Whitewater Kayaking Training

Whitewater kayaking is often a challenge, but very rewarding if various techniques are applied when out in the rough waters of the sea. Three rules to apply when kayaking are allowing the upper and lower body to work cooperatively, always maintain a power position by keeping hands in front of the body, along with using the upper body, according to Alex Matthews, author of "Sea Kayaking: Tough Waters."

  1. Reading Water

    • It is very important to understand how to read the water before going whitewater kayaking.

      According to Kent Ford, author of "Whitewater and Sea Kayaking," figuring it out how a kayak will react to water is extremely important in understanding when whitewater kayaking. When reading the water, an individual should lift their vision to where they are headed and what lies in between. Scan the water for visible rocks, water features formed by rocks under the surface and possible hazards, Ford said. Another helpful tool for reading water is to look downstream and figure out where the current ends. When and individual figures out why the current was deflected the characteristics of the rapid will be understood. The most important water feature to understand is an eddy due to its quiet, calm spot used for resting.

    Edging

    • An essential skill for paddling, according to Matthews is edging when in rough waters, tight places, breaking waves or in swift currents. A kayaker can accomplish edging by dropping one knee and raising the other while keeping the hips loose and the body weight balanced over the kayak. The skill is usually done to turn a kayak faster, along with managing waves and the current more efficiently.

    Understanding Holes

    • According to Ford, a hole is formed by water flowing over a submerged rock. When a little amount of water flows over a rock, it leaves behind a calm, strong eddy below, along with a very shallow hole that is called a hydraulic. When the amount of water flow increases over a rock it generates a hole that has a wave formation with a white, frothy backwash. In order to evaluate a hole, the kayaker should look downstream and beyond to figure out clues in the current. A hole is less friendly when water pours steeply over a rock with a calm flowing look of an eddy. The amount of water that rushes back upstream is a measure of the holes power, according to Ford. If a hole resembles a wave, it is much friendlier due to deep water.

    Ferry Maneuver

    • A simple maneuver for a kayaker is called ferrying, which can be applied by using an upstream eddy on one side to an eddy on the other side of the river, according to Ford. When beginning the maneuver, a kayaker should position themselves parallel to the eddy line with control and finesse, which is the most important part of a ferry. Once positioned close to the eddy line, look at the current direction and speed, due to the water flow typically going in a different direction that the main flow due to the deflection of rocks. Make sure to establish an upstream angle, while aiming the kayak across the current and remember the faster the current the more the kayak needs to be pointed straight upstream. Make sure the bow of the kayak is pointing in the current and the stern is in the eddy to ensure a good forward speed. This can also move a kayaker into a surf of waves.

    Eddy Turns

    • According to Ford, eddy turns are the foundation of controlling the kayaks speed of the descent down the river. In order for the kayak to remain side up, paddle into an eddy at a correct angle with some speed and then tilt the kayak up on its edge. An eddy turn is done by positioning the kayak slightly sideways to the current and taking whatever strokes are necessary to penetrate deep into the eddy. According to Ford, a sweep on the downstream side is sometimes needed to compensate for the current deflected off the rock and an upstream sweep keeps the kayak from turning over. When a kayaker enters the eddy, tilt the kayak to remain balanced and then start leaning into the turn once the feet cross the eddy line. Once the kayak goes upstream, start to level the kayak again.

    Water Hazards

    • The most dangerous hazard, according to Ford is tree branches forming strainers because water can flow through them causing a severe pinning hazard. To prepare for hazards, scan the water for bouncing twigs and unexplained currents that might indicate a strainer. Once an area is determined as a dangerous spot, concentrate on paddling the kayak to a specific area instead of avoiding the hazard.