Whitewater kayaking means different things to different people. Some boaters are hooked on slalom racing, pitting their skills against the rapids on a course which is defined by gates suspended above the water. Downriver racing is strictly speed down the river without the gates or maneuvers that are required in slalom. Recreational kayaking is more leisurely, but still challenging and exciting. It can be an easy trip down a friendly river in gently moving water to a boulder choked river fraught with sparkling rapids.

Park and play is yet another facet of whitewater kayaking. Rather than running the river, a relatively new angle on boating is to find a spot on the river, usually a hole where the water recirculates, drive up to it and stay to play at that spot using the river hydraulics to surf, bury the ends of the kayak, and other advanced moves. Typically these moves are refined at a park and play spot before the kayaker moves on to competing in whitewater rodeos which are timed events with points given for difficulty and variety of playboating moves.

Much like skiing, these different facets of kayaking require different equipment. Downhill skiers, for example, use different skies than do back-country skiers. Slalom boats tend to be made of fiberglass, are very light, and shaped differently than play boats which are made of plastic and are usually much shorter. Lots of advances in kayak design ensures variation enough in boats and equipment to suit everyone’s needs, abilities, and desires.

In spite of the different facets of whitewater kayaking and the accompanying gear and equipment, one thing is clear - a good foundation of paddling skills is required for all. A good foundation includes basic river knowledge and mastering the strokes, turns, and roll. Self-teaching is not recommended. Taking lessons from a qualified instructor from a reputable school or whitewater club is the safest and most efficient way to build a strong foundation. An instructor can help you master important techniques before you need them and have you maneuvering comfortably in the current. No matter what kind of kayaking you’d like to experience, whitewater boating allows you to be intimately involved with the water and a strong foundation of skills will ensure that experience is safe and fun. Shelly Hayes (Owner/Operator Purple Hayes School of Kayaking) www.purplehayes.bc.ca