What Is A Whitewater Kayak?

My dad used to have a whitewater kayaking school, so I’m familiar with all the equipment necessary for this sport. First of all, you need the right boat to go down rapids safely. Since I was introduced to whitewater kayaks around the age of 4, I know them pretty well.

But if you’re just getting started, you might have no idea what this type of kayak looks like. That’s why I want to share everything you should know about whitewater boats. Before anything else, let’s define what they are exactly.

A whitewater kayak is a boat specifically intended to navigate in rough waters, such as rivers and rapids. It’s generally shorter and wider than any other type of kayak, so it’s maneuverable and stable enough for paddling in whitewater. However, the design of whitewater kayaks will vary from one model to another.

Now you probably have many questions regarding this facet of kayaking. Well, it’s a good thing because there’s much more for you to know about whitewater kayaks. So here’s everything I’ve learned about them during my several years of experience paddling in rapids.

Whitewater Kayak Terminology!

Before getting into more technical details, you should be familiar with the key terms I might use throughout my article. I will try to keep it as simple as possible, but sometimes it’s necessary to use more technical jargon.

Anyway, it’s a good idea to improve your vocabulary related to whitewater kayaking if you want to get into this sport. Thus, here are short definitions of words you might come across further in your reading or someday in the future.

Bow: Front part of the kayak.
Stern: Back part of the kayak.
Cockpit: Enclosed central compartment where the paddler sits in the kayak.
Hull: The bottom shape of the kayak.
Rocker: How curved the kayak bow and stern are out of the water. The more curvature, the more rocker a boat has. It will influence the paddling experience.
Chine: How the kayak bottom part meets the sides. A soft chine means the hull is round, while a hard (or sharp) chine makes a more angular boat design.
Volume: Used to measure the size of a kayak. (In gallons)
Primary Stability: Keeps the boat up straight in flat water. A whitewater kayak with good primary stability makes you feel stable because it restricts you from leaning on the sides too much.
Secondary Stability: Keeps the boat up straight in rough water. A whitewater kayak with good secondary stability feels more tippy on flat water, but it remains stable when you engage the edges of the hull.
Roll: Technique to recover efficiently from a capsize while staying in the kayak.
Wet Exit: Technique to exit a kayak upside down in the water.
Boofing: Technique to raise the kayak bow or keep it from going under the water surface.

You should be good for now with the terms above, but I could go on and on. Kayakers use many complicated words to define everything you can find in a river.

If you want a complete glossary of the whitewater paddling terms, check out this article from Mind Body Paddle. For the rest, it’s time to learn more about the kayaks designed for rapids.

Different Types Of Whitewater Kayaks!

Since every paddler and river is different, they are many options to choose from. Whitewater kayaks can be divided into 4 main categories: Creekers, Playboats, River Runners & Long Boats.

They are all suitable for paddling in rapids, but each design is made for a specific purpose. Whitewater kayaking is very large. Some people are looking for waves to surf, while others want to descend waterfalls.

You also have beginners or sane paddlers that will be content with small rapids. So every persona I’ve just described to you will need a specific type of whitewater kayak. Let’s take a closer look at each category to help you choose the right one for your situation!

Creekers

This type of whitewater kayak is designed for paddling fast in narrow rivers. It’s perfect for navigating steep and technical rapids. Creek boats usually range from 7 to 9 feet and are relatively wide, which makes them large whitewater kayaks.

Regarding the design, they feature a high volume to add buoyancy. In other words, it will keep you afloat or bring you back to the surface in case of submersion. Another advantage of large boats is that you have more space for storage.

Creekers also have a high rocker to prevent the kayak’s bow from diving underwater, making boofing easier. Despite their length, they are still highly maneuverable because of the strong rocker on both ends.

For the hull design, most creek boats have a soft chine or rounded bottom if you prefer. The lack of primary stability makes them feel tippy in flat water, but the secondary stability is excellent. So it’s probably not the best whitewater kayak type for beginners.

Creekers are great for running drops, narrow waterways, and technical rivers. They can be convenient for carrying gear on long trips too. Nonetheless, their large design isn’t ideal for paddling and playing in small rapids.

Best Whitewater Kayak Type For:

Narrow & Technical Rivers.
Big Rapids & Waterfalls.
Overnight Trips.

Pros

Great Speed.
High Buoyancy.
Maneuverable In Technical Rapids.
Excellent Secondary Stability.
Offer A Lot Of Room For Storage.

Cons

Feel Unstable.
Not The Most Beginner-Friendly.
Lack Of Playfulness.
Can Be Easily Pushed By Strong Currents.

Popular Creeking Kayaks:

Dagger Nomad.
Pyranha Shiva.
Liquidlogic Jefe Chico.

Playboats / Freestyle Kayaks

At the complete opposite of creekers, you have freestyle whitewater kayaks, also called playboats. They are more appropriate for doing tricks and playing in rapids than for paddling downriver. Usually less than 6.5 feet, it’s the smallest type of whitewater kayak.

Most freestyle boats have a flat hull to plan more easily on waves. So they are mainly used to surf and work on new tricks at specific play spots. It’s possible to ride them in rapids too, but the river running experience isn’t as good as with other whitewater kayak types.

Now let’s talk about the design. Playboats generally don’t have a lot of rocker. That way, freestyle paddlers can easily tip the bow or stern of the kayak underwater to perform tricks.

For the chine, it will vary a lot from one model to another. However, it’s generally harder (more angular) than softer (more rounded) because the hull is often flat. It means you will have a lot of primary stability on flat water or while surfing waves.

On the other hand, the sharp transition from the kayak’s bottom to the sides isn’t great for secondary stability. As soon as you lean past a specific point, you’re very likely to capsize unless you know how to brace with your paddle. (Use it as support to avoid flipping over)

With such a small and boxy design, playboats don’t respond as well as other whitewater kayaks in currents and rapids. Thus, you will need some practice before getting used to them. Despite their unique handling characteristics, surfing and freestyle paddling can be very fun. It’s actually my favorite part of whitewater kayaking!

Best Whitewater Kayak Type For:

Surfing.
Freestyle & Tricks.
Play Boating.

Pros

Flat Hull For Planning On Waves.
Optimal Maneuverability & Control.
Easy To Carry & Transport.
Ultimate Playfulness.
Provide Excellent Primary Stability.

Cons

Not Versatile.
Lack Speed.
Not The Best For River Running Experience.

Popular Freestyle Kayaks:

Jackson Kayak RockStar.
Pyranha Jed.
Dagger Jitsu.

River Runners

Among all whitewater kayaks, river runners are the most versatile. They have less rocker and volume than creek boats to navigate faster in high-flow waterways. But some models have a flatter hull and a harder chine to be suitable for surfing.

For size, river runners generally range from 6.5 to 9 feet in length. They are designed to perform well on a variety of rivers. It’s kind of a cross between playboats and creekers.

The hull is generally flat or rounded with a soft chine to provide good primary and secondary stability. Easy to maneuver, stable, and good for any type of kayaking, this whitewater kayak design is perfect for beginners.

While the standard river runner is very similar to a creeker, some models are closer to the playboat design. That’s why there are three subcategories of river runners. Everything above relates mainly to the standard one, so let’s analyze the two other types.

Learn more about the differences between river runners and creek boats!

Playful River Runners

Slightly less focus on the experience provided while paddling down rapids, they can also be used for playboating. Playful river runners have generally a shorter length (around 7 feet), a flatter hull, and/or less volume. So they are suitable for surfing and allow some play moves.

Nonetheless, the primary purpose of the boat is still to go downriver. This type of whitewater kayak is the ideal balance between paddling experience and playfulness.

River Running Playboats

Finally, you have another option even more adapted for freestyle boating. River-running playboats allow you to do a variety of tricks while still being comfortable paddling down in rapids. They are slightly longer than freestyle kayaks but shorter than most river runners.

In this subcategory, the boat design and size can vary a lot. But the length usually ranges from 6.5 feet to 8 feet. Most of the time, it looks like a freestyle model with a longer shape to be used downriver as well as to play and do tricks.

The main difference with playful river runners is the back of the kayak. On playboat models, the stern is typically suitable for freestyle moves. It’s not the case with other river runners.

Best Whitewater Kayak Type For:

Beginners.
Versatility.
Running River & Doing Tricks.

Pros

All-Around Kayak Design.
Suitable For Downriver & Freestyle Paddling.
Offer Primary & Secondary Stability.
Fast & Maneuverable.

Cons

Not Specialized.

Popular River Running Kayaks:

Liquidlogic Remix.
Pyranha Burn III.
Wave Sport Diesel.

Popular Playful River Runners:

Dagger Axiom.
Jackson Kayak Fun Runner.
Pyranha Nano.

Popular River Running Playboats:

Pyranha Loki.
Liquidlogic Freeride.
Wave Sport Fuse.

Long Boats

If you add some length to a standard river runner, you will get a long boat. This type of whitewater kayak is generally over 9 feet to go as fast as possible in rapids. Although it’s not easy to manage, a lot of bow and stern rocker can increase maneuverability.

Long boats can be great for a couple of reasons. First, they have enough speed to be used in creek races or upstream paddling. Then, their extra length offers more volume to store a lot of gear if needed and add buoyancy.

On the other hand, this bulky design has some downsides. Long kayaks won’t be as simple to control as small ones because they are less maneuverable and go faster. So they are probably not the best option for learning how to kayak in whitewater.

Carrying and transporting them can also be quite complicated due to their length. However, long boats might be ideal for paddlers that want a kayak providing speed and room for storage. Just know that they aren’t very convenient and can be challenging to navigate.

Best Whitewater Kayak Type For:

River Running.
Creek Racing.
Storage Capacity.

Pros

Fast Kayak Design.
High Storage Capacity.
Suitable For Upstream Paddling.

Cons

Low Maneuverability.
Not Versatile.

Popular Longboat Kayaks:

Dagger Green Boat.
Liquidlogic Stinger.
Jackson Kayak Karma Unlimited.

How To Choose A Whitewater Kayak For Your Needs?

With all the types of boats designed to paddle in rivers, it can be difficult to select the right kayak for your needs. Even in the same category, there are several models, and each of them is unique. Thus, let me help you figure out the perfect option for your situation.

Select The Right Type Of Kayak.

First, you must nail down whether you need a creeker, playboat, river runner, or longboat. With that information, your options will drastically reduce, which is good. So here are some things that can influence what type of whitewater kayak is best for you.

The environment in which you plan to go paddling and what you want to do there are the principal factors to consider. Every river and paddler is different. So you should have an idea of the water conditions you will kayak in and what’s your goal to select an appropriate boat.

Your level of experience with rapids and paddling sports is also essential to keep in mind. Starting right off the bat with a longboat might not be the best idea. In my opinion, beginners should stick to river runners as much as possible.

With these two elements in mind, you should be able to figure out what type of whitewater kayak is more appropriate for your needs. Once it’s done, you can start analyzing the different models available in this category.

Consider The Hull Design.

The bottom shape of the kayak can highly influence your paddling experience. Although each type of whitewater boat has a typical hull design, every model is different. Overall, you have the choice between planing and displacement hulls.

Planing hulls are flat, so they are more stable, maneuverable, and surf well. Displacement hulls are rounded, and their main benefits are better tracking and speed. Then, you should seriously consider the rocker and chine.

In general, the more curvature a kayak has, the easier it will be to maneuver and turn. A higher rocker can also help to keep the bow and stern on the surface, which is great for running rivers or surfing. On the other hand, it will sacrifice tracking, stability, and speed.

The chine is another factor you should consider while choosing a kayak. It can highly impact how stable you feel and are in the water. Let’s understand why the transition between the bottom and sides of your boat is so important.

Harder chine hulls (angular) will track better and have higher primary stability. On the contrary, softer chine hulls (rounded) provide more secondary stability and can be easier to maneuver.

Opt For The Ideal Size.

Even the best kayak in the world can be useless if you can’t fit in it. That’s why you must choose the right size for you. How long and wide your boat is will also affect its performance.

Kayak manufacturers and brands usually provide a range for the recommended paddler weight according to its volume. The cockpit dimensions are another piece of information that can help you figure out whether you will be able to sit in it comfortably or not.

It’s essential to keep in mind that your gear might add a few pounds to your weight. And if you fall in between two sizes of kayaks, it’s generally recommended to opt for the larger one. Overloading a boat will impact its performance and comfort. But also make sure not to get a whitewater kayak that’s too big!

The length and width of a kayak can affect your paddling experience. Longer models will generally be faster, track better, and offer a lot of storage room. However, shorter ones are more maneuverable and portable.

The width will mainly influence the stability and speed. Narrow kayaks are often faster and track better, but wide boats are more stable and provide more room for storage. Therefore, every dimension should be considered.

Look At The Features.

Once you have an excellent idea of what kayak type and size you need, it’s time to analyze the details. You might even already have some models in mind, so the features can help you make your final decision. Performance is essential, but comfort and convenience are too.

The first part of the whitewater boat to consider is the cockpit. Everything from thigh braces for optimal control to the padding on the seat can be great features to have. One thing I really like is an adjustable backband to improve my posture and support my back while paddling.

Another great add-on for kayaks is the bulkheads and foot braces. Paddling in rapids without foot support is difficult and uncomfortable. That’s why I would rather choose a model that comes with adjustable foot braces.

Many features can make a kayak more practical, solid, and comfy. If you look at the product details or ask the seller, I’m sure you will find all the more technical aspects of the boat. Anyway, don’t pick an option for the features only.

What About The Price?

Most whitewater kayaks cost approximately the same thing. Prices usually vary from $900-$1,300, depending on the model. So it’s not a huge consideration because the range is narrow.

The only way you can pay less is to buy a used whitewater kayak. In good condition, it can cost 50% to 70% of its retail price. With all the secondhand boats out there, you shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding one.

For more information about this subject, read my article on how much kayaks cost!

Give It A Try!

The ultimate way to know if a whitewater kayak is the right one for you is to get in it and run rivers with it. Fortunately, you can often do a demo at dealerships or stores. So don’t miss this opportunity to test the kayak before purchasing it.

Whitewater Kayak Brands!

If you’re new to river kayaking, you probably don’t know who are the big players in the industry. Well, there are not a lot of companies that make boats designed for rapids. So let me share with you the most popular whitewater kayak brands!

Dagger Kayaks.
Jackson Kayaks.
Pyranha Kayaks.
Wave Sport Kayaks.
Liquidlogic Kayaks.
Riot Kayaks.
Prijon Kayaks
Bliss-Stick Kayaks.

What Are The Best Whitewater Kayaks?

The kayak brand doesn’t really matter because each model is unique. Now you might wonder what are the best options available. Although it will depend on the environment you plan to paddle, some kayaks are better than others.

First, please don’t get an inflatable model because they aren’t well suited for rapids. To help you save time and energy, I’ve selected the best whitewater kayaks. My recommendations might help you find the perfect option for your needs!

Best Whitewater Kayak For Beginners → Liquidlogic Remix
Best Creeker Boat → Dagger Mamba
Best Freestyle Whitewater Kayak → Jackson Rockstar
Best River Runner → Pyranha R9 II
Best Playful River Runner → Jackson Antix
Best River Running Playboat → Wave Sport Fuse
Best Long Boat → Dagger Green Boat or Pyranha R12

Whitewater Kayak FAQ

Even if you understand what whitewater kayaking is and how to choose the right boat for this sport, it’s normal to have other questions. The more information you have, the better you will be prepared for paddling in rapids. Here are some of the most common concerns for beginners!

Is Whitewater Kayaking Dangerous?

Paddling in rapids can be risky, especially if you don’t have much experience. The main hazard of whitewater kayaking is capsizing and getting stuck underwater. With the river obstacles, currents, and waves, it’s easy to flip over in a kayak. So this water sport is relatively dangerous.

Read more about how risky whitewater kayaking is!

Can You Use A Whitewater Kayak On Flat Water?

Technically, you can use any type of boat on flat water. But whitewater kayaks are designed specifically to perform well in rapids. So they are generally slow and hard to paddle in a straight line on flat water. Most rivers also have calm sections, so you will often have to kayak on flat water before reaching the rapids.

Learn more about using a whitewater kayak on a lake!

What Are Whitewater Kayaks Made Of?

Most whitewater kayaks used to be made of fiberglass and resin composites. Nowadays, pretty much all the popular brands use hard plastic, such as polyethylene, for whitewater kayaks. It’s more responsive, durable, and requires less maintenance. Only racing kayaks are still constructed with materials like fiberglass.

What Is Needed For Whitewater Kayaking?

Apart from the kayak itself, you will need other equipment to go down rivers safely. You must have a paddle, whitewater kayak helmet, PFD, and sprayskirt. It’s also essential to dress for immersion. Many other accessories, such as hand warmers, nose plugs, or water shoes, can be convenient for whitewater kayaking.

Last Thoughts About Whitewater Kayaks!

Finally, a whitewater kayak is what you will need to paddle and play in rapids. They are generally wider and shorter to be more stable and maneuverable. But the boat design will largely vary from one model to another.

I hope my article has helped you learn more about whitewater kayaks in general. Now it’s time to gear up and improve your paddling skills. With all the information I’ve shared with you, I’m sure you have everything necessary to go kayaking in rivers and have fun doing it. Now it’s time to get into whitewater kayaking.

See You On The Water!