Craziest Rapids To Shoot In A Kayak

April 11, 2023

Hey Tourist! We will be bringing readers to the greatest kayaking destinations across the globe in this article, a perfect topic for summer activities. While year-round kayaking is quite common in various countries, especially up North and in Europe, this article will touch on some cool spots that are perfect for active travelers. Some of the craziest rapids in the world are located in stunning North America, but there are many excellent alternative rapids stretching across the globe as well. Classes of rapids range from Class I (for beginners) to Class V (for experts), so be sure to remember the classes and your individual level when choosing which destinations to tackle first. Following will be some of the coolest kayaking opportunities that most have never heard of.

Noce, Italy

Italy offers a great kayaking destination in the form of the Noce River. While Italian culture is of course known for other things, like great cheeses, fabulous home-cooked meals, and some of the oldest buildings in the world, this river is another thing Italy is recognized for. Located in the autonomous province of Trentino, the area around the river is of particular importance for its flora and fauna. A richness of the rapids here leaves kayakers wanting to experience other sports in the area, including the excellent canoeing, rafting, and even tarzaning, which is what the locals call zip-lining. Many tourist organizations in the area offer daily lessons in kayaking with options for other sports as well. The Noce river itself is located in a valley, offering gorgeous views of the plants native to the area. The best part is the rapids aren't challenging, offering a great starting point for beginners looking to get more involved in kayaking, and the courses offered usually start on a lake to get customers comfortable before even touching the rapids.

Noce, Italy brings a great experience to kayakers of all levels, with a flourishing industry and exciting environment to view, this destination is a phenomenal site to keep in mind when booking a trip. Next up on the list is a brilliant country that will bring us out of Europe.

Alsek, Canada

The Alsek River is one of the best viewing locations for glaciers while kayaking and flows through the world's largest non-polar ice cap. It offers phenomenal adrenaline rushes on the rapids, but that's not all; it also offers two stunning, iceberg-filled lakes perfect for a break between the crazy rapids. On top of everything, it is also part of one of the world's largest bio-reserves, which gives kayakers the opportunity to see grizzly bears on the shore and bald eagles soaring through the air. Of course, the wildlife isn't the only reason to visit. The Alsek River is very long, flowing through Kluane National Park in Yukon, down into the well-known Northern British Columbia region, and to Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park. This feet makes for a brilliant way to experience Canada in one long kayaking trip. Be sure to take a break now and then and stick around for a few days in fantastic Canadian lodgings for a truly unforgettable experience.

Canada, the neighbor to the north offers fun kayaking opportunities for all. Following, this list will bring readers down to the United States for the next stunning place for kayaking adventure.

Little White Salmon, USA

Little White Salmon, or Little White as locals call it, is located in Washington State, USA. Little White is a highlight of Pacific Northwest kayaking, offering a stunning array of rapids. Characterized by complex boulder gardens and set in a clear blue water canyon, this kayaking location might just be one of the best in the world. When kayakers are looking for dramatic vertical drops and an incredibly long runnable season, Little White is where they turn. The rapids at Little White range from a short Class II to III section all the way through some Class V boulder slalom, which is incredibly difficult even for experienced kayakers. It is one of the most popular Class V day runs in the United States, as kayakers come for the thrill and come back to the high-quality rapids, ready to experience the rush again and again.

Head further south into Mexico for the next exhilarating rapids for kayaking.

Dane Jackson, Mexico

Rather than a location, Dane Jackson is a famous kayaker who did a long trip that involved dropping off waterfalls in Mexico. Jackson is from Tennessee but has made a living taking GoPro footage of his kayaking runs all over the world with one of his most famous runs set in Mexico. On his many trips south of the border, Jackson conquered waterfalls with names like Big Banana and Encanto. One of his famous bits of footage was from his drop off the Tomato 1 falls. The areas Jackson has conquered are no small task, with numerous drops, but he has it down. For more information on the rivers, he has conquered, feel free to look up the five-part video series following his journey as he and a local paddler explore rivers in Michoacan. Look out for Alseseca river and Jalacingo river on any trip south of the United States, perfect for expert and professional kayakers, or excited viewers looking for a beautiful sight of the rapids.

Ready for a kayaking experience with a mountainous backdrop? Continue reading for the full details.

Sun Kosi, Nepal

The Sun Kosi river runs through Nepal and offers the most diverse views of any of the locations on this list. Located in the foothills of the infamous Himalayas, the northern parts of the river might be a little chilly. But moving south, towards the equator, the water is warm and clear. It's actually the warmest location on this list, which is perfect for individuals who want to view white sandy beaches on their kayaking adventure. One nine-day kayaking trip promises views of jungles, beaches, wildlife, and temples! Tourists especially love the region due to the alternating water patterns: big bouncy rapids followed by flatter areas for all to enjoy. Visitors who take the trip to Tibetan territory can expect options to camp on the white sand beaches and enjoy waterfalls along their journey. On top of that, visitors can expect delicious local food, vibrant culture, and friendly locals and guides to help them along the way, making this river a great expedition for any beginner or expert kayaker.

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