I'm not saying we should stop kayaking Class V - true die-hards will always explore and paddle the hard stuff. But we need to stick to promoting fun, safe and easy whitewater without glamorizing the extreme. When I hear kids who've only been paddling a year or two claim they are going to go run a major Class V, it makes me sick to my stomach. That can only lead to injury or worse and I don't want me or my films to be the reason behind their decision.

Playboating is simply more realistic for most people, they can relate to it better than running a 60-foot waterfall or traveling to Nepal. And people are naturally more afraid of running big drops on an expedition than surfing a local wave. I'd rather see people having fun on play runs than see them out on some remote creek - hurt, pinned and broken. Most people don't care about first descents or how much an expedition kayak weighs loaded down with gear. Besides, playboating is better for the industry. This is where media coverage is and I want to see the sport grow. Sure, the rodeo scene might get some people upset but it's just the beginning - give the circuit a couple years and it'll be the best thing going. The sport is truly in its infancy. That's why when the subject of kayaking comes up, you still hear things like, "What the hell is a kayak?" Paddling needs a facelift and it begins with playboating.

Playboating is also more fun. Had to say it. While I still enjoy a good creek run, I always look forward to linking a couple more cartwheels on the Arkansas or Upper Gauley. New boat designs make it possible to do more moves than ever imagined - blunts, hammers, spinning on a green wave, flat-water cartwheels till your arms bleed - this kicks ass!

Playboating is a lifestyle, bringing a fresh new image with it. Look at the Pimp and Ho Ball, the ultimate kayak party, it's about raging on and off the river. We are drawing more interest from bigger magazines and television. Heroes are being created and kids are buying into it. Life is great. Look at the surfing or ski industry. It used to be filled with stuffy old guys who had no idea what was going on or what the people really wanted - much like the kayak industry. Then the youth took over and they could do nothing about it because one day, all of a sudden, the kids owned it. Playboating rules. You can only run so high a waterfall before it'll kill you - but I've never heard of anyone playing themself to death.