Whitewater Kayakers???

[Davemtbkayak]

I realize MI doesn't have a lot of whitewater, but any ww paddlers out there?

I'm a class III+ paddler.

Dave

[ryanmcg]

I'm a class III+ paddler.

I have no idea what that means, but it sounds awesome. I've been looking to get into the sport next year (I consider kayaking to be like MTB for the upper body). I live right next to the Clinton River at Adams Rd, and it looks very enticing. Any pro tips (starter equipment, or technique)?

[Davemtbkayak]

Starter advice? Not suer I'm qualified for that, but here are a few things:

1. Take an intro course somewhere to learn about the sport, general paddle strokes, gear, boats, fitting into a boat, etc. I took one at a community college in Charlotte, NC. Cost= $ 100 for a weekend course.

2. Buy used gear. No need for new stuff when you are learning. Its not like MTB- there aren't any moving parts. A used boat is still great. They get banged up anyway. Try www.boatertalk.com

3. boats fall into 2 basic categories: whitewater and touring/sea. For whitewater, stay away from "playboats" to start- it will only frustrate you and make you want to quit- ha. The longer the boat, the easier it is to "track (stay straight." The flatter the hull (bottom) of the boat, the harder it is to learn to "roll" the boat. Playboats are short w/ flat hulls. Lots of fun, but miserable to learn with.

4. A river running boat or creek boat would be good for learning.

Hope that helps.

Dave

[mtbfree]

A used boat is still great. They get banged up anyway.

They sure do...