Types Of Boats for KCKA Float Trips
You can use just about anything that can be paddled on a KCKA float trip. A separate FAQ addresses the pros and cons of different boats.
Flat Water Trips - Class I – II
Medium length touring kayaks (12-14 ft) and recreational kayaks will usually outnumber canoes on most
KCKA flat-water trips. Occasionally, someone will use an inflatable or a folding kayak. Full length (15-17ft) touring kayaks are difficult to maneuver in swift current but are really great for lakes and bays.
Boats that can haul at least minimal camping gear can be used for KCKA overnight trips that include camping on the river.
Shorter whitewater boats are usually not used on flatwater trips because they are difficult to paddle fast enough to keep up with the longer boats. Touring kayaks are the easiest to paddle.
The 12.5 foot Perception Enduro and Dagger Crossover are my favorites for
rivers and creeks with swift current and or light whitewater. I like a
longer touring boat if maneuvering is not needed and/or it is very windy in open
water conditions.
Whitewater Trips – Class II-V
Special whitewater canoes, whitewater kayaks and rafts are used for whitewater trips. Whitewater canoes are typically short and have more rocker than touring canoes. Whitewater kayaks are much shorter than touring kayaks and come in a variety of shapes. I don’t have any knowledge about rafting.
Longer touring boats are not usually used on whitewater trips because they are not maneuverable enough. You simply can’t turn them quick enough or paddle them sideways with the draw stroke. Maneuverability is needed to navigate hairpin turns and between boulders.
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