Whitewater Canoe

Whitewater Canoe Basics

A whitewater canoe is just what the term implies: a specially-designed canoe that you use on a whitewater river.  Generally, the image conjured up when you say canoe is a pastoral image of a person silently gliding over a smooth, calm lake.  A whitewater canoe trip is something much more exciting and more dangerous than our gentle image of a canoe trip on still or slow-moving water.

The sport of whitewater boating is an exciting one.  The extremes of the sport can range from beginning, or fairly tame, to more advanced and very exciting and dangerous.  Canoeing on whitewater is generally a group sport, although usually only one person is in each canoe.  It is a group event simply because usually several people will go down the rapids together in a group looking out for each others safety.

Getting High In A Whitewater Canoe

Much of the appeal of rapidly going down a wild river in a whitewater canoe is the adrenaline rush the experience gives the participants.  For the beginner, who is usually navigating a tamer river, the adrenaline rush will probably still be there, simply because it is a new experience and can seem rather dangerous.

Usually the canoe itself will be rented, especially if the boater is a beginner.  If you are a beginner, you will probably want to rent and do some research regarding a whitewater canoe before you go on your first trip. 

Buying A Whitewater Canoe

If you are more experienced or are entranced by the sport, buying a whitewater canoe can be a much better idea.  Of course, you will have to do some research and determine how much you can afford to spend.  A whitewater canoe can be quite expensive depending on the materials, size and quality of the boat itself.

Part of the responsibilty of owning your own whitewater canoe is ensuring its upkeep and that of other necessary equipment.  If you own your own canoe, you will also need something to transport it on, as well as paddles, life jackets and other necessary and optional equipment.  These are a few of the other things you need to think about when considering whether to purchase your own canoe.  Of course, if you are going boating every weekend, the cost of renting a whitewater canoe can add up quickly, so if you are serious about the sport, you will probably want to invest in one just to save yourself time and money.

Whether you own or rent a whitewater canoe, or whitewater kayak, you will want to do your research and know your way around the river and the boat before you take to the rapids.  Owning and using your very own whitewater canoe can be a memorable and fulfilling experience in itself.