Good news: you don\u2019t have to. In this article, we\u2019ll be talking about some of our favorite boats to take into the whitewater<\/strong> and highlighting the best river running kayak in a variety of categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re looking for a cheap option, or a top-of-the-line playboat built for the most challenging rivers around, you\u2019ll find what you\u2019re looking for below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cheap but reliable, the Star Raven I makes for a fine first whitewater kayak<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The appeal comes in its crossover value, able to handle both calm water as well as smaller whitewater river conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost ten-feet long, the Star Raven I is disproportionately wide, measuring 38\u201d across. This gives it a bulky appearance but it makes for an incredibly stable<\/strong> kayak, perfect for inspiring newcomers on rough waters up to Class III whitewater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an inflatable, storage and transportation is easier. This doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s flimsy though. It will require you to be more cautious to ensure a long life, but on the water, the tough exterior<\/strong> can handle most bumps and collisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s be clear, taking a sit-on-top through challenging whitewater can be dangerous<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re just not designed to handle those types of turbulent waters. However, if you\u2019re going to be on mellow whitewater like a Class II river, the Frenzy from Ocean Kayak can get the job done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This thanks to a long keel that helps with tracking <\/strong>and will help prevent you from turning sideways to the river. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It sits high enough above the water to keep at least some of the splashing waves off of you and the comfortable seat enables you to travel the riverbank in comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s more versatile than boats designed specifically for whitewater <\/strong>and can be used for a variety of other activities such as recreational paddling and even fishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long and sturdy with plenty of room for two people<\/strong>, the Driftsun Rover 220 is a unique and impressive whitewater kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a self-bailing<\/strong> boat that does a great job of keeping the water out while the inflatable design is easy and intuitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have the hang of it you can expect the inflation process to take less than ten minutes. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It has a huge load capacity of 600 pounds<\/strong> and enough space to bring along some extra gear for an overnight trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the length (12.5\u2019) and big load capacity, the Rover 220 remains incredibly light, weighing just 28 pounds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019ve also included a camera mount<\/strong> on the bow so you can capture all of the day’s adventures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With hard chines and a short, stubby design, the Jitsu 6.0 from Dagger shines in tight spots<\/strong> thanks to its incredible maneuverability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With hard chines and a planing hull, it skims over the water<\/strong> and in the hands of an experienced paddler can be pushed through some truly challenging waterscapes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It weighs just 38 pounds and measures six feet <\/strong>in length making it easy to carry to and from the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t expect it to track very well on that short keel however and newcomers may find the narrow 27\u201d hull a little tippy<\/strong> when they first climb in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With practice though the Jitsu 6.0 is responsive and an absolute joy to paddle along swift-moving rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all whitewater trips are created equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To give you an idea of how challenging the river will be to navigate, rivers are broken down into six categories<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More challenging conditions should be reserved for those with a lot of experience who have spent several years in the seat of a kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re just getting started, begin your whitewater career with Class I and II rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Class I<\/strong> is essentially a slow-moving brook with minimal if any turbulence. This is the perfect place to get acquainted with your river kayak<\/a> and master your balance and steering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Class II<\/strong> will give you a few rapids and require a few turns, but nothing too challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you move into Class III and above your experience and skill become more important<\/strong>. If it\u2019s your first time on a Class III river, go with someone that knows the river well. If possible walk the stretch that you\u2019ll be paddling first to get a lay of the land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bear in mind that a river\u2019s classification is not set in stone<\/strong>. River conditions can change with the time of year, rainfall, and in some areas, the amount of snowmelt.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This can make a river \u201cswell\u201d and increase the degree of difficulty above what it usually is. Always get the most updated information before setting out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proper safety gear should be worn no matter the difficulty of the river or your experience level. A helmet and life jacket <\/strong>are basic requirements while spare warm clothes and a first-aid kit<\/strong> are also important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In all likelihood, whitewater kayaking will involve a sit-in kayak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With sit-in boats, you sit inside the kayak with the deck covering your legs and lower torso. The cockpit is narrow and can be covered with a spray skirt to keep splashing water out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because you sit so low in the boat, sit-in kayaks are very stable and can have a narrower keel than sit-on-top boats<\/strong>. This allows them to be maneuverable and track well <\/strong>through rough water which is vital when maneuvering whitewater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A sit-on-top kayak can be used on mellower rivers and maybe some Class II rapids<\/strong>, but their design makes them better for recreational and fishing trips than adrenaline-fueled journeys down the river. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Whitewater Kayaks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best Whitewater Kayak for Beginners: Star Raven I<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Best Sit-On-Top Whitewater Kayak: Ocean Kayak Frenzy<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Best Inflatable Whitewater Kayak: Driftsun Rover 220<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Best River Running Playboat: Dagger Jitsu 6.0<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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How to Choose the Best Whitewater Kayak for You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Experience Level and River Classes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/White-Water-kayaking-with-a-friend-1.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSit-In vs. Sit-On-Top Whitewater Kayaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Kayaking](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/White-Water-Kayaking-On-A-Class-III-Rapid-706x714.jpg\")
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