Whitewater

Also: WW, whitewater

Whitewater refers to river sections with steep gradients or constrictions where the water flows fast and turbulently, with waves, holes and obstacles.

According to Wikipedia, whitewater forms through gradient or constrictions, usually caused by rocks. The water then flows “shooting”, and countercurrents form. How difficult a section is, is described by the scale from WW I to WW VI.

Packrafts are surprisingly good in whitewater: they forgive mistakes, glide over rocks and rarely flip. But that tempts people to overestimate themselves. Our first whitewater trip in Abisko is a good example of how not to do it.

What you should know before your first whitewater is in the guide Whitewater for packrafters.