White water has many different aspects, from running rivers to extreme creeking
to freestyling at you local play spot. For those of you new to whitewater kayaking here is a brief run down of the differnet types and below we have compiled a list of some of what you can see at Canoexpo.

Breaking in and out of eddies, running a new drop or just bimbling down a bit of grade 2 with your mates, Running a river can be one of the most rewarding pleasurable experiences in the world. It requires skill and nerve to navigate your way down a river, and is not to be undertaken lightly. Clubs train their members to run rivers safely and the BCU have awards to grade a paddlers skill. You can train to become a river leader and teach others to get the most out of the river. Before running a river you must have the right equipment, buoyancy aid, helmet and spray deck are all essential items to keep you safe and having fun on the river.

If you’ve ever tried to do a trick in your kayak then you’ve already taken the first step towards becoming a playboater. The term ‘playboating’ describes the act of using a river’s natural features, such as waves, eddy lines and holes, to perform tricks. It’s all about trying to get your boat to surf, spin, bounce and cartwheel, while you get wet and have as much fun as possible with your mates.

In any sporting discipline there will always be a few individuals who strive to push the boundaries of what is already possible, and whitewater paddling is no exception. Extreme paddlers now run rapids and waterfalls considered impossible a decade ago. The last few years have also seen ‘extreme races’ popping up around the globe, where paddlers race, some times head to head, some times against the clock, down a section of very serious whitewater. The action is exciting and photogenic and so often attracts a high degree of media coverage. Extreme paddlers can usually be seen donning full face helmets, like those worn by motorcyclists, and elbow pads to protect against impacts. They paddle short ‘creek’
kayaks that are highly manoeuvrable and have plenty of volume to keep them on the surface in turbulent water.

 

Young men old Mountains – A Kayak Adventure In Tibet - Chris Eastabrook
Dynamic Lines for White Water Kayaking - Simon Westgarth
Young Men old Mountains – A Kayak Adventure In Tibet - Chris Eastabrook 
Video Analysis - Things to make you a better whitewater paddle - Andy ‘Jacko’ Jackson
Tales From the Thule Bheri - Dave Fairweather 
Why the WCA Tore up Access Agreements - Ashley Charlwood
Kayaking with the Cossaks - Lowri Davies
Technical Rope Work - Franco Ferrero
Cutting Edge Paddle Design - Learning what to look for in your new paddle- Steve Hovarth 
Warm Water, Vin Rouge, and easy Rivers - Pete Knowles
Dudh Kosi - Relentless river of Everest - Dave Manby
Paddling in darkest Africa - Deb Pinniger
Dynamic Lines for White Water Kayaking - Simon Westgarth
Sun, Fun & easy White water in the French Alps - Stuart Woodward
Grand Canyon of the Zanskar Youth Expedition - Terry Kinsella
Mental Rehearsal for White Water - Dennis Newton 


Bliss Stick
Dagger
Eskimo
Fluid
Jackson
Perception
Prijon
Pyranha
Robson
Riot
Wavesport

Plus loads of kit, clothing, paddles and other accessories.See main exhibitor list