California Whitewater
Even though many of its runs have been recognized for many years, California whitewater retains some of the finest whitewater paddling on the globe. Boaters from all ability levels have hundreds of special runs to select from, from picturesque flat water paddles through gorgeous canyons to some of the hardest whitewater paddling on the earth, California whitewater boasts nothing short of world- class paddling.
For folks looking to brush off their creek boats and undertake some Class IV and Class V rivers, look no more than the Sierras. When the Sierra rivers start running in the spring, thousands of boaters gather from all over the globe to test their courage in the abrupt, close-walled, granite canyons. These California whitewater rivers are not to be underestimated; many of them need strenuous hikes to get to the put-ins and/or take-outs, forcing boaters to trek over a day in some instances with fully laden boats and packs. Although the hikes are tough, the rivers are frequently tougher, and a modest Class IV creek can easily turn to a stomping Class V-VI monster if the mountains in the spot take much rain or experience mostly warm climate, which will thaw off the snow and dump all of the thawed out water into the rivers. Where you choose to boat in the California back country, be certain to let somebody know where you're going and when you'll be back, and take a first aid and safety gear. A nighttime under the stars isn't so awful if you have some foodstuff and an emergency cover, but if you're cowering beneath a rock in your wetsuit it's not going to be a comfortable experience.
Of course, not all California whitewater is so intense. Bigger drainage's like the Kern boast miles upon miles of modest whitewater, ideal for novice or intermediate kayakers and superior canoeists. These better drainage's too run with water all through the year, not depending on profound rain or snow melt like the smaller, more technical creeks.
If you're looking to practice California whitewater for the first time, your best choice would be to look into one of the many whitewater raft guiding companies which inhabit the countryside. Most of these companies run a number of special raft trips, from wild to mild. Some companies even raft Cherry Creek and other Class V rivers, though these will need you to demonstrate yourself on an easier trip prior to you undertake these hefty California whitewater runs.