Creekboats
Creekboats generally have more volume and rocker; consequently they float higher (volume floats the boat higher in the water reducing the effect of currents and eddylines) and turn faster (rocker reduces the amount of the boats waterline allowing for quicker turns in tight maneuvers). Creekboats are also fairly blunt on the ends to reduce the chance of pinning on technical, rock-strewn creeks.
Playboats (Freestyle)
Playboats, or freestyle kayaks, are usually smaller than creekboats, and they have “slicier” ends. They also have sharper edges, called “chines”, and are lower in volume. These boats are intended for surfing and playboating on waves, in holes, and on other river features. Playboats are designed to make use of underwater currents to perform vertical moves and to initiate freestyle maneuvers. The nature of their design makes them less forgiving in pushy whitewater, but more agile for play.
Whitewater Canoes
Canoes are a traditional craft for running whitewater, and with modern designs they can be found everywhere you find kayaks. Canoes can be divided into two types. The traditional open canoe where the paddler is seated or in a saddle and the boat is not decked, or the C-1, or decked canoe which is similar to a kayak but the paddler is kneeling and using a single bladed paddle. Canoes also come in solo and tandem models making them good choices for family paddling.
River-Running Kayaks
River-Running kayaks are general use whitewater kayaks. These are good boats for beginners and those who enjoy just cruising the river and catching eddies. River-runners usually have more volume than playboats, but less than creekboats. They come in several different sizes to match their paddler. River- runners are usually a little longer than playboats to increase hull speed and stability. These are good all-around kayaks, and good expedition boats.
Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are the fastest growing segment of the paddling market, and they make up the majority of boats sold today. What is a recreational kayak? That is a hard question because so many kayaks fit into the category. Generally speaking, recreational kayaks are stable, beginner friendly boats that are usually 9 to 14 ft. long. These boats also tend to be less expensive than their more technical cousins, the touring kayaks. Some sub-categories of recreational kayaks would be sit-on top kayaks, fishing kayaks, hybrid kayaks, and some yet to be invented. Recreational kayaks are at home on lakes, calm rivers, and intercoastal waterways.
Touring Kayaks (Sea Kayaks)
Touring kayaks are the long narrow kayaks often called sea kayaks, even though they are equally at home on lakes and calm rivers. These boats are usually 14-20 ft in length and have ample storage room in bow and stern waterproof hatches. The length and width of these boats makes them very efficient for longer trips across open stretches of water. Many of these boats come equipped with rudders or skegs to assist in tracking and navigation. Touring kayaks are usually harder to paddle than recreational kayaks, but once they have been mastered, they are much more efficient. Touring kayaks have outfitting which truly makes them sea worthy which also makes them more expensive than recreational boats.
