Extreme Kayaking Is A Blast
Normally speaking, using a kayak is something almost most people can enjoy. It does not require any previous experience or knowledge, and as long as you’re in average fitness level, you should participate in this fun, easy-going, tranquil sport out on the water. Whitewater rafting is also a popular activity. This isn’t so calm and relaxing, but more thrilling and exciting. You don’t need any experience to try your luck at whitewater kayaking, but you at a minimum should be at at high fitness level and be able to swim. Extreme kayaking is a sport that combines these 2 water sports, and is typically only for those with experience and confidence in whitewater rapids.
Extreme kayaking can be done in several ways, however most experienced kayakers will slide down the face of a waterfall and land into the busy waters below. Therefore, the gear used in extreme kayaking is different from is used in old school kayaking. Extreme kayaks are built to beat the rugged waters and speed. The most common materials used to build these boats is Kevlar and fiberglass, making for a durable surface if damaged or scratched at all. The boats range in size for extreme kayaking, from big enough to hold one person to twelve feet or longer.
The difficulty of the rivers is divided in classes by the International Scale of River Difficulty. This is how to decide where the greatest conditions exist for extreme kayaking. Traditional kayaking is performed on rivers with a Class I grade, this means the calmest and tranquil rivers. Extreme kayaking is performed on Class III-IV grades, which means they are recommended for advanced rafters only. There are several different types of extreme kayaking and they don’t all start with going down the front of a waterfall into a flowing stream of rugged water.