When the edges are positioned low on the boat, vertical moves can be initiated more easily, but the trade-off is that the current may grab an edge inadvertently and flip you over. Higher edges ride up out of the water and grab less, which is great for river running. To initiate vertical moves, though, the paddler needs to apply a little more boat control. Hull type There are two-planing and displacement. Basically, a planing hull is designed to slide on top of the water once it reaches a certain speed.
Displacement hulls are faster and have less drag.
They are great for touring kayaks, and some whitewater kayaks still have them. Planing hulls are where most whitewater kayaks are headed. Slalom kayaks will continue with displacement hulls for speed, and some creek boats will stay with them as well. Imagine yourself paddling off a 25-foot waterfall. Now imagine landing your boat on its dead-flat planing hull.