Hi guys,

I am very new to kayaking in general and even more so too white water river running type stuff. My girlfriend and I have decided to take the plunge (and probably a few swims) and start white water kayaking. We have begun the search for gear, boats, skirts, tops, ropes, PFD's, helmets, paddles the goods! We have a great store in our town, the staff is very friendly however they do not have a lot of white water product on hand (only one boat right now). While they are patient and try their best to explain things Im new and very nervous at the thought of spending multiple thousands of dollars on a sport as a learner. Also while i have been moonlighting attempting to learn the lingo I feel like a grade six kid sitting in on a masters program, I don't have the experience or a clue.

Thus I was hoping that you folks could help us out with a few things.

Firstly, is there a good white water boats for beginners guide somewhere?

Secondly, is there a good way to tell who a boat is suited to (how long, how much weight, how tall the paddler etc). Im over 6' and my girlfriend is around 5'6".

Lastly, is there any major technological advancements (from a beginners perspective) that should make us simply bypass used gear and get only new - or - anything radical that has happened in the recent history that we should be aware of? For example don't buy any boats from pre 2006 as they don't have "X" and have "Y" where as any boats made after that time employ newer "X2" and have omitted "y" completely.

Thanks so much in advance

Stephen and Leah

This article might help answer a few questions:
adrian.playak.com/index.php?option=com_c...=view&id=93&Itemid=5

If you have any others, just ask...

Buy used first. If you browse the gear swap section you can probably find something. You will be better off starting in a boat that has more volume, and looks more like a bean, and is most likely between 7 and 9 feet. Any bigger and you might not be able to steer it too well, and any smaller and you will have a lot of time underwater. Ask your store what paddling groups they know of, and most clubs have online forums where you could probably find someone's old gear.

At this time of year, most people are at pool sessions, or the sessions are beginning to end, so that is definitely the way to go at the beginning. Find an instructor that you can take a few lessons from, and you will have a better experience. I am not sure what the British Canoe Union (BCU) does, but the American Canoe Association (ACA) has a page where you can search for all of the courses.

P.S. I think most clubs probably have "club gear", which may not be the best, but it will get you on the water without having to spend a ton of money. If you want a boat, get a used one, and once you decide what features you desire and what you want to do in the future, you can start looking at new boats. Plus, if you can find a good deal (I would say under 300 pounds/euros is a good deal) you could probably sell it for as much as you bought it for if you choose to sell it in the future.

Check out www.Bliss-Stick.ca for links to all things BC. There are a ton of boaters in the provence. I would not buy a used boat, untried off any gear swap. Starting in a boat that you have not tried, just because the specs say you fit the boat can ruin the whole experience and is a waist of money.

Research where the shops, clubs etc.... are in BC and then roadtrip to demo remembering that all stores are there to sell you what they have which might not be best for you.

Don't forget to also demo paddles. Finding the right paddle for you is as improtant as the boat.

Living in North Idaho We boat in BC alot. It's cold. If you going to be boating more that just mid summer you should also think of looking at drysuits. If it's in the budget get the best one you can as it is a big expence but worth it in the long run.


Instruction is key.