It is essential for the kayaker to be accustomed to various kinds of whitewater rapids when he is kayaking on whitewater. In fact every category of whitewater rapids requires different skill level and being aware of that is vital for the kayak aficionado. It is also important for the kayakers to know the diverse water characteristics other than the rapids. These are the first and very important point for the safety of the kayaker.
Classifications: whitewaters are categorized into six different classifications. Ultimately, the lower the water classification, the easier the waters are. Class I whitewater rapids has the least amount of obstructions in the water, and are the best waters for the neophyte kayaker.
Class II waters require a bit more skill than Class I waters, but are still fairly manageable with easily avoided water obstructions. Further, Class III waters require some advanced skill: there are more obstructions in the water and the kayaker will need to possess considerable skill in areas where there is ledging. Class IV, V, and VI are waters that require significantly advanced skills as kayakers will need to be able to successful handle every kind of water feature and obstruction imaginable.
Eddies, holes, playspots, pourovers, stoppers, sweepers, and waves are some of the different water features. Different areas in the water which move slower than the rest of the water are called as eddies. This should be handled properly by the kayaker otherwise the kayak may overturn.
The various movements in water which showcase the skill of a kayaker are known as the playspots, holes, pourovers, stoppers etc. If the kayaker tries to maneuver the water he is not used to the waves can be significantly dangerous.
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