How versatile are different styles of whitewater kayaks? ?

I am looking at buying a whitewater kayak but want to take part in freestyle boating and creeking. I was wondering if I have to by two different boats or if one works best or better for both styles.|||There's a whole spectrum of whitewater kayaks. On the one end are pure freestyle boats which will pull off all the latest aerial maneuvers. But they're not at all suitable for creeking, and if you're still a relatively new kayaker, you'll even have your hands full with these on Class III. On the other end are the big expedition creek boats, which are the most forgiving on hard water, but you're not going to be cartwheeling these things, at least not on purpose.





In between are river-running playboats-- the jack of all trades but master of none. They'll be a bit more forgiving on Class III, and you might be able to dabble in a little Class IV in one. And these boats are playful. You'll be able to do all but the toughest playboating moves in one.





If you're going to get into both serious freestyle and serious creeking, you'll need more than one boat. If you're just starting out, try out some of the river-running playboats. Example models are Wavesport Fuse, Jackson Fun, and Pyranha Z.One.|||Kayak designs vary from fast to 'nimble'. A long slim kayak will be fast but not easy to maneuver. A short, slightly wide kayak will turn and spin easily. Think of a circle and a rectangle. Any whitewater kayak will answer your requirement except a downriver racing model. A kayak built for 'creeking' may not perform well as a free style boat. Current freestyle kayak designs are radical! Visit some play spots and find out what boats are being used. Buy the boat that satisfies the sport you will spend the most time at.