Kayak Play Boats - River Running Fun!

A whitewater play boat is made specifically for the currents of a river and are popular with whitewater kayakers looking to play in one area as opposed to getting from one point to another. Choices include Freestyle, River Play, River Running, and Creek Boats.

Play boating is the skilled art of performing river tricks using waves, holes, and pour-overs. Whitewater rodeos are competitions in which paddlers compete for the most original and technically precise river stunts. Some of the tricks include spinning in holes, getting shot out of the water on-end, and wave surfing.

Generally, these kayaks are twelve feet or shorter in length and are the best for play boating because they spin faster and fit more easily into holes and steep waves. A good play boat has a lot of rocker (banana shape) in its hull which makes it easy to spin. Playboats are relatively forgiving and smooth-handling.

If you are learning how to kayak, play boats are one style of kayaking that can be extremely fun and exciting. Since the early 1990's, play boats evolved from the design of conventional kayaks so that paddlers could master the art of coursing through rivers and rapids in an artistic, gymnastic sort of manner. Playboating is an activity normally undertaken during river voyages and so-called “playspots.” There are even competitions, freestyle events, or play boat “rodeos” held across the country or in certain parts of Europe. These are held in artificial courses where water levels are regulated.

Rather than simply going from one destination to another on a regular kayak, play boats take on a more creative approach. They do a variety of stunts such as spinning, surfing, cartwheels, flips and rotations. Some are even adept in doing aerial moves wherein paddlers bounce off waves to gain air lifts. These stunts and moves undergo several innovations during competitions, especially since additional points are gained for personal style.

Kayak play boats do not fall into a category of certain disciplines, especially since the sport is quite free-flowing. However, local kayak clubs are known to have playboating excursions and events for paddlers who want to get together to learn the moves. Since a variety of skills can be developed through playboating techniques, paddlers have come to appreciate the high level of skill needed in this type of kayaking.

Playboating involves forming a good understanding and appreciation for rivers and rapids in general, especially since performing stunts on them requires an increased level of confidence. Even seasoned whitewater kayakers have used playboating to develop their skills by trying out stunts during river tours.

Kayak playboats are built to be low volume. This means that the bow and stern are made as light as possible while still able to keep the paddler afloat. During a playboat ride, the paddler is able to easily submerge the ends of kayak underwater. Innovations in terms of design have made play boats a class of their own, and they are made from a variety of plastic materials rather than fiberglass or wood.

When learning how to control a kayak play boat, it is a good idea to visit a playspot before attempting to go on a river. Playboating is much safer on controlled waters, especially for beginning paddlers. Of course, it is more convenient when done in a playspot since help or first aid is accessible unlike on remote whitewater runs. If you have mastered playspots, you can eventually “graduate” to creeks or mild river runs.

Usually such trips are supported or hosted by paddling clubs who can provide instruction, safety aids, gear and support. Lesson groups are an ideal venue for first-time playboaters, especially since they are open to those with little of no experience in the sport.