Turbulent, aerated water that appears white due to air bubbles mixed in. Found where waves break, in rapids, and behind waterfalls.
White water gets its distinctive color from millions of air bubbles mixed into the water by turbulence. In surfing, white water is the foamy, broken wave that rolls toward shore after the wave face has collapsed.
Beginner surfers learn in white water because the broken waves are gentler and more predictable than unbroken wave faces. In kayaking and rafting, white water refers to river rapids — sections where the water flows over and around rocks, creating turbulence, standing waves, and hydraulics.
White water is classified from Class I (easy, small ripples) to Class VI (extremely dangerous, nearly impossible to navigate). White water kayaking and rafting are adrenaline sports that require specific skills, equipment, and often guide-led trips for higher classifications.
Example usage
"Started the kids in the white water — they could stand up and ride the foam straight to the beach."
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