Creeking

It is usually performed in specialized canoes and kayaks specifically designed to withstand the extreme whitewater environment in which the activity occurs.

In addition, the canoes and kayaks give the paddler improved performance and maneuverability needed to avoid river obstacles.

Creeking usually involves the descent of waterfalls and slides, but equally applies to any steep low volume river.

Creek characteristics can vary greatly, from very smooth granite like Cherry Creek in California where there are no loose rocks and most features are slides and waterfalls, to boulder gardens such as the Stein River in British Columbia where rapids are formed between rocks with features including sieves (siphons), step drops, holes, and undercuts.

In eastern North America creeks usually only run in the spring as the rivers are fed by snow melt, and in the fall as this is generally the rainy season.

When whitewater kayaking reaches the difficult levels of creek boating an interesting social phenomena can occur.

Un-run creeks with high quality whitewater are difficult to find in countries with heavy exposure to canoeing and kayaking.

Expedition boaters seeking first descents will often travel to countries where whitewater boating is not widespread and many rivers and creeks remain un-paddled.