There is a fairly large whitewater kayaking community in the D.C. With the skills I developed on these local waters, I've been able to tackle big rivers in the French Alps, Norway, Panama and across the East Coast, including the Gauley. Once I got the basics down, I was out there practicing and playing in the rapids just about every day. These boats are also designed to spin on a dime, so maintaining a steady and rhythmic stroke can take some getting used to. Paddling local waters has led to so much more The hips, thighs, knees and feet work together along with the arms and torso to maneuver the kayak through the rapids. The idea is for the boat to be an extension of the body.
In a whitewater boat, I wedge my lower body into the cockpit and then seal myself in the kayak with a tight-fitting neoprene spray skirt. That's because whitewater kayaks are not your typical recreational or sit-on-top kayak.
URBAN EXPRESSIONS HOW TO
Most of the currents below that range from Class I (beginner) to Class III and are ideal for learning how to "read water." In other words, how the river flows in order to navigate boulders, eddies and potentially hazardous obstacles, all in the company of blue herons, ducklings and rock climbers along the scenic Mather Gorge. On the roughly 8-mile stretch between Great Falls and Little Falls, there's a little bit of every difficulty level - the Great Falls rapid itself being a Class V+ (expert), according to American Whitewater. It's the best combination of outdoor adventure and full-body workout. When I get on the river, I usually start just below the falls and run rapids that nonetheless require skill and a certain amount of physical and mental fortitude. Just watch any helmet-cam video online and you'll see why. The epic rapids along this section of the Potomac offer thrills and challenges for anyone from the die-hard to the weekend warrior.įull disclosure, I have not descended the Great Falls rapid itself. The Potomac offers outdoor adventure and a workout
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