What's the Difference between Recreational, Ocean, and Whitewater Kayaking?
Recreational Kayaking: When most people hear the word "kayak" this is usually the segment of the sport that they imagine. Many of you already have or have paddled recreational kayaks on lakes and ponds, back bays, and flatwater streams. These boats feature large, comfortable, easy to access cockpits that make long hours of touring much more comfortable. The boats range from about 9 to 12 feet although there are exceptions. There are also a variety of "sit-on-top" kayaks that are unlike traditional designs as the paddler is not enclosed at all within the hull. These kayaks are very user-friendly, easy to learn, relatively inexpensive, and they are available from major retailers such as LL Bean, EMS, REI, and Dick's Sporting Goods.
Ocean Kayaking: The ocean is a big place and so is the world of ocean kayaking, often called sea kayaking. You have probably seen many different designs of sit-on-top kayaks at the Jersey Shore, from all-around recreational models to tandem touring models to specialty wave surfing kayaks that look more like a surboard than a kayak. Purpose-built traditional sit-inside sea kayaks are a bit different from these grab-and-go recreational models. These boats tend to be long and narrow to assist in slicing through difficult choppy ocean surfaces. What really separates them from recreational models are the difficulties that arise after a flip -- a sit-on-top just flips back over, but without an "eskimo" roll the sea kayaker faces the dauting prospect of draining and re-entering a swamped kayak possibly a long way from shore or bottom. The sea kayak features a tight-fitting cockpit with thigh-braces and spray-skirt to allow the paddler precise control and water-protection for rolling.
Whitewater Kayaking: This segment of the sport is the rarest and most arcane to outsiders and while almost everyone lives near some type of flat water, salt or fresh, the whitewater kayaker requires water flowing downhill. The steeper the hill, the more difficult the whitewater, which is graded on a scale from Class I (easy riffles) to Class VI (big water runnable only by most elite paddlers). Whitewater kayaks are designed very differently from the sorts of boats described above. They are short (from 6-9 feet) and they are designed to spin on a dime rather than track straight like rec and ocean boats. Like a purpose-built sea kayak, the whitewater boat features a tight fitting cockpit to allow the paddler precise control when navigating turbulent rapids. These kayaks also feature a cockpit rim that allows a taught spray skirt to keep water out. In Class II+ whitewater simply dashing into a few waves is enough to put several gallons of water in the boat, changing its handling and performance.
If you're interested in more technical descriptions of kayaks please see this blog's "Tech" page.
What Equipment Do I Need to Start Kayaking?
Getting into any sport can be an expensive affair. That is exactly why many beginners want to know what equipment they must have to get started. Below you will find an explanation of the essential gear that a kayaker must have as well as other non-essential equipmen.DO NOT just go out an buy a kayak. You will probably come to regret an equipment purchase based on your beginner knowledge. Although the kayak is the most essential piece of gear it is also the easiest to purchase last. You will be better off begging, borrowing, stealing, or renting a kayak. If you are a rank beginner every paddle stroke, regardless of boat, is part of your education. As you approach Class I-II whitewater an average recreational boat will give you a chance to experience the river without the expense and difficulty of a dedicated whitewater kayak purchase. When I was bitten by the whitewater bug it was in a Dagger Element 11.2 with an open cockpit on a scratchy low-water day on the South Branch of the Raritan River.
Essential Kayaking Equipment
- Kayak: Whitewater kayaks are completely different from Sea or Touring kayaks. The type of kayak you choose depends completely on what type of paddling you wish to do and what level of paddler you are.
- Paddle: Each type of kayaking uses a different type of paddle. The store where you buy your equipment can help you figure out which paddle goes with the kayak you decide to buy.
- PFD: PFD stands for Personal Flotation Device and is essentially a life jacket or life preserver for kayakers.
- Spray Skirt: Spray skirts help keep the water out of the kayak. They are necessary for Whitewater and Sea Kayaking. Recreational kayaking can do without them. You must be sure that the skirt fits both you and the kayak.
- Helmet: Helmets are a requirement for Whitewater Kayaking. They are not a requirement for Sea Kayaking. I always recommend using a helmet while Surf Kayaking.
- Dry Top, Drysuit, Wetsuit, Paddle Jacket: This is totally a matter of preference and water temperature. Some people always use a dry top. Others paddle without any of these items all summer long.
- Booties: Make sure they are comfortable and that you fit into the kayak while wearing them.
- Gloves: This is also a matter of preference as some people hate to paddle with gloves. In addition to keeping your hands warm, gloves also protect your knuckles from scrapes and gashes.
- Rope Bag: It could help you save the life of a friend. I strongly recommend all paddlers to carry a rope bag.
- Knife: This is one of those items you will probably never use. In the event you get tangled in a rope or stuck under a raft, you'll be glad that you had one.
- Float Bags: These bags that fit in the stern of the kayak will keep it from sinking should you get separated from your boat.
- Dry Bag: This will keep your snacks and camera dry. Just make sure it is attached inside of the boat.
