How Should You Be Paddling This Summer?

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A day of paddling is all it takes sometimes to be humbled by the environment we often take for granted. Paddling, a general term used for canoeing, kayaking, or rafting, is often defined by the type of water the sport is done on. You often hear of sea vs. white water kayaking, or flat vs. river canoeing.  

As spring turns to summer and our snow pack melts to create some big water this season, the most important “paddling” difference may not be where but how you should be exploring that water.

Here’s a look at the biggest differences between recreational and commercial paddling.

Recreational

We often hear the word “recreational” and flash back to our days of YMCA soccer and halftime orange slices. In the paddling world, recreational is synonymous with private boating. This is when you hit the water (always with at least one other person) and take in the surroundings at your own pace. You’re not being led by a company or sponsored by a brand to shred down a stretch of the drink. 

But don’t let the word recreational be misleading. Recreational has nothing to do with the class of water or level or paddling ability. In fact, recreational paddlers often brave some of the biggest classes of water that commercial trips simply won’t venture on for liability reasons. 

Let’s get to the facts:  Recreational paddling is for those that enjoy the water at their own pace. They are not trying to run a half or three-quarter day trip nor are they trying to herd as many people down a river as possible for profit. The key is a recreational paddler should ALWAYS have some experience and know the rules of the water before adventuring out on his or her own.  Not having a commercial guide means exactly that: not having a guide. And unless your kayak happens to have a GPS, don’t count on successfully, or safely, running rapids recreationally. 

The other misconception is cost.  Many paddlers consider commercial trips expensive (some half days running $120+tip for bigger whitewater just in Colorado) when in reality buying all of the equipment for yourself to use recreationally would be exponentially more expensive.

Commercial

Don’t let the word “commercial” fool you either. A commercial trip down any stretch of water is not like going to the mall, nor does it mean you’re not experiencing the full affect of paddling. 

 Commercial trips are just one option to meet your outdoor needs without buying all of the equipment yourself.  That doesn’t mean that commercial trips are easier than doing it on your own—just ask any number of companies in that brave class IV, V, and V+ whitewater every season. It just means they are often more convenient. How easy is it to show up to a company, be handed all the equipment needed (helmet, PFD, wetsuit, splash jacket), load onto a bus while the guides prepare the boats, get dropped off at the put in, be led down the water by a trained (and often entertaining guide), have a meal cooked for you, and then get back onto a bus and be delivered back to your minivan at the company parking lot? 

 The river is no different for a recreational or commercial paddler.  The rapids don’t judge who runs over, through, or under them.  Sometimes being on the water with a commercial trip is even better, especially when exploring a part of the river you have never been before.  The reason rafting companies are part of the multi-billion dollar outdoor recreational industry is because no matter what type of paddler, being on the water is one of the most beautiful ways to explore your world.

Final Verdict

For me, recreational or commercial paddling boils down to one thing: experience. Experience means overall paddling experience and specific location experience. 

If you respect the power of water and have experience paddling, then I would recommend the recreational route. The upfront cost will be more expensive to buy all of the right equipment (we all know the wilderness will find and harass you bargain shoppers out there), but if you get on the water enough, the equipment will pay for itself. In the end there are few things as satisfying as exploring your own beaten (or paddled) path.

If you're new to the sport, or are unsure about a certain stretch of water, ABSOLUTELY go commercial initially. Let an experienced guide teach you about the water without losing any of the thrill or adrenaline. The cost of a day trip on most commercial companies is less than a decent spray skirt and all of the equipment is included in the cost. 

In the end, recreationally or commercially, it really doesn’t matter what course you take because all trips lead to beautiful scenery and better water.  See you out there!

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