MtSurf

     If you are thinking of taking your kayaking to the next level, you might be in the market for a Creek boat. In this article I’ll try and breakdown what a Creek boat is, what makes different from other kayaks, and even breakdown Creek boats into sub categories.

     What is Creek boating and what makes it different from everything else?  Well, to answer that question.  We need to look at where we’re paddling.  Creek boating is short for Steep Creek boating.  The difference from general river running and steep creeking is all about the additional gradient and the continuous nature of the river rapids.  In steep creeking; rapids to run right into each other, the set-up room between drops is constricted, an obstacles like rocks and pour-overs are plentiful.  With this type of kayaking safety is in the forefront of our minds.  We desire to make it down the river with as little difficulty as possible.  In fact Creek kayaks are some of the easiest boats to paddle and roll. 

     Creek boats are designed to stay on the surface of the water as much as possible.  The peaked deck of the kayak is designed to shed water automatically.  The steep bow rocker or uplifted front is designed to resurface after dropping over a pour-over or as you’re paddling through a river hole.  The hull of the kayak is stiffened with additional plastic and heavier weight seats are added, for more strength and to provide the highest level of hull integrity.  Creek kayak are very stable, both initial and secondary (sitting flat or in motion).  They might not be the fastest kayaks on the river, but they will turn on a dime and have room to pack all the safety gear and equipment necessary to self-support camp for days.

     Creek kayaks serve a purpose, and that is to make hard challenging whitewater easier and safer.  They add in “boofing” or launching off a rock/ pour-over without diving too deep.  They stay high and dry on the surface of the water.  Some creek kayaks are designed for tight technical whitewater and others are designed for large volume big rivers.  You can usually tell by the length of the kayak to predict is general purpose.  A longer boat holds more gear, has more hull speed, and handles big river features better.  A small steep creeker turns faster, resurfaces quicker, and can be easier to manipulate the pitch or angle of the kayak when dropping off a waterfall or careening down a slide.

     As with other kayaks built today creek boats come in different sizes just like people come in different sizes.  You can find many different options in the stores today.  You should find kayak that fits you correctly.  Something that allows room for you to exit the kayak quickly even when you’re wearing heavy river shoes, something that allows you to bring your knees together and climb out of the boat if it gets hung-up or pinned on a rock.  Think about the gear you’re planning on bringing with you when you paddle, and add that additional weight to your own weight when looking at the manufactures suggested weight ranges.

     Buying a creek boat can be a fun process.  You don’t have to be a hardcore whitewater boater to enjoy the safety of a creek boat.  And, you do not have to test drive a creek boat on a raging Class V to feel the performance characteristics.  Try it on the runs your comfortable with and try some new moves- feel the difference.  In whatever you do, have fun and be safe.