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Backpacker Magazine – May 2011
The Manual: Learn How To Paddle Whitewater
Learn how to ride rapids, and you'll open up a new way to explore the outdoors.
Master the low brace whitewater kayaking move. (Supercorn)
4. SCOUT THE HAZARDS
You’re floating along smoothly until you reach a stretch of whitewater. Before plunging in, follow these steps:
>> Pull to shore and suss out any rapids rated at the upper end of your ability or that you won’t be able to see on the approach.
>> Look for hazards that may flip you or pin you underwater, like a downed tree across the river (aka, a strainer) and any boulder with a large wave piling up on its upstream side (signaling a hydraulic that can trap you).
>> Break down the run into individual moves, and ask yourself whether you can pull off all of them in succession.
>> Consider the consequences of getting ejected. Do the rapids flush into a gentle pool, for example, or over a giant waterfall?
>> Learn to recognize and turn into eddies—stretches of calm water usually found along riverbanks, but also sometimes on the downstream side of large boulders. When the current below a boulder “smiles” at you (looking like a ‘U’ to the boater), it usually indicates a safe eddy, but a “frown” signals a dangerous recirculating hydraulic, which can trap you.
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READERS COMMENTS
Suss - figure out. In this context it means "scout", or look at to determine where the hazards are and what your line will be prior to entering the rapid.
Recirculating hydraulic - A strong water current that is folding back over on itself. Because the water is flowing back into the same position (because of some kind of a void, behind a large rock for example) it can take you and/your boat back into the same position. These are extremely difficult to escape and can kill people.
I agree with Lucky. Get experience from experienced folks, don't just read about it.
If you're really interested in running rapids, take a course. It's actually very easy to have a major accident. Proper training will teach you how to handle yourself in the river. Also, there are great swiftwater rescue classes out there that teach invaluable skills!
Can someone give a bit more instruction for us newbies? Need definition of few words: suss? recirculating hydraulic?
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