Kayaking 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!

Classifications: whitewaters are categorized into six different classifications. Ultimately, the lower the water classification, the easier the waters are. Class I whitewater rapids has the least amount of obstructions in the water, and are the best waters for the neophyte kayaker. Class II waters require a bit more skill than Class I waters, but are still fairly manageable with easily avoided water obstructions. Further, Class III waters require some advanced skill: there are more obstructions in the water and the kayaker will need to possess considerable skill in areas where there is ledging. Class IV, V, and VI are waters that require significantly advanced skills as kayakers will need to be able to successful handle every kind of water feature and obstruction imaginable.

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.

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