By Eugene Buchanan

In the past few years, whitewater kayak design has undergone a renaissance. Now there's a boat for every paddler and every situation. It's a game of trade-offs: trying to reach maximum performance in one category without compromising another. Creek boats that run steep drops well are too slow for surfing; playboats have edges suited to freestyle maneuvers but are not good for all-around river running, since they often get caught under obstacles and waves.

All of this innovation comes with a price. Expect to pay between $795 and $995 for a kayak off the shelf. Before making your purchase, decide what kind of paddling you want to do and demo as many as possible.

Playboats
With perhaps the biggest design change--planing hulls--playboats have revolutionized kayaking. By incorporating the wide, flat bottom of surfboards into kayak design, these new hulls give intermediates the ability to pull off moves previously reserved for experts. Playboats also are shorter from bow to stern for greater maneuverability, have ample volume in the middle, and taper out to pancake-thin ends, allowing boats to cartwheel through the water. The drawback? Playboats are less stable for beginners and all-around river running.

Creek Boats
Unlike playboats, creek boats designed for steep, low-water terrain have volume distributed liberally from bow to stern. With volume up front, boats won't bury under a submerged rock after a steep drop. Volume in back prevents them from getting rear-ended when powering through a hydraulic. Because the boats are short, they avoid trouble by spinning easily and have ample rocker (think rocking chair) to help them launch off steep terrain. Look for creek boats with keyhole cockpits for easy wet exits, as well as boats with broach loops (made of webbing or steel and within easy reach) to help retrieve the boat should you get pinned against a rock.

All-Around River Runners
At one time, these were the only boats you could buy: kayaks that did it all, from surfing to river running. Although playboats have stolen the limelight, many manufacturers are now redirecting their attention toward this forgotten niche. Think of them as a cross between a playboat and a creek boat, incorporating the best of each to create a boat that can be used in a wide variety of situations. Look for ample volume, longer length than playboats and creekboats, and above all, comfort.

Outfitting
No matter what boat you choose, make sure it comes outfitted, including foot pegs or bulkhead, hip pads, and back band. Also, tailor your boat to your body by creating a secure fit with straps for your hips, knees, and thighs. Some paddlers prefer footpegs because they are easier to adjust and give better access for floatbags. Others say bulkheads are the way to go because of increased surface area and more comfort, especially when you're barefoot. Smaller playboats have room for neither, relying instead on small pieces of foam.

Hull Shape
A kayak's waterline determines how fast it is: Longer equals faster. Playboats and creekboats are short and slow, but they don't need to be fast. Many planing-hull playboats have grooves on the bottom to help reduce friction. Round-bottom (displacement hull) kayaks are now relegated to rental fleets and clinics because they're easier to roll and often have better secondary stability.

Eugene Buchanan, publisher and editor-in-chief of Paddler magazine, is a former kayaking instructor and guide who has paddled on six continents. His articles on the subject have appeared in the New York Times, Men's Journal, Sports Afield, Outside, National Geographic, and other national publications.