How to Kayak in Rapids

There are few better ways to spend time in the great outdoors than cruising down whitewater rapids in your kayak.

However, whitewater kayaking is also a risky sport, requiring a high level of skill and expertise to manage risk on the river. Out of all the things that you need to know to paddle whitewater, learning how to kayak in rapids is arguably the most important when you’re just starting out.

Although there’s no substitute for time spent on the water and professional instruction, learning the theory behind how to kayak in rapids is essential before you make your first river descent. To get you started, here’s a quick guide to the basics of whitewater kayaking.

First and foremost, anyone looking to paddle rapids should understand that rapids come in a wide range of difficulties. Rapids are classified according to their difficulty level using a rating system developed by the American Whitewater Association (AWA).

There’s a lot that goes into classifying rapids, but here’s a quick overview of the system:

Class I – Relatively fast-moving water that has only a few small waves. Fairly casual paddling that poses minimal risk to kayakers.
Class II – Slightly faster water with some mid-sized waves and a few rocks. Usually fairly wide with clear navigational channels.
Class III – Intermediate river paddling with slightly larger waves. May have large hidden obstacles, strainers, and reasonably powerful currents. Relatively low risk of serious injury.
Class IV – Advanced terrain with powerful rapids, large holes, strainers, big waves, and other hazards. Rapid scouting is highly recommended. Rolling skills required.
Class V – Expert whitewater with very large and unavoidable rapids. Only suitable for experienced paddlers. High risk of injury in a swim.
Class VI – Exploratory terrain with extreme conditions. Requires expert paddling skills and highly experienced rescuers on standby.
The whitewater classification system is important because it gives kayakers an idea of the risk involved with paddling a section of a river.

As a relatively new whitewater paddler, it’s essential to stick to lower-risk terrains, such as Class I and Class II rivers, until you’re confident in your ability to read and navigate rapids. Then, once you gain more experience and confidence, you can start to venture into Class III terrain to solidify your skills.

Additionally, always keep in mind that whitewater kayaking is an inherently risky pursuit. The risk of injury is low but still possible when paddling in Class I and Class II waters. Class III and higher rivers come with an even greater risk of injury and should be approached cautiously. 

Therefore, always wear personal protective equipment, such as a helmet, PFD and waterproof walkie talkie, which is very important, can help outdoor adventures smoother while whitewater paddling. Paddle in a group and take whitewater rescue courses to learn the basics of river rescue. Seek out professional instruction and training to improve your skills. When in doubt, play it safe. 

Next we will knowledge the classifying rapids: https://bit.ly/3ypB0Zj