Kayak Styles

Kayak Styles

kayak rodeo image by Franc Podgor...¡ek from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

As the sport of white-water kayaking has advanced, kayaks made for white water have become more specialized. Saying you own a white-water kayak no longer completely describes your boat. Kayaks have become specialized and made for specific purposes, as paddlers specialize in certain areas and styles of paddling.

Creek Boats

Creeking kayaks are made for running big drops on tight, technical steep creeks. These boats have a high volume to resurface quickly after large drops and maintain high float over river features. High rocker aids in turning and sliding over rocks and other obstacles common in creeks, and a displacement hull makes for softer landings off drops.

River Runners

River runners are the all-around boats of the white-water family. Smaller than creek boats, they are still long as white-water boats go and have substantial volume. As a result, these kayaks are fast and stable, making them effective for beginners or anyone who just likes paddling the river safely and comfortably without stopping to play. Planing hulls add to the speed and make the boats carve easily through features and across eddy lines.

Free Runners

Free Runners, more commonly known as River Playboats or River Running Playboats, are a smart choice for those who want to get into freestyle playing while in a boat with enough length and volume to easily explore all that the river has to offer. With lower volumes in the bow and stern, planing hulls and slicey edges, these boats open play potential, while remaining stable enough for even beginners to feel comfortable paddling downstream.

Freestyle

The smallest white-water boats, freestyle kayaks are made for those who get into throwing serious tricks. Almost all the volume is concentrated in the center cockpit area, and those not used to these boats will find them considerably less stable when paddling downriver. However, the volume placement, along with slicey edges and hard chines, make possible flips, cartwheels, loops and other freestyle moves.

Article Written By Christopher Williams

Christopher Williams has spent over 11 years working in the information technology, health care and outdoor recreation fields. He has over seven years of technical and educational writing experience, and has brought strong skills and passion to the Demand Studios team in articles for eHow and Trails in 2009.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

More On This Topic

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword