Closed cockpit kayaks, where you sit and paddle with a two bladed paddle, are the most popular boats. White water canoeing depends on river water levels and these vary according to the time of year and local weather conditions. Although there are a number of sites worldwide with year round white water due to artificial sluices or dams, the majority depend on rainfall or glaciers melting to bring them into condition for white water canoeing. In the European Alps the best time of year is the early summer, when the snow and ice is running off the mountains, whilst in Britain and parts of the USA and New Zealand, it is mostly in the autumn and winter, when the moisture laden air masses dump their load on the hills. Equipment can be borrowed from these clubs and tuition given by instructors.
Clubs organise trips to white water all over the country and sometimes abroad.
Shared costs of travel and being able to tap into the wealth of experience built up by members of the club are one of many advantages of membership. An alternative is to enrol on one of the many courses arranged by centres situated close to most good paddling rivers. Tuition in these circumstances tends to be more concentrated and intense and you can reach a higher standard more quickly. All necessary equipment is usually provided. Whichever route you choose, basic training in safety, often conducted in the confines of a swimming pool, is important before getting onto the white stuff.