Wildwater Racing…
There is also a small element in the whitewater community that paddles wildwasser down river kayaks. These boats are long and unstable like a sea kayak and they race them through some of the gnarliest rapids.
Find out more here:
http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2005/050315_Wildwater_Sweep.htm
one word - brace
I had a chuckle with angstrom’s “It’d be worth finding a spot with one or two nice big eddys to practice in.” - the key word here is big!
If you’re comfortable in whatever boat you’re paddling, the biggest lifesaver will be a strong brace. Still, I wouldn’t go past Class II without heavy medication.
Its all doable, based on skill level and confidence - and your ability to acknowledge both.
big eddy
I found a sea-kayak-sized eddy at the outflow of a small hydro dam when I lived in Michigan. it made a fun play spot on an otherwise quiet stretch of river.
Although as other folks have pointed out, you should be able to take a maneuverable sea kayak almost anywhere you’d take a tandem canoe – and I’ve seen them park in some pretty small eddies when handled well.