re: Whitewater kayaking in the southeast

Safety is a personal thing, so do as you wish, but If you don't have a lot of experience, horsing around in rapids solo isn't something you would probably want to do. I solo trip in my canoe a lot and have seen stuff no where near class 2 or 3 get some inexperienced kayakers in trouble. I actually had to pull a guy out of a strainer one time on a very benign river. Like I said though, your safety is yours so do what you will, just beware that those hydraulics can be very strong and get you into some real precarious situations.