One or two person inflatable kayaks can provide a more personal whitewater experience without the difficulty or experience needed for a decked plastic kayak.

Sit-on-top plastic kayaks can be the next step to a decked kayak, with a bit more performance than an inflatable.  

Decked plastic canoes and kayaks are available in many shapes and sizes depending on the type of whitewater and ones paddling style.  Freestyle whitewater competitors (formerly called rodeo) use short plastic boats to perform tricks in whitewater holes, and are judged for their performance.  These are the most popular and recognized kayaks today.

Olympic regulation carbon fiber composite whitewater slalom canoes and kayaks weigh around 20 pounds and are 3.5 meters long. These strong yet lightweight boats have sharp stern edges and are made for quick turns, speed and acceleration.  These are some of the most challenging canoes and kayaks to master in whitewater.    

Slalom competition kayak (K-1) (kayakers are seated and use a double bladed paddle)

Wildwater Kayak (K-1)  (C-1's and C-2s are similar in design)

Plastic or composite fiber Wildwater boats are much longer and narrower than slalom boats. In wildwater competitions, racers compete against the clock and in search of the fastest line downstream (no gates involved).  Wildwater races can range from short to very long distances.  These boats are less stable than most whitewater kayaks and are designed purely for downstream speed in whitewater.   Wildwater competitions range from local, national and international events.   (usawildwater.com)

Whitewater open canoes can accomodate multiple boaters and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  These canoes are highly rockered and are designed to perform in whitewater.  Open canoes can be made in a variety of plastics and composite materials for a variety of uses.  Open canoes compete in open boat slalom competitions throughout the U.S.