I s a kayak really required for white water?

Question

Couldn't I just float down, for example the zambezi, wearing a lifejacket, or even a dinner jacket?

Answer 1

Of course not, whitewater swimming or riverboarding is an increasingly popular sport, and even a part of several extreme racing events. http://www.ripboard.com/community/media.shtml

Answer 2

It depends on the the class rapids 1-6 u could probably float down 1-2. But 3 and up you could use a whitewater conoe but you would have to work up to it. You also needa know the water. Class 6 is found in only Calorado(I Think, but you need a license kinda thing for 6). But you need skillz.

Answer 3

A life jacket, no. A dinner jacket, certainly not. Well, I suppose it's do-able, but you'd have to be a really hard-core extremist to risk the rocks with nothing more than your body.

But the term "white water rafting" would rule out the necessity of a kayak, as you would be in a raft, not a kayak.

Answer 4

Trust me you can totally float down white water... I fall out of boats enough with a life jacket on to be living proof. The only issue is whether or not you want to inhale the entire river. Every little ripple puts you under when you are in a life jacket.

Answer 5

You could wear whatever but it's much safer to be in a boat. A kayak is not required. There are folks who use special canoes and, of course rafts are used as well.

Answer 6

Of course you could, and I have. But when it comes to big rocks, wouldn't you prefer a fiberglass hull taking the hit as opposed to your head?