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The Novice's Guide to Whitewater Kayaking Gear

By: Mary Long

The sport of riding or paddling down rivers, or other moving bodies of water, is called whitewater kayaking. You can take anything from a fun float trip to the challenge and adrenalin from a rapids route. White water rafting requires the same equipment,regardless if you are a beginner or an expert. Due to variables and conditions involved in whitewater kayaking, the specifics of gears tend to differ.

Another name for a kayak which is specifically intended to be used for whitewater kayaking is a playboat. Of necessity these need to be made of strong and long lasting materials! Lengths can be anywhere from 6 to 12 feet, if not longer. In the kayaking community one of the first things that you learn about is the fact that kayaks typically measure 6 to 7 feet in length. The height and weight of the user, the type of water the kayak is going to be used in and the main use for the kayak will all be factors in deciding what size and design of kayak to purchase.

Kayaks which may be used on hazardous rapids require many features that whitewater kayaks used for easier trips do not. The price of a new kayak can range anywhere from $600 to thousands of dollars.

Whitewater kayaking paddles are generally 6 feet long, give or take a few inches. Short paddles are great for quick maneuvering and long paddles are more suitable for whitewater rafting on creeks and rivers.

The greatest level of power is obtained from bigger blades but if you will be sticking with creeks and rivers then a medium sized blade will be fine. Spoon shaped paddles are used to give power for playboating. You can use a special paddling method with a wing blade to get the most power.

Whitewater kayaking paddles are made from various materials, including plastic, wood, laminated wood, carbon, fiberglass, and fiber composites. Of course, there are pros and cons of whichever material is utilised. The size of the person driving the boat and their sytle of paddling will determine the type paddle that is necessary.

Coast Guard approved type III life jackets. These are known as PDFs. there are some models that are specially constructed for kayaking. The most important attribute of a PDF is a snug fit no matter what garment it is used with.
Experienced whitewater kayakers agree that it is important to purchase the best kayaking helmet your budget will support. Things to take into consideration are funtion and protection, then you can look at style. If you want to do some heavy duty whitewater kayaking then get some decent headgear. That which is most common used looks like a football helmet. They have face guards and provide increased coverage and protection compared to standard kayaking headgear.

Neoprene is the best product for whitewater kayak skirting. The longevity of the spray skirt depends on stretching, UV rays, and any abrasions it may have. In the case of emergency, spray skirts must be easy to remove.

Article Source: Main Articles

Kayaks which may be used on hazardous rapids require many features that whitewater kayaks used for easier trips do not. The price of a new kayak can range anywhere from $600 to thousands of dollars. www.learnkayaking.net/beginner-s-guide-to-whitewater-kayaking-gear.php www.learnkayaking.net/

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