Differentiating Rafting And Kayaking Whitewater River Adventures

In the world of adventure sports, nothing can prepare you for the sheer thrill and excitement of shooting through some of the world’s finest whitewater rafting on river rapid systems like the Grand Canyon. Whether you seek to enjoy it alone or with a friend or in the company of other individuals in search of exhilarating fun as you are, the choice of the water vessel to use is paramount.

This Brings Up The Question, Kayaking Or Rafting?

As you could predict, both are excellent water vessels to navigate whitewater. However the kayak will simply outperform and outclass the raft because of the following unique characteristics of the kayak:

• It has a very narrow, well-optimized, and very sleek and stream-lined profile which allows it to literally slice through the water. This minimizes drag to allow the kayak to literally ‘shoot’ through the rapids.
• It has a spray skirt which can protect you from water getting inside the kayak. So, even if you submerge or be pounded by towering waves, you simply will not capsize. And even if you do overturn, just shift your weight and you will be right back up.
• You will be sitting at the level of the waterline. This puts you at a great advantage to use the double-bladed paddles for you to go faster than any other water vessel on the whitewater river system. Additionally, this lowers the center of gravity so you are basically more stable.
• Kayaks are small often no longer than 14 feet long. You can conveniently carry one by yourself and then inflate it just before you go conquer the rapids.

Having pointed out the advantages of a smaller, more agile craft, the oar raft certainly has it’s own set of advantages.

• Oar Rafts are larger, most carrying 4 passengers and a guide on commercial Grand Canyon rafting trips for example, however there are some that can carry up to 10 passengers. The raft is quite wide with provisions for seating as well plenty of space for other items such as camping gear and food/kitchen equipment for longer multi day raft trip which include camping.
• Rafts depend on buoyancy and not displacement. As such they are perfect for gentler river systems as well as larger more aggressive rapids. While some can use the raft to navigate higher classes of whitewater river the those navigating the oars should have plenty of experience and command the other passengers appropriately when in turbulent waters.

Technically choosing between a kayak and a raft boils down to your wants, needs, skill level and the purpose of your river adventure. Grand Canyon rafting trip options include a variety of raft types including oar, dory, paddle hybrid and even some options which offer inflatable kayaks. For more information on these guided raft trips in Grand Canyon, contact Advantage Grand Canyon who can coordinate your trip today!

 

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