'''Whitewater sports''' are the art of bobbing about in a boat, large or small, in moving water. While '''whitewater kayaking''' or '''whitewater canoeing''' is a solo or duo sport, their close cousin '''whitewater rafting''' uses rafts that seat more people. Rafting is more accessible for the casual traveler, as navigation is handled by a professional and even beginners can come along for a white-knuckled ride.
Rapids are graded by class to indicate their rough difficulty level. The practical scale ranges from class I (no skill needed) to class V (experts only), with class VI rapids considered hazardous even to pros. Don't place too much faith on the letter though: difficulty can vary considerably based on the season and the water level, and rivers of one grade may have harder individual rapids that need to be ''portaged'' (boat carried) past.
Destinations
The [http://www.apa.org.za/ African Paddling Association] is a voluntary group that focuses on developing paddling sports of all kinds in South Africa.
Many operators offer training courses, guided expeditions and short outings. Clubs will also be able to guide you to the best water around.
<listing name="Outrageous Adventures" url="http://www.outrageousadventures.co.za" phone="+27 (0)83 485-9654" email="kallie@outrageousadventures.co.za">Arranges kayaking outings throughout South Africa</listing>
<listing name="Cape Whitewater Club" url="http://www.cwwc.co.za/">Arranges kayaking outings on the rivers in and around Cape Town.</listing>
<listing name="Gravity Adventure Group" url="http://www.gravity.co.za" phone="+27 (0)21 683-3698" email="adventure@gravity.co.za">Provides training (''African Paddling Association approved'') as well as guided, fully catered expedition trips in the Western Cape and Northern Cape.</listing>
Oboke and Koboke, Shikoku
Whitewater rafting in Malaysia
United States
<listing name="American Adventure Expeditions" url="http://www.gravity.co.za" phone="1.719.395.2409" email="info@americanadventure.com">Colorado river rafting on the Arkansas River. Provides an amazing rafting experience for all ages and skill levels outfitted in Buena Vista and Canon City.</listing>
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