Whitewater Kayaking – How to Get Started, Choosing a Boat

So you’ve always dreamed of paddling one of those small plastic boats down a steep creek choked with waterfalls or down some huge, remote river. Or maybe you want to get into a surf kayak and rip up the wave in a carving machine or bust some aerial moves at a river wave or hole. Whatever you want to ultimately do, starting off on the right foot is extremely important. Getting the right boat, paddle, advice, training etc. is all very important in making the learning curve as gentle as possible, both physically and mentally. Of course, the impact to your wallet will also be taken to the minimum through making sound choices from the onset.

[This article is written based on my experiences and most importantly, my opinion. I’m sure some people will be jumping up and down with what I have to say but like most things in life, there are many ways to approach the same situation and many different solutions too. Perhaps we do things differently in South Africa. Either way wherever you may be it’s all about having fun on the river and doing it safely. Bearing that in mind I hope this article will at least educate you a little on the many choices you will have to make and familiarise yourself with the different types of boats that can easily confuse someone new to the sport. I’ve tried to write this article so that a total beginner can even understand it and hopefully I’ve achieved that goal. If not, drop me a mail.

Warning: This article is not laid out or written for someone wanting to only inform themselves about one specific boating type. Because of its patchy layout, various pieces of vital information are to be found throughout the article. So read it from start to finish. I’m sure it will make sense.]


For the full article and loads more photos, click HERE!