In general, the longer and slimmer the boat, the faster it is and the better it holds its course. We choose such boats for a relaxed ride on a slow river or for racing. The flatter the bottom, the more stable the boat is in a straight line; however, boats with curved edges lean more easily and smoothly and are stable when tilted. Boats with a flat bottom and sharp edges react faster and more effectively to tilting and changes in current – but they require proper handling! Boats with raised bows are more maneuverable, turn easily, and surface better. Boats with rounded, flat bows do not sink as much, but if they do, they come to a stop and resurface with difficulty. Boats with sharp bows pierce through waves and rollers, tend to sink more, yet do not slow down and resurface easily. For less watery and rocky terrains, we choose more agile, shorter boats; for very watery rivers, we opt for bulkier ones.

A large, strong paddler should choose a big boat, whereas a child or a weak, slight paddler should choose a smaller one – in a large boat they wouldn’t be able to hold on, couldn’t control it, and the water would take over. In a large boat, its bulk would not protect them but rather endanger them.

For trips with canoeists, we choose longer boats to ensure ample room and prevent damage. If the entire group is using creek kayaks, we won’t opt for a “rodeovka” and vice versa. The same river can be enjoyed in all types of boats, but each is handled differently – and group cohesion is essential for safety and comfort.

When renting a kayak, remember that you must also have a paddle, spray deck, life jacket, and helmet. If you aren’t carrying luggage, we recommend inflatable buoyancy bags to prevent sinking.