The tips for all the beginner to select a kayak

For beginning whitewater boaters, the process of choosing a whitewater kayak can be daunting. There are several types of kayaks with different designs. The implication of understanding the different kinds of kayaks is that they have different performance levels and can significantly influence your experience in this adrenaline-fueled sport. Here, we have listed the main design features and various types of whitewater kayaks that will inform your buying decision.
Design Features and Terminologies
Below are few design features you can be familiar with when looking for a boat. These features will also inform you how they affect performance.

Displacement Hull vs. Planning Hull
These two are the main types of kayak hulls on the market. However, there are other boats with shared characteristics on different sections of the hulls. A displacement hull has fully curved or semi-curved bottom. These boats push below the water surface instead of just skimming over the water surface. Displacement hulls have substantial secondary or angular stability than planning hulls but less of primary stability. Planning hulls have round bottoms. The boat, therefore, skims on the surface hence giving it primary or upright stability.

Volume
Kayaks are measured in gallons ranging from 45 to 95 gallons. The higher the kayak's volume, the higher it will sit on the water surface and the faster it will resurface. Higher volume kayaks are therefore ideal for paddlers dropping from high waterfalls.

Chines
These are the edges that are situated below the waterline. Boats with sharper or harder edges are capable of making quick, powerful turns. Although kayaks with soft edges may seem incapable, they can do well in shallow water with rocky terrain.

Rocker
Rocker defines the curve of the boat from end to end. Bow rocker will affect how the boat rides on large waves. More of it will keep the boat on the large waves while less bow rocker allows the boat to punch through those big waves. Longer and narrower kayaks go faster but are hard to turn than short and wide ones.

Types of Whitewater Kayaks

River Running Playboats
These are the shortest among all whitewater kayaks as they are designed to surf waves while performing aerial stunts and spins. They can be 6.5 - 8 feet long and both ends could be used for play. This boat is for people who wish to playboat hard without necessarily doing away with having fun and paddling downriver.

River-Runners
These boats function as river runners with an additional play for the paddler. The added play comes through shortening of the boat or flattening it to improve surfing. This category has different shaped boats to allow playful moves.

Creekers
These are the largest among all. They can have volumes of between 65 - 90 gallons. They are built to navigate through big, frothy rapids and maneuver through tight creeks. They have significant rocker which allows sharp turns regardless of its length. However, they lack the playfulness due to their length.

Long Boats
They can be as long as 12 feet long which enhances speed. The considerable bow rocker allows it to maneuver even through creeks. They can be perfect for creek racing and in accomplishing an upstream workout.

In conclusion, these may be individualistic observations. it's recommended that you try different types of whitewater kayaks to find out which one fits your needs. It may take more time to learn how to paddle on a specific kayak.