Tours & Destinations
Ocean Kayaking - The Ultimate Challenge In Exploring The Waters
Extreme Kayaking - Kayaking At Your Own Risk!
Explore The Beauty Of Hawaii Through Kayaking
Kayaking The Big Island - A True Hawaiian Adventure!
Experience Whale Watching On Rosarito Beach
Kayaking In South Carolina: Break Away From The Ordinary!
White Water Kayaking Guide Books
Beginner's Guide To Basic Kayaking Equipment
Canoeing And Kayaking - The Essentials
Visiting Canada? Take A Tour With Mothership Adventures!
Beginner's Guide To Whitewater Kayaking Gear
Kayaks, Kayakers And Kayaking
Preparing For Your Kayaking Trip - The Basics
Finding The Best Kayaking In Seward, Alaska
Tandem Kayaking; Sharing The Adventure!
Kayaking In Florida; A Different Approach To "Fun In The Sun"
Kayaking Australia
Nude Kayaking; Experiencing The Water Outside Of A Shower!
International Sea Kayaking Guide Books
Where To Take A Guided Kayaking Tour In San Diego
Archipelago Kayaking Destinations
The Environmental Impacts Of Kayaking - Is It Dangerous?
Hawaii Kayaking Destinations






My Articles


Experience Whale Watching On Rosarito Beach Mexico is a country known for its tropical appeal and lush..


Explore The Beauty Of Hawaii Through Kayaking The chance to vacation in Hawaii is a rare opportunity for some people...


Where To Take A Guided Kayaking Tour In San Diego Take a look around the city of San Diego, and you're likely to see everyone..


Archipelago Kayaking Destinations Sea kayaking Archipelago destinations take boaters from the ordinary..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
Roger Rosenblatt Reflects on Love, Grief, Kayaks - PBS NewsHour

    

Roger Rosenblatt Reflects on Love, Grief, Kayaks
PBS NewsHour
Author Roger Rosenblatt considers grief, solace, solitude and love in the wake of his daughter's death in his new book "Kayak Morning: Reflections on Love, Grief and Small Boats." Jeffrey Brown and Rosenblatt discuss a morning out on the water and a ...

and more »



Lyons Township High School - The Doings La Grange

    

Lyons Township High School
The Doings La Grange
Spend this summer kayaking, brushing up on your math or learning to be part of a radio station. Play soccer, learn to cook or join the Rock Climbing Camp. Register for a Lyons Township High School summer academic or activity program.

and more »