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- Whitewater kayaks are short boats designed for whitewater junkies or rec users needing a wilder ride. Models include the popular playboats (for showboating those rodeo moves like cartwheels), as well as slalom and touring boats. Whitewater kayaks generally range from 6’ to 8’ and sacrifice speed for the ability to do small radius turns to maneuver quickly.

Another class of kayak that should be mentioned is the sit-on-top kayak, which has a sealed hull, is wider across the beam, and can carry more weight. If you fear being caught under an overturned boat, you should consider a sit-on-top design.

As you can see, there are many types of kayaks to choose from, but it basically comes down to your body size and your style of kayaking. Before you “put in” to the water, you can get a feel for a particular kayak’s mobility and shape right in the store by sitting in it on the floor. You’ll find that a flat-bottom kayak will be very stable in quiet water but will be harder to paddle and turn; while a kayak with a V-bottom or an arch bottom that feels tipsy on dry land will glide faster through the water and be easier to turn.


Shopping for the Rest of Your Kayaking Equipment

Next to the kayak, the paddle is the most important piece of gear you’ll select. The double-sided paddle comes with either... Sign-up Above to Read More!

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