Using a recreational kayak on whitewater is strongly discouraged. Any boat with a keel should be avoided in whitewater. While recreational kayaks are wider and more stable, they are less maneuverable. Maneuverability is key on whitewater. Additionaly, recreational kayaks are made from less durable plastic and lack the hull stiffness to withstand a pin or warp. The wider cockpit makes it easy to get in and out of the kayak...but offers less body contact with knees, hips and feet, resulting in less control over the boat.