Playboaters

Playboaters are kayakers who participate in the sport of playboating. Playboating, also known as extreme kayaking or freestyle kayaking, involves performing tricks and maneuvers on whitewater features such as standing waves, holes, and eddies. The goal is to execute a sequence of dynamic moves, often in a limited area of water, and to impress judges with creativity, style, and technical execution.

The equipment for playboating includes specialized kayaks designed for maneuverability. These boats are typically shorter and wider than traditional whitewater kayaks, with a flatter hull and a scooped-out stern, which aids in performing aerial tricks and spinning maneuvers. Paddles are also designed for playboating, often with a smaller blade surface area for quicker strokes and less resistance during spins. Helmets and personal flotation devices are essential safety gear.

Playboating has evolved from more general whitewater kayaking and has its own competitive circuit. Events are judged on a combination of difficulty, execution, variety, and style of the tricks performed. Common playboating maneuvers include the 'blunt', 'helix', 'mcnasty', 'throw-down', and various aerial moves like 'air screws' and 'pan-am flairs'. Enthusiasts can be found at whitewater parks, rivers with consistent features, and during high water events.