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Whitewater Rodeo, is a gymnastic and artistic kind of kayaking. Whereas other kayaking events generally involve racing from Point A to Point B, playboaters often stay in one spot in the river to perform gymnastic manoeuvres.

Popularity
Whitewater Rodeo, also known as Playboating or Freestyle Kayaking, is popularly competed by both males and females around the world.

Location
Whitewater Rodeo is very much an all year round outdoor activity, performed on fast moving natural rivers or especially constructed artificial white (wild) water courses, that may be suitable for other sports such as Wild-water slalom or Rafting.

Age
Although there are no minimum age restrictions to this activity, because of the level of competency necessary, it is unusual to compete in competitions before the age of sixteen years. And competitors rarely compete after their mid thirties.

Ability
Before attempting Rodeo you must be fully competent in white water. and posses the skill of self rescue from a kayak and the ability to swim. Competitions are judged on execution and difficulty of maneuvers and general content of performance.

Description
playboaters often stay in one spot in the river (usually in a hole, pourover or on a wave) where they work with and against the forces of the river to perform a variety of maneuvers. That can include surfing, spinning, and a variety of vertical moves (cartwheels, loops), spinning the boat on all possible axes of rotation. More recently, aerial moves have become accessible, where paddlers perform tricks having gained air from using the speed and bounce of the wave.

Dedication
Kayaks used for playboating generally have relatively less buoyancy in the bow and stern, allowing the paddler to submerge the ends of the kayak with relative ease.

Potential
Rodeo is competed at most Wildwater canoeing events, and is canvassing to become an Olympic event.

Closely Related Activities
Whitewater Rodeo is also known as Playboating or Freestyle Kayaking, and shares many of the skills and thrills of; Wild Water Canoe Racing 99, Canoe Slalom 97, Tubing 1143.

Cost
The cost of a suitable canoe ranges from £1,000 for a top of the range canoe, to £200 for a second hand one. Paddles average £70. Buoyancy vests at £50. You will also need a helmet, clothing and a roof rack.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.