Whitewater Paddling - Running Rapids

• Play around small holes to practice your moves, and then gradually move on to the difficult ones. Watch how other kayakers tackle hydraulics, and visualize how you will do it by yourself.


• You can paddle over unbroken waves, which are usually not a problem among kayakers. It is the big unbroken waves positioned close together that may hold or hurl kayakers. Take a diagonal route to get over these waves.


• When in a very powerful hole with aerated water, move downstream to avoid being sucked in. Holes are capable of stopping and holding a boat, including the kayaker.


• If there's a lot of water moving sharply into a hole, move to the bank, which is the most practical route or to move on either side of the hole. Paddlers who get caught in a powerful hole may not be able to escape.


• When you are in a powerful stopper with an elevated pile, paddle out of the end of the pile to escape from it. Though capable of holding a boat indefinitely, a kayaker can still be in control. You can be flushed downstream if you decide to swim.


• Learn how to spot passages downstream so that you can escape easily if you get stuck in hydraulics.