Whitewater Kayaking

If you are looking for thrills, then you can always try whitewater kayaking. Whitewater kayakers paddle fast moving water and play in rapids. A whitewater kayak is shorter and fatter than a sea kayak. This shape allows for quick maneuverability. When you capsize in your kayak, and you will if you paddle in whitewater, you can either bail out of your boat like a sissy, or execute an eskimo roll to upright your boat.

Kayakers gauge the difficulty of a rapid using a whitewater rapid classification system. This system is not exact science, but hey, it works.

In order to get fast water, most whitewater paddling is along rocky mountain rivers. Whitewater paddlers always wear helmets and most wear a waterproof jacket to stay warm.

• Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club - water levels for WA, MT and ID