Whitewater kayaking is designed for those who like to paddle aggressively and enjoy the thrill of going one on one with Mother Nature. Instead of a serene trip down a placid river, whitewater kayakers contend with torrential rivers coursing along in rapids and falls. As with any sport, whitewater kayaking has organized competitions in order to find out who is the best. Kayak single racers speed down a course in turbulent water, navigating their way through gates similar to those found on a slalom ski course. Rodeo kayaking is a recent addition to the whitewater scene, and has even been incorporated into the Olympics.
Boaters perform tricks known as cartwheels, free-style grabs and high braces.
Cartwheels involve a motion from stern to bow and then back to stern, slicing the edges of the boat through the water. The Aleuts fashioned their boats with different hull shapes for greater maneuverability, and whitewater boat designers did as well, while also realizing boat length played an important role in maneuvering. By shortening the boat, managing fast-flowing water and avoiding dangerous portions of the river became easier. Further experimentation with boat design led to specialty boats for rodeo kayaking. Called squirt or trick boats, they provide a quick response from slight movements allowing the boater to perform tricks on a wave without being washed out.