Extreme Whitewater Kayaking

 


As the name suggests, Extreme Whitewater Kayaking is a push towards the extremes. Extreme kayaking is very popular among adventure-lovers as it tests their endurance, stamina and will power. It gets the adrenaline rushing at a furious pace. This daredevil task is life risking but the exhilarating feel that it gives has no equal. This sport is not meant for faint hearted people.


Considering the difficulty level and the risk involved in extreme kayaking, certain precautions have to be taken. First and the foremost, being in a good physical health is mandatory. Extreme whitewater kayaking demands a lot of energy, which is spent in a very short span of time. Regular cardio vascular exercises like cycling, swimming and running helps to prepare for the thrill. While kayaking, the upper part of the body exerts maximum energy since kayakers have to paddle continuously and rigorously. A paddler needs to retain his energy till the end of a kayaking adventure and only a cardio vascular fitness regimen can guarantee it.


Similarly, special kayaks are designed to meet the needs of extreme whitewater kayaking. To absorb the impact of freefalls and bumpy water rides, kayaks are made of durable and sturdy materials like fiberglass and Kevlar. Nowadays, flat bottomed kayaks are available which allow the kayakers to bounce off the rocks and ride the waves easily. They also help in an effective and safe landing during a plunge.

 


The International Scale of River Difficulty has a rating system for Whitewater Rivers and classifies them according to their difficulty level. The rivers have been given grades ranging from Class I to Class VI. Class I grade is calm and the smoothest type of river. Higher the grade, more difficult is it to tame the river. Class VI rivers are highly untamable, having rapid currents and maximum swirls. Generally, Class III and Class IV rivers are considered the best for extreme whitewater kayaking. These rivers have waves rising up to four feet high and maneuvering the kayak needs expertise.


Advanced kayakers with a good experience prefer to take a plunge down the waterfall into the rough waters. These plunges can be as steep as 45 feet to well above 100 feet. While attempting to ride a waterfall, kayakers are known to 'boof' - a technique to raise the nose of the kayak, using the legs during the fall, to avoid getting submerged or capsized. Meanwhile, it is not necessary to plummet off the cliff; kayakers are known to conquer the raging rapids with knotty twists and jagged rocks. Extreme kayakers also try 'creeking' where they ride the creeks and ledges, and tame smaller falls. Seasoned kayakers are now exploring new waters that were previously deemed unattainable.


Though there are very few cases of death while extreme kayaking, it can prove to be hazardous for inexperienced, amateur kayakers. Extreme kayaking is not recommended for beginners. It requires a great deal of experience and expertise.

References:

http://www.kayakingjournal.com
http://en.kayakwiki.org/index.php
http://www.paddledognation.com
http://www.allaboutrivers.com
http://www.americancanoe.org
http://www.paddlingcanada.com