# Match the Boat to the Water

Part of the Whitewater Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/index.md)

*Boats and Gear*

> **7.** Do ONE of the following:

You must choose exactly one option from this requirement. Boat design matters because hull shape, outfitting, and materials all affect how a craft turns, resurfaces, carries gear, and handles hits from rocks.

## Your Options

- **[Req 7a — Whitewater Canoe Designs](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/req7a/)**: Learn how moving-water canoes vary in openness, rocker, hull shape, and intended use. This option helps canoe paddlers choose a boat that fits tandem or solo river travel.
- **[Req 7b — Whitewater Kayak Designs](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/req7b/)**: Learn how kayaks vary by volume, length, maneuverability, and purpose. This option helps kayakers connect boat shape to river style and skill goals.

## How to Choose

**Choosing the right boat-design page** — Pick the option that matches the craft you will actually paddle

- [ ] **Canoe path**: Best if you are earning Whitewater in an open canoe and need to understand canoe-specific tradeoffs like tandem space, solo control, and flotation setup.
- [ ] **Kayak path**: Best if you are earning Whitewater in a decked kayak and need to understand how different whitewater kayak styles behave.
- [ ] **What you will gain**: You will be better at selecting appropriate equipment instead of assuming every boat works for every run.

> **Tip**
>
> The best whitewater boat is not automatically the most advanced-looking one. It is the one that matches the river, the paddler, and the goals of the trip.

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- Previous: [River Signals That Matter](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/req6/index.md)
- Next: [Whitewater Canoe Designs](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/whitewater/guide/req7a/index.md)