Updated September 11, 2024
A day out on the water kayaking can be a relaxing pastime paddling smoothly along with some friends or doing some fishing. At some point, though, you will probably think about pumping up the voltage and taking on something more than flat water. When you break into whitewater paddling you need to keep in mind that it can not only be thrilling but also dangerous if you bite off more than you can chew. To start you need a solid boat for your introduction where you can practice while moving up to class IV and V rapids if that turns out to be your aim. As a beginner, you can consider getting your start under a variety of conditions using different types of kayaks depending on where you would like to go and what styles of kayaking interest you.
In order to get you off on the right foot, there are 10 models reviewed below that encompass a range of types. Photos and videos are included, followed by a comparison table and some basics of whitewater kayaking to help you choose the model most suitable for you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and associated gear, please check out these posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Small Outboard Motors / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Canoes / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats
Best Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners
- Pyranha Ripper Small
- Dagger Mamba 7.6
- Driftsun Rover 120
- Riot Kayaks Astro 58
- Riot Kayaks Magnum 72
- Dagger Katana 9.7
- Dagger Jitsu 5.9
- Aire Tributary Tomcat Solo
This Pyranha Ripper is set up for small paddlers (there is another model for larger ones) up through intermediate levels.
It is fast with a moderate edge for stability.
A substantial bow rocker helps keep you dry in rough water and a planing hull is for good maneuverability to handle up to Class V waters.
- Weight capacity of 375 pounds
- Suitable for paddlers 88-165 pounds
- Padded seat
- Adjustable hip pads
- Adjustable ratchet back band
- Thigh grips
- Full plate footrests
- Aluminum grab handles in front and back
- 2 aluminum security points
- Type: Creeker
- Volume: 60 gallons
- Length: 8 feet 11 inches, Width: 23 inches
- Cockpit Size: 37.5 inches X 19.5 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Price: $$$
The first of several great whitewater kayaks by Dagger reviewed here, the Mamba 7.6 is another model for younger and smaller paddlers looking to up their game.
With its high volume, it performs well, taking drops while maintaining a horizontal position and popping up quickly.
It is a stable model with a planing hull good for maneuverability on creeks and big water rapids through class V.
- Suitable for paddlers 120-170 pounds
- Roto-molded seat with leg lifter
- Adjustable padded foot brace
- Adjustable hip pads and thigh braces
- Adjustable ratchet back band
- Type: Creeker
- Volume: 64 gallons
- Length: 7 feet 7 inches, Width: 25.5 inches
- Cockpit Size: 34 inches X 19 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Price: $$$
The Driftsun Rover 120 is an inflatable with a rigid bottom and rocker profile that can tackle class III and IV rapids.
Durable puncture-resistant PVC construction with 3 air chambers provides a margin of safety on this model with a comfortable adjustable seat and footrest, a front camera mount, and a removable skeg.
Lightweight, it inflates in just 6 minutes with the double-action hand pump that is part of the package that also includes a carry bag and aluminum paddle.
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- 1000D reinforced layered PVC construction
- High-pressure rigid floor
- 3 air chambers
- Removable skeg
- 7 self-bailing drain plugs
- Adjustable padded seat with high back
- Adjustable footrest
- Front camera mount
- 4 handles
- Includes aluminum paddle, pump, and carry bag
- Rocker profile
- Type: Inflatable River Runner
- Length: 8 feet 6 inches, Width: 36 inches
- Cockpit Size: 26 inches X 13 inches
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Price: $
Featuring comfortable seating with a floating backrest and sure-grip thigh braces in its narrow cockpit, the Riot Kayaks Astro 58 has the hull shape and volume distribution for excellent maneuverability and stability as you play in the whitewater.
It also has an anti-theft bar, two rubber transport handles for easy carrying, two rubber grab loops for safety, and a drain plug.
- Weight capacity of 230 pounds
- Adjustable seat with floating backrest
- Thigh braces
- 2 rubber handles and 2 rubber grab loops
- Security bar
- Drain plug
- Type: Playboat
- Volume: 58.12 gallons
- Length: 6 feet 3 inches, Width: 25.7 inches
- Cockpit Size: 32.7 inches X 18.7 inches
- Weight: 38.4 pounds
- Price: $
The Riot Magnum 7.2 has a sleek deck shape, rocker profile, and length to punch through features without losing momentum to the extent of ending up vertical.
This creeker is buoyant and maneuverable, great for downstream paddling.
It has flotation bags front and rear and a comfortable seating system with a floating backrest, an adjustable foot brace, and thigh braces, along with 4 grab loops, 2 rubber handles for portage, and a security bar.
- Suitable for paddlers 110-180 pounds
- Flotation bags front and rear
- Floating backrest
- Adjustable foot brace
- Sure-grip thigh braces
- 4 grab loops
- 2 rubber handles
- Security bar
- Drain plug
- Powerseat compatible
- Type: Creeker
- Volume: 72 gallons
- Length: 7 feet 11 inches, Width: 26 inches
- Cockpit Size: 33.9 inches X 18.1 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Price: $
The Dagger Katana 9.7 is a river runner entry in their great line with a balanced rocker profile that performs well in the flats and rapids and is a competitor for the Liquidlogic Remix XP9 above.
It has a removable stern bulkhead and stern hatch with deck netting for storage, and a retractable skeg for tracking on flat water.
The comfortable adjustable seating system has leg lifters, thigh braces, and hip pads on this model great for beginning whitewater experiences.
- Weight capacity of 210 pounds
- Adjustable seating with leg lifters
- Adjustable thigh braces and hip pads
- Retractable skeg
- Bow and stern deck rigging
- Removable stern bulkhead
- Stern hatch storage compartment
- Front and back grab handles
- Type: River Runner
- Volume: 64 gallons
- Length: 9 feet 7 inches, Width: 25.75 inches
- Cockpit Size: 35.5 inches X 20 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Price: $$$
The Jitsu 5.9, a playboat entry by Dagger, is designed with distributed centralized volume, and hull features for a combination of looseness, speed, and release on waves.
It is the mid-size model in Dagger’s line suitable for a range of paddlers with comfortable seating, adjustable braces, padding, and grab handles for safety.
- Suitable for paddlers 140-200 pounds
- Ergonomic contour outfitting
- Molded seating with a leg lifter
- Adjustable backband
- Adjustable thigh braces and hip pads
- Padded foot brace system
- Grab handles
- Type: Playboat
- Volume: 57 gallons
- Length: 5 feet 9.5 inches, Width: 26 inches
- Cockpit Size: 34 inches X 19 inches
- Weight: 31 pounds
- Price: $$$
The Aire Tributary Tomcat Solo is a durable inflatable with a 15-inch rocker hull that will give a reliable performance for easier-level whitewater conditions and in the flats.
The open interior has plenty of capacity for larger paddlers and storage in the rear.
It has a self-bailing floor and a removable, adjustable seat, 3 air chambers for safety, a repair kit, and a 1-year warranty.
- Weight capacity of 325 pounds
- 990D PVC tubes
- 20 gauge vinyl bladders
- Thermal welded seams
- 1200D PVC floor
- 15-inch rocker (bow and stern)
- Adjustable removable seat
- Self-bailing floor
- 3 air chambers
- 2 handles
- Repair kit
- 1-year warranty
- Type: Inflatable River Runner
- Length: 10 feet 3 inches, Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Price: $
Best Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Pyranha Ripper Small Whitewater Kayak | Creeker | 8 feet 11 inches | $$$ |
  | Dagger Mamba 7.6 | Creeker | 7 feet 7 inches | $$$ |
  | Driftsun Rover 120 | Inflatable River Runner | 8 feet 6 inches | $ |
  | Riot Kayaks Astro 58 | Playboat | 6 feet 4 inches | $ |
  | Riot Kayaks Magnum 72 | Creeker | 7 feet 11 inches | $ |
  | Dagger Katana 9.7 | River Runner | 9 feet 7 inches | $$$ |
  | Dagger Jitsu 5.9 | Playboat | 5 feet 9.5 inches | $$$ |
  | Aire Tributary Tomcat Solo | Inflatable River Runner | 10 feet 3 inches | $ |
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Length | Price |
Considerations When Buying a Whitewater Kayak as a Beginner
Whitewater Skills
Before you try your hand at whitewater kayaking and purchase your kayak, you need to be aware of the inherent danger and prepare yourself. The first step is to become familiar with standards for safety and preparation. After that, you could consider what type of training could benefit you at your level and look into the types of classes available and where you could take a kayaking class in your preferred location.
Types of Kayak
Whitewater kayaks can be divided into four major categories based on the type of water you are in and the style you want to employ.
Playboats are generally the shortest type of kayak running from about 6 to 8 feet. The bottom of the hull is flat to glide over the top of the water for maximum planing. They usually have symmetrical bow and stern designs. Some skilled paddlers are able to perform surfing and aerial tricks like pop-ups, spins, and cartwheels. Playboats aren’t able to be effective running downriver in the most challenging whitewater, however, due to limited maneuverability.
Creekers are a bit longer than playboats, generally in the 7.5 to 9-foot range. As suggested by the name, they are designed for use in creeks and narrow rivers and generally have a large rocker (more on that below). This shape allows them to be speedy and to tackle heavy rapids and difficult conditions.
River runners are usually approximately the same length as creekers, from 7.5 to 9 feet, but differ in hull design. They have less rocker and are flatter. This allows for more control and speed in straight runs while still maneuvering adequately. Not the best choice for the most difficult rapids, river runners are good models for beginners on moderate whitewater rapids and make a good crossover design to use in a variety of water conditions.
Long boats generally have a length greater than 9 feet. The major benefit is that there is more storage space for longer journeys requiring more supplies. They can be narrower, as well, which is great for speed, but long boats will not be as maneuverable as creekers and river runners.
Some Key Features of Whitewater Kayaks
Chines are a part of the hull just below the water surface. They can be classified as either hard or soft. Hard chines rigidly follow the contours in the boat’s design and provide more control and stability. Soft chines more smoothly follow the contours which make the kayak more difficult to control.
Hard chines will be more useful for maneuverability especially as your whitewater technique develops, but are prone to get caught on obstacles interfering with control. Soft chines function better in rocky, shallower areas. Generally, you will have to paddle more to control the kayak with soft chines and inarticulate paddling isn’t punished as much.
Rocker – This refers to the amount of upward curve in the bottom. The larger the rocker or curve, the more maneuverable the kayak will be with better performance in waves and getting around obstacles. The shallower the curve or flatter the bottom the better the kayak will track and maintain speed. Beginners in whitewater kayaking often do best to choose a balance on the “rocker scale” in selecting a kayak that is maneuverable but still able to generate speed in the rapids.
Weight – Regarding performance, the weight of the kayak will influence maneuverability and speed. Lighter kayaks are easier to maneuver but can’t generate the speeds necessary for some of the larger rapids that you might go after as you get more experience.
A major consideration for the weight of the kayak comes into play in transport. You need to be able to comfortably get your yak to the entry point and back to your vehicle after you’re done for the day and any portage in between. This is where an inflatable can have an advantage. For their length inflatables can be very light and they pack into relatively small carry bags.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and associated gear, please check out these posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Small Outboard Motors / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Canoes / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats
Feedback and Comments
I hope you found this post on the best whitewater kayaks for beginners interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Leave a Reply