Whitewater Kayaking Basics

Whitewater Kayaking - Whitewater Kayak Paddles

Whitewater paddles are superficially similar to sea kayak Euro paddles. The differences tend to be:

Whitewater paddles tend to be shorter - they must be wielded in tight, shallow or hectic situations.

Whitewater paddles tend to have stiffer shafts - the stiffness directly contributes to applied power.

WW paddlers tend to prefer one-piece paddles, while sea kayakers often prefer a take-apart

Whitewater paddle blades are usually bigger in size with a bit less asymmetry. This due to the requirement for a lot of power in the stroke and a high-angle stroke.

Feather angles are little different between Whitewater and sea kayaking. Every paddler has their preference. However, changes to smaller feather angles happened in Whitewater before being seen among sea kayakers.

Whitewater paddles focus on strength rather than lightness.