One of the greatest thrills you can have in life is guiding a small boat down a churning, frothy river. Although fun, it can be very intimidating.
Step 1
Learn your basic paddling technique and boat setup from a competent instructor.
Before you invest your time and money in gear, take some lessons and be sure that this sport is right for you. Your first lessons should be either in flat water or on a class I river (very light moving water). Techniques that you should learn at this point are good body positioning, basic strokes, the wet exit and edging. In addition to these techniques, you will also learn about the gear needed to whitewater kayak and how to properly use it.
Step 2
Consult with local experts and boating shops before you buy your gear. Take into consideration your body weight and height when selecting your boat and also what type of kayaking you are interested in pursuing. Different boats serve different purposes.
Step 3
Educate yourself about local paddling opportunities.
Ask your local boating shop about groups or clubs that operate in your area. There may also be places that kayakers informally gather, such as a really good surfing spot on a river, that will allow you to meet others in the local boating community. You should never paddle alone, so meeting others will provide you with more opportunities to enjoy time on the river.
Step 4
Find information about the rivers you have easy access to.
Purchase a guidebook or find a website that has river descriptions including average flow rates. Once you know the rivers in your area, you can use Internet river flow information to determine when a certain river or creek is flowing and runnable, dry and unusable or flowing excessively and dangerous.
Tips and Warnings
- Before you start to run rivers, learn your Eskimo Roll. This is the technique that allows you to roll your kayak back up when you have tipped over. It is essential that you have this technique down before you go on any rapid higher than a basic Class II. Don't be tentative in paddling. Once you decide where to go, take strong paddle strokes to get there. Always look at your destination; your boat will follow your eyes. Look for deals from local shops that combine lessons with discounts on boats and gear. Some boats, called playboats, are intended to do tricks like cartwheels, spins and blunts. A playboat would be a great choice for doing these types of maneuvers, but would not be very good for running rivers or creeking. Buying a used boat can save you a considerable amount of money, but make sure to educate yourself on what to avoid. If the boat is dented or scratches are deep on the hull, these are signs of misuse that you should steer away from. Try a few searches online to make sure the deal you are getting is really good.
- Never paddle solo; although kayaking is an individual sport, rivers can be dangerous and unpredictable. Having a friend available to assist you is invaluable. Always pay attention to river conditions. Even a familiar river becomes unpredictable after heavy rains or a drought.
Things You'll Need
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Personal flotation device
- Sprayskirt, fitted to your kayak
- Helmet
- Water shoes or sandals
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