What is "playboating"

n. A form of whitewater kayaking or canoeing where the paddler performs various technical moves in one place (a playspot), rather than travelling the length of a section of river.

Playboating is a discipline of whitewater kayaking or canoeing where the paddler performs various technical moves in one place (a playspot), as opposed to downriver whitewater canoeing or kayaking where the objective is to travel the length of a section of river (although whitewater paddlers will often stop and play en route). Specialised canoes or kayaks (boats) known as playboats are often used, but any boat can be used for playing. The moves and tricks are often similar to those performed by snowboarders, surfers or skaters, where the athlete completes spins, flips, turns, etc. With modern playboats it is possible to get the kayak and the paddler completely airborne whilst performing tricks.

The competitive side of playboating is known as freestyle kayaking (formerly called rodeo).