River Vs. Ocean Kayaking

Kayaking, whether on the open ocean or raging river, offers a recreational sport for all ages and fitness levels to explore local wildlife and waterways. Not every river, bay or sea coast is alike, however, and beginner to expert paddlers need to understand the differences in equipment, safety measures and skill level required by river or sea kayak expeditions.

  1. River Kayaking

    • River kayaking ranges in difficulty level from the beginner expedition on calm river waters to whitewater kayaking, which requires a higher level of skill and stamina.

      River or whitewater kayaking varies in difficulty from placid streams to turbulent white-capped rivers, and specific rivers are often classified, like ski slopes, from beginner to expert. Most beginner paddlers start with short journeys on calm, local rivers with a group or guide. For those paddlers who prefer whitewater river kayaking, many kayak clubs and companies offer guided expeditions in which paddlers can choose the difficulty of the river or kayaking run to suit their skill level. Recreational kayaking is offered all over the world, and many kayaking enthusiasts travel coast to coast to navigate new rivers.

    Ocean Kayaking

    • Ocean or sea kayaking focuses on longer paddling journeys farther away from the shoreline.

      Ocean or sea kayaking exposes you and your kayak to the elements of the open ocean or coastal waters, and sea kayak paddlers must understand the nature of surf and tidal currents, as well as safety techniques. Hypothermia is the main risk when it comes to sea kayaking, mostly in the arctic and temperate regions. Even paddling in the wind and rain or in rough conditions without proper clothing can lead to hypothermia. Sea kayaking also requires that paddlers learn more advanced paddling strokes than recreational paddlers need in case of challenging currents or tides or changing weather on the open water.

    Equipment

    • Slow-moving river kayaks make up the bulk of the recreational kayaking market. They're typically 14 feet long with wide cockpits with minimal flotation and constructed to be used for short expeditions near the shoreline. Whitewater river kayaks are modified slightly to accommodate the swiftly changing waters and increased speed, outfitted with more flotation and control than a recreational kayak. The narrower sea kayak features more hatch space for equipment and versatility for longer trips like fishing expeditions, but it can also be used on the same water as a recreational river kayak. Sea kayaks are usually 16 to 18 feet, fitted with thigh braces and walls that give the paddler more buoyancy, speed and control to learn kayaking techniques like bracing, stroking and rolling, and rescue maneuvers.

    Skill Level

    • Recreational, nonwhitewater kayaking does not require high stamina or an advanced fitness level for paddlers who wish to navigate calm rivers for a day trip. For whitewater river kayaking, however, paddlers need to at least understand measures such as how to get in and out of the kayak cockpit safely if the kayak capsizes. Sea kayak paddlers, since their kayaking environment can be more difficult to navigate, should understand basic maneuvers like bracing, which helps the paddler stay in an upright position and in control of the kayak.

    Safety

    • Both river and ocean kayaking are safe watersports; neither is more dangerous than the other as long as safety precautions are taken. Make sure you understand what your level of experience is before venturing onto certain river or coastal waters. Many paddling associations and groups publish river and ocean guides online with tips and warnings for local bodies of water frequently traveled by other kayaking enthusiasts. Both rivers and oceans can be unpredictable, so beginners should always travel with a companion or group. Emergency provisions should always be stowed in kayaks on every trip, regardless of whether they're on river or ocean, and of course, life jackets and helmets should always be worn.