If you are looking at becoming involved in the rapid sports then one of the areas of concern and interest for you, might be the white water. The whitewater is what one sees when looking at a rapid. It is noticed of course because of its white color and is full of bubbles, which are the unstable currents that have become aerated. When looking at these types of rapids, sometimes they may be considered not to be as turbulent as many of the other types of flow that is found in the rapids.
Some rapid sports enthusiasts will refer to Whitewater as being a body of water that contains many different rapids. It is a common term called whitewater canoeing or white water kayaking.
If you're going to become involved in rapid sports then you really need to understand the different types of rapids that you will be exposed to. There are many different components that make up the rapids. These are things that you really want to learn before you start out on your rapid sports adventures.
When it comes to tackling the white water you will find it comes into classifications of which there are six categories. Starting with the first category, which is classed as the easiest and therefore the safest, going all the way up to a class VI, which is the most difficult and also the most dangerous.
When one refers to the grade of the white water, this is in reference to how a difficult and dangerous it is. Grade one usually refers to a flat surface with slow moving water and there are not too many hazards present. It is only the most experienced expert white water rider that will attempt the level VI. In fact quite often if the level VI rapids have been run successfully they will end up being downgraded to a five.
Another term you are going to come across is portage. If you hear of someone referring to a portage rapids this means that the boater has landed and will carry his boat around a particular hazard rather than trying to ride it
These are just a few terms to get your feet wet when it comes to white water rapids.
Enjoy the experience. This is definitely one of the most exciting pastimes there is but you must respect the power of the water. Never go out alone or with an inexperienced pal. Always get expert tuition and make sure that your first adventure is a supervised one.
What Are You Looking at in the Whitewater?
