When most people get into whitewater kayaking they are not immediately familiar with playboating. The allure of whitewater paddling is almost always based on the adventure and excitement of braving the rapids. It only takes a few times on a river, however, to see guys and gals surfing, squirting, and boofing their way down in their kayaks for the playboating itch to set in.
The best way to describe playboating is perhaps in this way. Playboaters view a whitewater river as a playground full of features to, well, to play in and on. So, rather than simply paddling down a river with survival in mind the playboater is on the lookout for river features to surf, boof, and cart wheel in and on. You know, play!
Admittedly this is still a vague definition. Hopefully after reading this guide you will have an academic look at what it is to playboat. In the end though, this facet of whitewater paddling can only be explained so far. Playboating must be experienced to truly appreciate and understand this sheer blend of physics, athletic prowess, and personal artistry.
Photo © by George E. SayourPlayboating is obviously not done in a vacuum. It is performed on and in river features. At first a hole just looks like a bunch of recirculating water and an eddy line looks like a strange disturbance. With experience however, it is in recognizing the intricacies of every river feature that playboaters are able to really make the most of their time on the river.
Photo © by George E. SayourBefore a person can begin to playboat in a river they need to know some playboating basics. For instance, there might be a perfect wave to surf that is just upstream of an undercut wall. You’ll need to be able to recognize that so that you don’t fall to the temptation of the surf and get yourself in trouble when you flip over. Learn the basics before you go whitewater playboating.
Photo © by Mike WeberNo one has successfully sworn off playboating! Sure it looks scary at first and you can try to convince yourself that you just want to run rivers. But, it won’t be too many trips down the river before you will begin to try your hand at playboating. It starts with a wave that you think you can surf or an eddy line that you accidentally stern squirt in. Then you’re hooked! So you might as well learn the proper way to execute these “entry-level” playboating tricks to speed up your learning curve.
Photo by George E. SayourOnce you’re able to catch and surf waves and stay upright while stern squirting you’ll want to take your game to the next level. These tricks are next in the progression of moves to do once your comfortable with the basics. The truth is, given enough time on the river and many of these will just happen to you anyway. It usually starts with a hole you’re front surfing when all of a sudden you lean a little bit and twist your paddle a certain way and suddenly you just did a 180. Int
Photo © by George E. SayourWhile surfing is the first playboating trick you’ll learn, the truth is you’ll never grow old of it. There’ll always be bigger waves or perfect waves and you’ll just want to paddle out onto them and glide ever so effortlessly on their faces.
Photo © by George E. SayourCatching waves and paddling into holes is one of those skills that form the foundation for the tricks you’ll want to do. You can’t, after all, surf a wave that you can’t catch. And, while many holes will just suck you in, there are plenty of them that you’ll have to work at to get into. This guide will help you get into those tough spots. Once you’re in, though, its up to you get yourself out!
