Beginner-level hardshell kayaking on easy whitewater on the Santiam River, back when I was just getting comfortable in a hardshell.
Video: Easy whitewater on the Santiam River in a hard shell kayak, by Jacob linkhart on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
Hardshells are a different animal from inflatables. They're faster to tip, edge-sensitive, and much more rewarding once it clicks. Easy water is where you should start: you get to practice edging, ferrying and catching eddies without much consequence when it goes wrong.
Looking back, this video shows the right order of things. Learn your strokes on easy water, then learn to roll, then move up. Skip steps and you'll spend a lot of time swimming. Watch hardshell kayaking for what happens when you forget to brace.
If you're thinking about getting into kayaking, read Getting Into Whitewater: Immerse Before You Invest first. Try boats before you buy one.
Personal trip report: flows, wood and hazards change, and what worked for me that day isn't a rule for your boat or group. Check current conditions, scout, and boat within your training.
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Updated October 28, 2026 · By Jacob Linkhart, owner of SOLWYRX Paddle Gear · Spot a mistake? Email me and I'll fix it.
