What You Need To Know Before Choosing A Boat For Whitewater Kayaking

Whitewater kayaking is a sport that has gained a lot of popularity lately. This is because kayaking enhances your social skills as you hang out with family and friends. Whitewater kayaking is an intense sport that requires considerable skill, concentration and a solid understanding of the dynamic of water. According to Journal of Measurability, kayaking can lead to improved self-satisfaction boosting your confidence. For people who are looking for something more than socializing, whitewater kayaking is a low impact sport which helps you build arms, leg, back and core muscles.
Depending on how fast and strong you are paddling the boat, you can build lean muscles and burn excessive fat. Studies have also shown that whitewater kayaking is a good way of distressing after a long week. Imagine being in the water kayaking in your boat as you enjoy the present moment. This relaxing state achieves the same benefit as meditation. With so much whitewater kayaks available on the market today, it can be difficult to choose the right boat. We are going to look at the various features of kayaks, including the right boats you can choose.
Design features
The following are the design features to look out for before choosing a boat for whitewater kayaking.

Planning and displacement hull
Planning hulls come with a flat bottom surface which extends from end to end. The displacement hull has a round curve, which displaces water as it dips below the water surface. Because of the round curve, displacement hull usually has a calmer chine and tends to move faster than a planing hull in flat water bodies. In addition, planning hulls are capable of turning quickly without too much effort since they can skim above the water surface. Therefore, you will not need to push the boat so that you can turn it.

Chines
Chines refers to the edges of the boat that is below the water surface. Kayaks which have hard chines are easy to steer by turning your hip to the direction you are moving without requiring to paddle. Soft chines, on the other hand, are more forgiving and require you to direct the boat to the desired direction before you can steer with your hip.

Rocker
Rocker refers to the curve that raises the boat above the stem and bow above the water surface. Kayaks which have more bow rocker, are easy to ride over big waves since the bow can stay above the water while landing. Boats with less bow rocker can cut through big waves, but the bow goes underwater while landing. Therefore, boats with more bow rocker are easy to maneuver despite their size while boats with less bow rocker move quickly on rivers.

Types of whitewater boats
Before you choose a whitewater kayak, you need to consider the purpose of the boat based on the water body it will be used. Rivers can vary depending on waterfalls and level 2 waves which can affect the boat you choose.

Playboats
This kind of kayaks are designed for surfing waves and allows the kayakers to perform various tricks. Playboats usually have a lesser bow rocker. It also has a flat bottom surface which helps the boat skim smoothly through the water surface. As a result, play boats offer kayakers primary stability.

River runners
This type of whitewater kayak helps users to move quickly downriver. It offers a good balance between primary and secondary stability. It features a softer chine and larger running length.

Creekers
Creekers feature a displacement hull and a considerable bow rocker. This helps the boat to turn efficiently despite its long length. In addition, it has storage space for food and other necessities. It comes with a rounded bottom surface which offers primary stability.