Thinking of making the transition from flatwater to whitewater? We’ve got a boat for that.

At ARC, we love introducing beginning paddlers to the thrill of whitewater kayaking. It’s the perfect blend of skill, adrenaline and adventure. This is the second in our series of blog posts designed to help our customers — no matter their experience level — navigate the purchasing waters. (If you’re curious about our first post, you can check out our favorite entry-level rec kayaks here.)

Once you’ve gotten some experience on the water and mastered basic paddling skills, starting your whitewater journey is surprisingly easy. Whether you’re just beginning yourself or initiating a new buddy, check out these tips and tricks for beginners:

• Nail down the fundamentals. Don’t get out on the rapids until you’ve figured out basic paddling skills on flatwater. Make sure you’ve gotten in the practice of balancing, maneuvering and rolling on slow-to-medium moving rivers first — and practice your wet exits!
• Get experience. Whether it’s a club, a class or a trip with experienced whitewater paddlers, make sure you learn from those with experience before trying it out yourself. A great place to get connected and figure out your options? Our store, where every member of our sales team is a paddler.
• Gear up. In any paddling situation, proper equipment is a must. For whitewater this includes a helmet, personal floatation divide (PFD), protective clothing, paddle and a stable kayak.

Ready to check out our top whitewater rigs? Remember: Whitewater kayaks are designed to keep you secure, stay straight and take a beating. With all that in mind, fit is the most important consideration when purchasing a whitewater boat. The boat should be snug but not too tight. Here’s our top selection for whitewater novices:

1. For a Classic Paddle: Dagger Code (8.3, 8.8 or 9.1)
Dagger kayaks launched right when whitewater kayaking’s popularity was taking off in the 90s. They’re built for whitewater, which is one of the reasons we love their boats. The Dagger Code is the “pillar of the line” and the perfect pick for a blend of whitewater performance and stability. We love the high-rise bow rocker, which will keep you up and over water features while helping you accelerate through. The Code’s semi-planing hull tracks well, cutting into eddies while still offering the perfect amount of stability for a beginning boater. Plus, this rig is forgiving and easy to roll!

As mentioned, one of the most important features of a whitewater kayak is fit, and the Dagger Code has sizing dialed in with three options built to ensure comfort and snugness. The 8.3 (small) variation is designed for paddlers 100-160 lbs., the 8.8 (medium) for boaters 140-220 lbs., and the 9.1 (large) for those 180-260 lbs. Come check out this boat in store — we know you’ll love it!

2. For a Top-of-the-Line Paddle: Pyranha Scorch (S, M or L)
For a boat that’s been called the most forgiving whitewater kayak ever, this river runner is perfect for beginners. Though the Pyranha Scorch is pricier than some of the others on our list, it’s the whitewater trifecta of comfort, stability and performance. The Scorch offers the kind of speed that keeps your nose up and on top of the waves.

Full-length rails mean you can hold the line, while a bow rocker with a wave deflector increases your maneuverability through anything the river might throw at you (while keeping your face dry). A stern kick rocker keeps your boat moving through drops. Grab the size that suits you, from small to large — with the bonus X variation, a longer boat than most whitewater rigs at 10 feet.

3. For a Sporty Paddle: Jackson Flow
Looking for a light, nimble boat? Confidence meets sportiness in the Jackson Flow. This creek boat’s shorter length makes it quick and easy to turn — a slim, modern whitewater design that forgoes weight and volume for maneuverability. Narrow width allows for better carving and a high level of control. A tapered stern and high-rocker design mean this boat is easier to boof and will help beginners learn how to skip out of drops as they run the river. Bonus?

The Jackson Flow is one of the most comfortable kayaks on the market with plenty of legroom, an impact-absorbing uni-shock bulkhead system, and a thigh hook system to keep your legs locked in and ready to roll. Check out this rig in action.

4. For a Stable Paddle: LiquidLogic RMX (76, 86 or 96)
As a blend of some of LiquidLogic’s best designs, the RMX has been dubbed a “modern classic,” earning a reputation as the best LiquidLogic boat yet. Its stability delivers a healthy boost of confidence, enabling even whitewater beginners to power up and over anything the river throws their way. The RMX’s versatile hull shape makes the kayak fast to paddle and easy to turn, while the high-rise bow rocker paired with a scooped stern allows it to stay above water features and skip out of drops. Some reviewers have even said that it feels like a surfboard.

The boat tracks well, giving beginners permission to play on smaller rapids and confidence to take on bigger ones. One thing to note: this boat offers sizes ranging from 8’11” to 9’6”. The 86 or medium size measures at 9’4”, longer than most medium-sized kayaks.

5. For a Fast Paddle: LiquidLogic Stinger
Have a need for speed? Born out of a race boat design, LiquidLogic’s Stinger has been tweaked and perfected to paddle fast. Yet, it’s surprisingly easy to control. The narrow hull lets you rip down rivers, while the length — a whopping 12’5”! — ensures stability. The bow rocker sails you up and over obstacles, while the pointed stern drops into the water to keep you on track.

This is a boat that has longevity. While it’s stable and maneuverable for beginners, it’s also a top choice for professionals whose goal is speed: the perfect investment for a lifetime on the water!

Ready for the rapids? We’re here to help you launch your whitewater adventure. Stop by our store or give us a call. We’ll get you in a boat that meets your needs, ensure the right fit, and gear you up for safety and comfort — all while offering the expert paddling advice we’ve been known for over the last 47 years.

For the love of paddling, since 1977.