What is Whitewater Rodeo?

Whitewater Rodeo had its origin in whitewater river running.  Whenever boaters found a particularly good play spot, they would congregate and linger to take turns at cartwheels, pirouettes, loops, enders, etc.  The fun and exhilaration provided by these acrobatics led to the organization of contests in which paddlers vie to execute recognized moves in limited time.  In a modern Whitewater Rodeo, moves are scored according to their relative difficulty and judges assign multipliers for variety and style.
 

What is the difference between "freestyle" and "rodeo" boating?

When used in the context of Whitewater Rodeo, there is no difference.
Another activity, "Freestyle Canoeing", is a ballet performed on stillwater.
 

Is there television coverage of Whitewater Rodeo?

ESPN, MSNBC, (or someone) has run rodeo footage at 2 a.m. We need details so we can see it and get folks to ask for more. Anyone seeing or hearing of television coverage is requested to send details to: Webmaster@paddlelink.com
 Most Whitewater Rodeos are held in natural settings that are not media friendly.  Whenever events are held in accessible locations, we need to work together to insure maximum media coverage.
 

What other media cover Whitewater Rodeo?

Canoe and Kayak , Paddler, American Whitewater, Blue Ridge Outdoors, various newspapers and many sites on the World Wide Web report Whitewater Rodeo results.   Search on the keyword phrase "Whitewater Rodeo".
 

What governing bodies regulate Whitewater Rodeo?

In USA, United States Freestyle Kayak Committee (USFKC) and National Organization of Whitewater Rodeos (NOWR) share the task.
 

Are there regional differences in Whitewater Rodeo?

Some regional differences do exist.  In western states, whitewater canoes are not the norm. One Pennsylvania company, undoubtedly due to regional difference, excluded open canoes from a series of Southeastern events, thus inadvertently alienating many potential customers in the Southeast and in Eastern Canada--regions where canoeists abound.
 

Why are there more kayaks than canoes in Whitewater Rodeos?

It is easier to become reasonably proficient paddling a kayak than a canoe.  As a result, there is a greater difference between the skill levels of expert and recreational canoeists than between similar populations of kayakers.  Some folk's pleasure comes from the immediate gratification of short-term goals, while others enjoy overcoming longer-term challenges.  The only way to gain proficiency in any sport is through perseverance.  Those who seek the easy way never gain the experience necessary to truly paddle their own canoes.
 

Will we see more Open Canoes in Whitewater Rodeo?

     The recent rapid evolution of boat design is another important factor.  Canoes designed for Whitewater Rodeo are of very recent vintage.  The traditional canoe with its long, round-bottomed shape had to give way to shorter, more angular, lower volume hulls before expert canoeists could begin to execute the sort of aerial gymnastics seen in today's Whitewater Rodeos.  As canoes such as the Frankie Hubbard designed SpanishFly become more available, the number of rodeo canoeists will increase.  Recent proof of this may be seen in the results of Germany's Augsburg Rodeo where more than fifty canoeists participated!
 

Why Open Canoe (OC1) ?

Most whitewater and rodeo canoeists eventually paddle both open (OC-1) and decked (C1) canoe.  The open canoe is heavier (especially when filled with water) and the more challenging of the two.  In Whitewater Rodeo, scores in C1 have recently begun to out pace those of kayaks.  Open Canoeists now routinely finish their allotted times without being blown off the wave.   Open Canoeists definitely are putting on quite a show!

The open boat is quite simply more fun! Try it!
 

Will we be able to see Whitewater Rodeo in the Olympics?

Unfortunately, Whitewater Rodeo is not an Olympic Sport.  The sport is too new, having been around for only about a decade.  Even though more canoeists and kayakers participate in Whitewater Rodeo than in Whitewater Slalom or Downriver events, and the cutting edge of new boat design and sales are now driven by rodeo or freestyle designs, the slalom folks have a mature organization and enjoy the precedent of Olympic participation in prior years.
 

What instruction is available?

There are many good paddling schools. The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) at Bryson City, North Carolina offers clinics at all levels including rodeo. Private Instruction may be scheduled through NOC.  Contact NOC by phone at 888-662-1662 or visit their website.

Open Canoe Rodeo World Champion, Eli Helbert, instructs through NOC in the USA, La Ola in Germany, and through Mobile Adventures in England.  If you want to learn from a champion, contact NOC to book a clinic or for Private Instruction.
 

Where can one find more information about Whitewater Rodeo?

See our links for some websites to help you get started.
 

Please send questions, answers, comments to:  webmaster@paddlelink.com

Thanks.  Your input is appreciated.