| Choosing whitewater adventure as a hobby does not | | | | is that they will know the water, and you can be |
| mean that you are limited to just one type of vessel in | | | | secure in the knowledge that they will know what they |
| which to pursue your thrills. There are several types of | | | | are doing in case of an emergency. |
| craft designed to navigate whitewater rivers. Each of | | | | The Kayak |
| these boats has its adherents; some individuals swear | | | | The second vessel most people will think of when it |
| by one type of craft. For almost every type of boat, | | | | comes to whitewater paddling is the kayak. The kayak |
| there are several types of design and materials | | | | was not, in fact, originally designed for whitewater. It |
| available from which to choose. In fact, many | | | | has its roots among northern peoples, particularly the |
| whitewater enthusiasts will have more than one type | | | | Inuit of North America, who used the bone and skin |
| of vessel in their garage or in their shed and the choice | | | | structure along the open sea to aid them in hunting and |
| of vessel will depend on the day's excursion. Here's a | | | | food gathering. Today, the kayak continues to be used |
| list of three types of boat commonly used for | | | | for ocean travels, but it has also been adapted for |
| whitewater paddlers, with a bit of their history. | | | | whitewater usage. Whitewater kayaks are generally |
| The Whitewater Raft | | | | shorter and more maneuverable than their seagoing |
| For many people, the first images that come to mind | | | | counterparts. |
| when they think of whitewater are those straight out | | | | The Canoe |
| of the tourist brochure: a group of people equipped | | | | The canoe might be one of the last vessels that |
| with helmets, life jackets and sunshades, dipping | | | | comes to mind when it comes to whitewater, but the |
| paddles into the cool spray of a raging river. Many | | | | fact is that many experienced paddlers continue to |
| people get their first experience in whitewater by going | | | | swear by the canoe as the only way to tackle rivers. |
| on an organized raft trip. Most outfitters will utilize | | | | In fact, the canoe was the original river-going vessel. |
| inflatable rafts, although historically white water rafting | | | | Canoe-like designs can be found among virtually all |
| was taken out of necessity and via a raft made of | | | | cultures who live along major waterways throughout |
| wood and steered by poles along the river bottom. In | | | | the world. |
| most cases, the raft is intended for a group of people | | | | Each of these whitewater boats have their |
| and is therefore ideal if you're planning a group | | | | advantages and you should definitely try all three. |
| excursion for work or any other kind of get-together | | | | Ultimately, you will decide which one is best for you. |
| activity. The advantage in using experienced outfitters | | | | |