Whitewater paddling and Alabama may seem like an unusual combination to those unfamiliar with the variety of the state's outdoor activities. Alabama, however, possesses three key ingredients that make it a whitewater state of surprise: gradient from mountains, hills, and plateaus; plentiful rains; and a temperate winter-season climate.

The center of gravity of Alabama whitewater is the northeast sector of the state. Here, creeks and small rivers drop off the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian Mountains. Paddlers can choose runs varying in difficulty from placid floats to thrilling world-class whitewater.

Whitewater paddling is generally seasonal in Alabama, with winter and spring offering the best opportunity for consistent rain runoff. Since we are blessed with relatively southern latitude, winter weather almost never gets too cold for paddling as long as proper gear and judgment are utilized. Three runs are fed by dam releases that allow reliable summer paddling as well.

The most popular whitewater paddling runs in our state range in difficulty from Class I to V on the International Scale of River Difficulty. Alabama has numerous Class I runs which are suitable for anyone with basic canoeing or kayaking skills. Class II and above water should only be attempted by paddlers possessing sufficient training, experience and equipment. Whitewater paddling is an exciting sport, but one must recognize that it involves risks to any participant.

For more information and an idea of what runs have sufficient water, check out www.alabamawhitewater.com.

To learn more about whitewater safety, visit the following page on americanwhitewater.org:
www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start

Health Benefits

An afternoon on the river in a canoe allows you to experience not only a thrilling ride, but also a beautiful landscape. A pleasurable, two-hour canoe ride can burn 550 calories. Peanut butter on apples makes a refreshing power snack; a pawpaw, also called a poor man's banana, will add flavor to the day.

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