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Extreme

The 'gnarliest' form of kayak bravery tackling hard grade 5 rivers and high waterfalls.

Extreme, in the broadest term, includes a multitude of classes that mere mortals would not attempt with a barge pole; lofty waterfall-running, 'creeking' where paddlers descend steep, low-volume flows, dam-running, extreme river wave surfing and of course extreme-racing against the clock.

Then there is 'free-boating', otherwise known as 'freeride kayaking' or 'downriver freestyle', this is the extreme sister of freestyle; a fusion of creeking and playboating - paddlers attempt tricks over waterfall lips or in grade 5 rapids.

Extreme kayaking is not (yet) recognised by the ICF. There are several international and open events that are held each year which are privately organised, the blue-ribbon competition of the calender is the Adidas Sickline Extreme Kayak World Championship in Ötztal, Austria.