Before jumping in to these inflatable fishing boats let’s cover a few basic details about the rafts first. Both fishing rafts are approximately 9 ½ feet long, fit in the bed of a standard pick-up, and were designed for two anglers. They’re definitely alike in many respects, but there are a number of key differences too. 

If you’re considering one of these two inflatable boats, or comparing a small raft with a traditional 2 person river boat like a Jon boat, this post should be a big help. 

NRS Slipstream 96 – the Basics

NRS’s Slipstream 96 is available in Standard and Deluxe packages. The standard is 3,495. The price difference between the two is about $1,000. Our test was done on a Deluxe boat. 

In addition to the raft itself, the Standard package comes with a pump and all the frame components. With the Deluxe package you also get Cutthroat oars with Cataract blades and two tubes on the side that can hold fly rods up to nine feet long. The Deluxe package also comes with an anchor line and a 2-to-1 pulley system to make raising and lowering the anchor a snap. And finally, you also get a couple of cup holders that can be mounted in different places on the frame

I think the Deluxe package gives you a ton of value because the extra gear would cost about $1,300 when parted out separately. And remember, you’re only paying about $1,000 more for the Deluxe package over the Standard package. So that’s a nice $300 savings. 

Outcast Striker – the Basics

The Outcast Striker has an MSRP of $3,699. With that you get the OSG raft, oars and oarlocks, seats, and the frame that holds them together. 

That’s a fair amount of gear, but I did feel like a pump should have been included. Other than that, this boat is pretty much ready to hit the water right out of the gate. 

The Outcast Striker doesn't come with an anchor system, but there are mounts that would make it pretty easy to add yourself. However, you’d have to get a little creative and probably buy a few more accessories to mount to those plates. 

Fishing Raft Size and Weight Comparison

The Slipstream 96 is 9 feet 6 inches long and 5 feet 3 inches wide. The Outcast Striker is slightly smaller at 9 feet 5 inches long and 5 feet wide. As for weight, the NRS Slipstream 96 standard version weighs 130 pounds, and the Deluxe model we tested tipped the scales at about 145 pounds. 

The Outcast Striker we reviewed weighed just 102 pounds, and I have to say, it’s a whole lot easier to put together right out of the box. 

Transporting Outcast Striker vs NRS Slipstream 96 to Rivers

When it comes to transportation and portability I’d probably give the OSG Striker the win because it’s easy to deflate and pack down. Better yet, you can haul it in the back of an SUV or the trunk of a car. 

With the NRS Slipstream 96, once the frame is put together you're going to have to at least remove it from the boat and haul it on a roof rack. Once that’s done you can deflate it and pack the tubes and the raft into the trunk of your car or the back of your SUV. 

Designed to Fit in a Pickup Truck

Both boats were designed to fit in the bed of a standard pickup truck, but we did have to let some air out of the Slipstream 96 to get it into ours. With some of the air gone, loading and unloading were pretty easy. On the other hand, the Outcast Striker’s smaller size allowed us to get it into the truck without releasing any air. 

Outcast Striker is Lighter, Slipstream 96 has Side Handles

So the OSG Striker was a bit more manageable, but NRS made up for this by including more handles on the Slipstream 96. Both rafts have handles on the front and back, but the Slipstream has two on each side as well. This is a big help because it makes it a lot easier to grab the boat from the side during loading and unloading. You’re pretty much restricted from grabbing the OSG Striker from the bow or stern.  

Rigging and Setup of the Fishing Rafts

Now let’s talk about rigging. And by rigging I mean how easy it is to add accessories like rod holders and anchor systems to the boat. Both NRS Slipstream 96, Standard and Deluxe, come with a system that allows you to run an anchor line.

Outcast Striker Raft Rigging and Mounting of Accessories

The Outcast Striker needs a few additional components. One thing I do like about the Striker is that it comes with mounting plates that can be moved around. There are a few different areas on the OSG raft that will accept them. I also like that you don’t have to glue anything to the Striker.

There are built-in pockets that the mounting plates slide into for the Outcast Striker. That makes it pretty easy to add anchor systems, rod holders, and other gear from a company like YakAttack.

NRS Slipstream 96 Fishing Raft is Yakattack Ready

Now with the NRS Slipstream 96 raft I found rigging slightly easier. However, I’ve been fishing from kayaks for a long time and it’s just second nature to me now. Plus, I have access to a lot of really awesome accessories from YakAttack. I wasn’t worried about drilling a few holes in the frame and mounting tracks for camera mounts and rod holders. 

With the Slipstream 96 Deluxe you do get fly rod holders. If you want fly rod or conventional rod holders with the Standard package you're going to have to play around with the frame to add them where you want them. 

It’s kind of a toss-up. I feel like you could rig out the NRS Slipstream 96 more easily thanks to the rigid frame. It was actually quicker adding gear to the OSG Striker right out of the box due to the mounting plates.

Outcast Striker and Slipstream 96 Stability  

I want to talk about how stable the rafts were out on the water. I didn’t feel like there were any stability issues with either one. They were both solid platforms even with a fair amount of gear and two guys weighing over 200 pounds inside. We spent most of our time in relatively flat and calm water. I’m confident that each river fishing boat would handle class 2 or 3 whitewater pretty well. 

While I feel like both rafts are very close in regard to stability. I’d say that NRS Slipstream 96 edges out the Outcast Striker in this category. It just gives you more confidence when you’re standing on the solid floor. This is largely because the NRS raft uses drop stitch technology that can be inflated to 8 PSI. By comparison, the Striker’s floor can only be inflated to 3 PSI.

The Slipstream 96 has an Eva pad over the floor which gives your feet better grip even when there’s water in the raft. Since both of these rafts are self-bailing, you’ll occasionally get some water coming up through the floor when you have splashes. However, it usually goes out pretty quickly. 

Outcast Striker vs Slipstream 96 Seats & Thigh Brace

In addition to the solid floor on the Slipstream 96, I liked that the seats were attached to a rigid frame. I also appreciated the confidence I felt whenever I leaned into the aluminum thigh locks. 

By contrast, there was more flex in the Outcast Striker when I leaned back in the seat. The Striker’s inflatable leaning post worked pretty well. It had more play than the aluminum one on the NRS boat. 

One big difference is that the Slipstream 96 has a metal frame. The OSG Striker raft has inflatable chambers act as its frame. All that being said, I feel like both rafts were stable and fishable. I’d give the NRS Slipstream fishing raft the win here. I’m pretty sure I could get used to the Striker’s slightly spongy floor and leaning post. The Slipstream 96 has a metal frame for the leaning post and this makes you feel safe fly fishing and stripping line.

How do Speed and Maneuverability Match Up?  

When it comes to speed and maneuverability, you have bigger blades and more efficient oars on the Slipstream 96 Deluxe. This is offset by the fact that the Striker is a lot lighter at 102 pounds compared to the Slipstream 96 Deluxe which weighs about 145 pounds. 

Weight aside, I felt like I could get each boat moving up the river at exactly the same speed. But speed isn’t really an issue here because both boats were designed to be put in at one location and out at another. In the end, these boats matched up really well in these categories. After trying them out I’m confident that each could pretty much handle anything an average river could throw at it.

Which Inflatable Fishing Raft is more Durable?  

I think both of these boats are pretty rugged, but I particularly liked a few things about the Slipstream 96 in the durability department over the Outcast Striker. 

One is that the Slipstream 96 is reinforced with an added layer of material in a number of key areas, like where the frame sits on the raft. This is a big bonus on wear points because the frame goes all the way around the boat. 

Reinforced for Durability

The Outcast Striker also has a few reinforced areas with second layers like around d-rings and where the seat frame connects to the boat. But with the Slipstream 96 you also have that EVA foam pad on the floor. I think it really helps because this is a wear point where you'll be standing a lot. You’re also going to have sand, dirt, and grime off your feet too. And of course, you’ll probably be dropping fish hooks and sharp objects like pliers onto the floor as well. It just gives you another layer of protection and even more durability. 

Another thing that I think was really smart on NRS’s part, was that the boat is reinforced on the bottom where it’ll be dragging along the riverbed. This also provides additional protection when you’re pulling it across the ground getting it from your car or truck to your access point. 

Then on the four locations where you're going to get the most wear they've actually added another layer. In all, you have two extra layers on top of the PVC material to really protect those key wear points.

Again, I think this is a huge feature on the NRS Slipstream 96, and it’s probably why the raft weighs more than the Striker. It’s a tradeoff, but I really like that the Slipstream 96 has been thought out and protected so well.  

Overall Value as a River Fishing Boat

Moving on to value, let’s talk about which boat will deliver the best bang for your buck. The Standard package of the NRS Slipstream 96 comes with all the frame components, the two seats, a pump, and the tubes. So it’s got everything you need except for the oars. That package will cost you $3,495.  

On the other hand, the Outcast Striker cost $3,699 and came with basic oars. When I compare these to quality oars like Cataract KBO, buying a decent set of oars will cost an additional $330 compared to the basic aluminum oars with the Outcast Striker. A pump from NRS, like the pump that came with the NRS raft, costs about a $75. The Outcast Striker doesn't come with a pump.

NRS Slipstream 96 Deluxe vs Standard Package

The Deluxe package for the Slipstream 96 costs about $1,000 more than the Standard package. But remember, for that price you get high-quality oars and some other useful accessories that totally justify the price increase.

The NRS Slipstream 96 scores a win over the Outcast Striker, because it comes with a way to rig an anchor. Now you would need to buy an anchor, anchor line, and the two pulley system yourself, or you could just jump to the Deluxe package for the Slipstream 96 and get a nice set of oars and an anchor system. 

But the initial pulleys and the place to run the anchor line through the tube and the locking mechanism are already there. Whereas with the Striker you’ll have to purchase additional accessories and figure out a way to rig it all up. I don’t think it would be that hard, but it’s something worth thinking about if you’re comparing these two boats.  

Apples to Apples Rafts Compared

If you just look at what comes in the Standard packages of both of these boats you're going to have to buy oars before taking the Slipstream 96 raft out on the water. And you’re going to have to buy a pump to inflate the Outcast Striker raft. I feel like these two drawbacks kind of offset one another.

If you’re comparing apples to apples, I think it’ll all come down to your particular situation. Where I really see the decision being made is how you can store the boat, how you’ll transport it, and whether you’ll store it inflated or fully pack it down between outings. 

If you have an SUV or a car the Outcast Striker is really the better option. It just comes apart very easily and can really pack down into a small unit because it doesn’t have a rigid frame all the way around the boat. But I think the NRS raft is going to hold up better over time if you have a place to store it and have access to a pick-up truck or trailer. 

NRS Slipstream 96 vs. Outcast Striker Raft

The Outcast Striker wins out on portability because it can be packed down very small and transported in the trunk of a car or an SUV. If you're looking for a small river fishing boat that just screams quality from front to back and has more overall durability, the Slipstream 96 is probably the way to go. 

I liked the frame, the durability and the stiffness in the deck of the Slipstream 96. But again, I do have a pick-up truck and I can leave the boat halfway inflated and ready to hit the water at a moment’s notice. 

Between these two river fishing boats aesthetically, I really love the color combination on the NRS Slipstream 96. This is just my personal preference. Both fishing boats are available in the green and grey. Whatever decision you end up making, the NRS Slipstream 96 and Outcast’s Striker are both great river fishing boats that are going to get two anglers down the river comfortably and safely. I think that you could have a lot of fun in both of these watercraft, so you really can’t go wrong. 

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If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more adventure fishing tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures? Head on over to the Road Trip Angler YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter. 

Rafts: NRS Slipstream 96, Outcast Striker
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Shirt: NRS Varial Hoodie
Rods: Judge Crankbait Series, Eternity Series, Revelation Series
Sunglasses: WileyX

The post Outcast Striker vs NRS Slipstream 96: Comparing Two River Fishing Rafts appeared first on Hazeadventure.

I have also done another review of a similar fishing raft. Check out my NRS Slipstream 96 Review Fishing Raft and I break down the differences in a comparison video of the Outcast Striker vs NRS Slipstream 96.

The Striker was designed to be packed down quickly and transported to and from the water easily. It was also built to accommodate two anglers comfortably. I was anxious to check it out because I’ve been looking for a two-person raft for some time. 

Setting up the Outcast Striker

I bought the boat from Ed’s Fly Shop, but the box was pretty beat up by the time it got to me. Thankfully, nothing inside was damaged and I was able to put the boat together myself pretty quickly. However, there were a few missing parts. 

I emailed Ed’s on Saturday and followed that up with a phone call, and by Monday Outcast had shipped what I needed. So despite the shipping issues, I got top-notch customer service from both Ed’s and Outcast. 

If you're thinking about one of these rafts after reading this review, be sure to check out Ed's Fly Shop because I never would have been able to test the boat without their help. 

Outcast Striker Specs

At 9’ 5” long and 5’ wide when fully inflated, the Striker will fit in the bed of a standard pick-up truck. When deflated, it can even be hauled in the back of an SUV or the trunk of a car. 

In addition, it only weighs 102 pounds, so two anglers can move it around easily even when it’s all rigged up. 

Outcast Striker Assembly Tips

Strikers don’t have frames so they’re easy to put together without tools. 

Right off the bat, I liked that the raft came with standard equipment like oars, oarlocks, and seats for the angler and rower. This is a big deal because you don’t need a lot of additional gear to get the boat out on the water in a hurry. 

You also get a couple of mounting plates that you can slide into welded pockets on the boat. That said, you do need the addition of whatever accessory you’re mounting to do it. We added the YakAttack Switch to those bases in a couple of places to mount camera gear. This was very easy with the three mounts already included.

Outcast Striker Seat Configuration

Every fishing raft review has to talk about seats and comfort! The seat mounts slip into slots built right into the boat, and when the raft is inflated the pressure holds them in place. I also liked that both seats are adjustable fore and aft. This allows you to get the cockpit dialed in to fit your particular needs. 

Both seats were comfortable, and the front seat swivels so you can cast in any direction. There are also a couple of different places you can mount the seats and oarlocks, so making adjustments is easy even though the raft doesn’t have a frame. 

Outcast Striker has an Inflatable Brace for Fishing

The Striker also comes with an inflatable leaning post up front. It gives you a third point of contact so you can stand up in the boat. 

When I first saw it I wondered how rigid and stiff it would be out on the water. This is particularly important for me because I weigh 220 pounds. However, it held up under my weight when I leaned all the way into it. Trust me, it’ll give you confidence because you won’t have to worry about falling overboard. 

Holding me above water is key to any boat review and Outcast Stricker fishing raft review of stability is two thumbs up!

The boat has a total of three inflatable chambers. One is the leaning post itself, two more are in the side tubes, and the last one is the floor. They can all be inflated to a maximum of 3 PSI. 

It’s also worth mentioning that the Striker has a self-bailing floor. This is a great feature because even if water does get in, it can escape out the bottom of the raft. 

Outcast Striker is Built for River Fishing

Like I said, I’ve been looking for a two-person raft for a while. I want to be able to get out on the water quickly and fish from the same boat with a friend or one of my kids. So I was excited to try out the Striker, which really is made for river fishing. 

If you're going to be floating down current or even through some moderate rapids this boat will really excel. It’s not something I'm going to use inshore or to cross a big open lake. On the other hand, I think it’ll work well for me because I fish rivers most of the time.

I don’t have a lot of experience with rafts, so it was kind of a learning experience just ordering it online and not knowing exactly what to expect. But again, it was easy to assemble and came with seats, oars, and oarlocks. 

Outcast Striker doesn't come with a Pump

But one key thing I thought was missing was some kind of pump. I haven’t mentioned it yet, but the boat cost $3,699. I found a couple of places that sold Strikers online for less than the MSRP of $3,699, but they were all sold out. 

At this price point I think a pump should be included. Luckily I was able to use one I already had. If you’ll be inflating and deflating the boat regularly I’d definitely recommend getting an electric pump. It’ll save you tons of time and energy. 

The Mounting Accessories on the Outcast Striker

Another great feature is that the Striker has plenty of mounting options that allow you to add hardware like a GoPro without having to glue anything to the raft. It was also nice that I could move them around quickly, especially with the YakAttack products I added. 

If you're not familiar with YakAttack, they make a wide variety of kayak fishing accessories. I’ve spent most of the last decade fishing from kayaks, but it was easy for me to transition these accessories over to the Striker. 

Stability and Maneuverability 

The Striker felt very light and maneuverable out on the water, and I could easily spin it 180 degrees with one paddle stroke. I also liked knowing that getting it to go where I wanted it to wouldn’t be a problem if I was approaching rapids or whitewater. 

At 102 pounds, the Striker is between 30 and 40 pounds lighter than some of the rafts in its class.

I think this is mostly because it doesn’t have a big frame. However, the flipside is that there is some flex in the seat and the boat in general. The flexing is particularly noticeable when you lean forward or backward, and when you’re getting on the oars pretty hard. 

I didn't see it being a big problem, but we tested the boat out in some pretty calm water. Since we were unfamiliar with the Striker, we didn't want to take it out into running water right away. 

The Outcast Striker and Fly Fishing

Once we had our sea legs I decided to get up front and give it a try with the fly rod. I didn’t think I’d catch anything, but I wanted to see how snag free everything was when I stripped line and casted. 

The boat seemed plenty stable even when I was standing up. I could put most of my weight on one side without feeling like it was going to flip. However, the floor did feel a little squishy and spongy at times. I think this was because it’s only inflated to 3 PSI. I’m not sure how I’d solve this issue. I think it’s just something I’ll have to get used to. 

A few times when I put too much weight in one area I noticed water coming in through the self-bailing floor. It did drain back out pretty quickly though, and I think I’ll probably get used to the floor as I use the raft more. 

The other thing about the floor is that it can get pretty slick. If you’re not wearing grippy shoes you may move around a little bit on it. I was wearing boots and didn’t have any problems, but it’s definitely something you’ll want to be aware of.

Another thing I noticed was that I could come close to losing my balance if my partner got on the oars when I wasn’t expecting it. In cases like these, the front leaning post comes in very handy. 

Anchor System for the Outcast Striker

One of the big things that I really felt was missing from the Striker was an anchor system. 

I could rig a usable anchor system pretty easily using the mounting plate directly behind the rower’s seat. So this isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s something I’d have to put some time and effort into before heading out on a serious fishing trip. 

Target Audience for the Outcast Striker Fishing Raft?  

In my opinion, the Striker is worth considering if you want an easily transportable two-person fishing raft that can be assembled without any tools.  

Again, it’s lightweight and can be hauled in the bed of a standard pick-up truck so you don't need a trailer. I also think the Striker would work well if you have limited storage space and will be inflating and deflating it frequently. 

On the tradeoff side, it didn’t feel as rigid as some other rafts, and the floor was slippery and spongy at times. These are things I’d have to get used to if I was going to spend a lot of time in the Striker. 

Included vs Upgraded Oars

Another thing I’d look at is oars. I’ve used lots of different oars and paddles over the years, and at higher price points you generally move into graphite, carbon, and fiberglass. The Striker’s oars have aluminum shafts and plastic blades. These are generally heavier and less efficient than more expensive models, but I found that they worked just fine for what we did. I may consider upgrading the oars in the future, but right now it’s not a priority. 

At the end of the day, the Striker is definitely a river fishing raft worth checking out. 

If you’ve enjoyed my Outcast Stricker fishing raft review, stay tuned, because there are more in the pipeline along with some head-to-head comparison posts that you won’t want to miss.  

Follow my Adventures and Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more adventure fishing tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures? Head on over to the Road Trip Angler YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter. 

Raft: Outcast Striker
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Shirt: NRS Varial Hoodie
Rods: Judge Crankbait Series, Eternity Series, Revelation Series
Sunglasses: WileyX

The post Outcast Sporting Gear Striker Fishing Raft Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Many people see whitewater kayaking on TV, or maybe watch some highlight reels on YouTube, and are impressed, but turned off from trying it themselves because it looks too extreme. Well, hurling yourself off a waterfall is sort of the “Everest” of whitewater kayaking, and yes, something best reserved for professional daredevils.

But, there is also the “day-hike” equivalent – something that is both safe and enjoyable. So let’s get into what’s great about whitewater kayaking and answer some common questions that beginners tend to have.

The Benefits of Whitewater Kayaking 

1. Sweet kayaking skills!

Learning to navigate whitewater conditions will give you a new set of tools that will translate into all other types of kayaking and paddling that you like to do. These abilities will also make you a more confident and safe paddler in a recreational kayak, SUP or sea kayak.

2. River dynamics and reading water

Another transferable development that will come from whitewater kayaking is an appreciation for the power of moving water – not just whitewater, but any strong current. This will further enhance your safety awareness when you are paddling on the ocean with strong currents.

3. You’ll have a lot of fun!

Not only will conquering the rapids make you a more proficient, more confident, and safer paddler, but you’re guaranteed to have a good time doing it. 

Top 5 Questions About Getting Into The Sport

1. Is whitewater kayaking for me?

I think that whitewater kayaking requires a person to be game for adventure, comfortable with water, and to be reasonably fit. It’s also important to understand and accept that there are some inherent risks, though this doesn’t mean that whitewater has to be dangerous.

To use biking as an analogy, recreational paddling is like cycling on a paved road, whereas whitewater kayaking is comparable to mountain biking. Anyone familiar with mountain biking knows that this term includes gentle trails, gnarly descents, and everything in between. What kind of route you choose is up to you. Where the analogy drops away is in regards to the potential consequences. If you wipe out while mountain biking, even on an easy trail, the hard ground might cause some injuries.

Whereas with whitewater kayaking, a spill usually just means getting soaked. Of course, to be fully transparent, anytime water is involved, and more-so with current and rougher conditions, drowning is a possibility. But this risk can be greatly mitigated by learning the ins and outs of the sport, and by practicing in easier settings. 

2. When to start whitewater kayaking

In terms of age, my daughter started when she was 9 years old. She then took the reins in her own kayak when she was 11. And then on the other end of the spectrum, I’ve taught people in their 70s how to run the rapids. As long as the rate of progress is appropriate to the physical capabilities of the paddler, then just about anyone who is excited for the challenge should be able to get out there. 

3. Is whitewater kayaking dangerous?

To continue on with this discussion, it’s important to understand that there is some level of risk with all sports. And anytime you head out into the wilderness, there will be extra dangers to consider. Thankfully, there are things within your control that can help mitigate the risks involved in whitewater kayaking. The most important thing is to get professional instruction!

Take a course in whitewater kayaking

I got started with a 5-day course that not only gave me the proper know-how, but also made me fall in love with whitewater kayaking. I actually ended up taking another course shortly after, and by that point, I had found an awesome community of like-minded paddlers to grow with. 

Stay within your comfort zone

Once you know what you’re doing, the level of risk depends on if you stay within your comfort zone, or decide to push your limits. Most whitewater paddlers that I know stick to lower classes of rapids, and largely do so in order to open up a massive world of routes/experiences that flat-water paddlers wouldn’t be able to access.

Get help reading and reacting to the different classes of whitewater

Some people encounter unexpected rough sections and decide to push through, without knowing the proper techniques. This can certainly be dangerous. So once again, getting professional instruction on how to deal with whitewater can be a huge asset for all paddlers, even if you don’t intend on vigorously pursuing the rapids. 

4. Can I get trapped in the kayak if I flip? 

It’s theoretically possible, but highly unlikely if you’re comfortably fitted into the kayak and have practiced the “wet exit” with supervision. Once you have dunked and then surfaced (which only takes about 2 seconds), you’ll see how easy it actually is. That being said, I can understand why people might be concerned about getting stuck.

A good whitewater kayak feels comfortably snug, there are hip pads and thigh hooks to keep you anchored (when you want to be), a supportive seat, and a skirt to cap it all off. But the skirt has a rip-cord, is still easy enough to pull off if you can’t find it in the moment (or if you tuck it inside by accident), and when you flip, gravity naturally wants your body to exit the boat.

If you’re newer to whitewater and are nervous about getting stuck, you can opt for a skirt that goes on easily (which also means it comes off easier), and outfit your kayak so that everything is a bit looser. A little wiggle room isn’t an issue, especially if it brings you more peace of mind. As your skills, confidence, and goals progress, then you can look at tighter/more aggressive customizations. 

5. Do you need to learn how to roll a kayak?

It depends on what your goals are. For example, if your aim is to be able to push through Class 1 and 2 rapids as part of a multi-day paddling trip, then no, you don’t need to learn how to roll a kayak.

But if you want to pursue more intensive and exciting whitewater kayaking, then yes, you absolutely need to learn this skill. In fact, next to wearing a life jacket and helmet, I consider a proficient roll to be one of your most important safety tools.

Learning to roll the kayak will save you a lot of hassle compared to if you have to swim out each time you flip. And nailing the roll will be a major boost to your confidence and overall enjoyment. I recommend popping in some good ear plugs (to prevent ear infections) and hammering out your kayak roll until you feel confident doing it anytime, anywhere. 

Take a course in whitewater kayaking!

As I mentioned before, I think the best way to get started is to take a whitewater kayaking course with quality, professional instructors. They will get you properly outfitted and steadily increase the challenges as your skills progress. Another cool option is to take some pool lessons. You’ll be able to hone the craft in a controlled environment.

Give whitewater rafting a try

And finally, if you just want a taste of the whitewater experience, you can sign up for a rafting tour. This will make for a fun, wet, and adrenaline-fuelled afternoon, without having to invest fully in the sport. 

Whitewater kayaking for beginners

So that’s my pitch for why you should give whitewater kayaking a shot. If you’ve been curious, but also a little trepidatious, then I hope this information sets your mind at ease, and gets you excited for your first attempt. Learning to thrive in the rough stuff really will make you a better paddler, and I think you’ll have a lot of fun too. Good luck out there, and until next time, check out more videos on PaddleTV to discover even more exciting paddling content. 

Big thanks to Jackson Kayaks for sponsoring my segments on whitewater kayaking. They continue to be a leader in the sport, making whitewater kayaks to get beginners started, as well as models to help elite paddlers push past apparent boundaries. I recently did a full review of the Antix 2.0 that you can check out here.

Take a free online safety course for canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddling (SUP), brought to you by the American Canoe Association and the U.S. Coast Guard: https://americancanoe.org/education/resource-library/paddlesports-online-course/

Other paddling gear I use and recommend

NOTE:  These are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!     

FOOTWEAR  

PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS  

PFD’S – LIFE JACKETS

OTHER PADDLING GEAR  

SUNGLASSES

WileyX

The post Whitewater Kayaking for Beginners – Why YOU Should Try It! appeared first on Hazeadventure.