When considering what boat you need first look to they style of river you would like to paddle. Big volume rivers require a boat with some edges to cross current more easily as small volume creeks need bulbous round displacement style boats for easy resurfacing and friendly interaction from slides

Whitewater Kayaking and Canoe Paddles are usually made of a variety of materials. Typically these days, most are fiberglass, carbon, wood, or an epoxy/nylon blend. When picking materials remember that wood and most epoxy/nylon or plastic blend paddles have more flex and are better for the joints

Technology has improved as time is gone on in this department. Now IR (Immersion research) has welded seams similar to a watershed dry bag. Kokatat is starting to own the gore tex market, Stohlquist uses a new waterproof breathable fabric called Eclipse.

Do Not Get Caught Without the Proper Safety Equipment on a class 2 river, a creek or a class V River. Nothing is more preventable. The only variable that you can prepare for is to be prepared. Rapids change, ropes get tangled, and many times you encounter other groups that may be having