Extreme Kayaking
The exact definition of extreme kayaking is varied depending on which class of whitewater enthusiast you speak with. Generally speaking extreme kayaking is best suited for paddlers wishing that adrenalin rush associated with maneuvering and playing in extremely wild water. Extreme paddling requires the right extreme kayak that has been specifically designed for the intended use.
If you feel that you can be confident when rapidly moving down cascading wild waters, you should first focus on learning river running skills while using the appropriate equipment. Once you have mastered your basic paddling skills and self-rescue techniques you should book a beginner level river running tour which includes all the necessary equipment and safety gear. These tours are very instructive and will give you a somewhat calmer whitewater experience.
Intro to Extreme Kayaking
There are several different classifications of paddling that requires the use of extreme kayak equipment. Creeking is a very advanced sub-category of river running.
Creeking involves the technical ability to navigate down very difficult wild water courses that have been graded for difficulty in the advanced 4 to 6 range. The gradient (drop) when creeking is usually more than 19 meters per kilometer and is usually over narrow river courses. Seasoned paddlers while creeking run slides, ledges and cascades and use a specifically design extreme kayak called a creek boat.
A sport called whitewater slalom is an Olympic event and involves racing down a whitewater course while navigating through gates. The fastest paddle wins. This is the only Olympic event on whitewater. The paddlers typically must navigate through a predetermined course that has a difficulty rating of between 2 and 4. With a paddler losing points for touching a gate and the gate placement locations, the difficulty rating is actually much higher. A specially designed extreme kayak is needed for slalom racing.
Other Classifications of Extreme Kayaking
Whether you use the term freestyle, rodeo, or playboating this artistic form of extreme kayaking is best suited for paddlers able to perform as gymnasts with a paddle. Freestyle paddlers do not move long distances down the water but instead find a location that typically includes a wave, hole, or pourover to perform maneuvers while working with, as well as. against the raging waters. Maneuvers include cartwheels, surfing, a variety of flips, and aerial acrobatics. A specially designed extreme kayak for this sport of freesyling is necessary.
The final classification is squirt boating. Squirt boating predates freestyle kayaking and requires a totally different extreme kayak design. These kayaks are only made special order, based on the paddlers weight, size, and preferences. Paddlers who squirt boat are known for their ability to submerge themselves and their kayak underwater for several seconds at a time while moving down the waterway.
Learning the Correct Extreme Whitewater Techniques
There are many advanced skills needed for extreme kayaking. A fundamental skill that you should master first, is the ability to disassociate your upper body movements from your lower body movements and coordinate those separate movements when paddling. This sounds quite complicated but can be done with lots of practice. Your upper body power will maximize through upper torso rotation from the hips. This technique puts your stomach and back muscles into every stroke. Turn your body at the hips to paddle and thus keep your hands safely in front of your body.
When using an extreme kayak your paddle blades should be in the water as much as possible to maintain control. The blade in the water is called the 'active blade' and you will need to alternate your paddle blades as quickly as possible. Utilizing this kayaking tip will enable you to better control your kayak rather than allowing the water to control you. Remember take some preliminary river running instruction and practice often. As your skill levels advance so will your extreme whitewater options.
References:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7484122.stm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitewater_Kayaking