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California Boating
A Course for Safe Boating
83
Chapter 3
u
Vessel Operation
3. Avoid fallen trees
, brush, and
bridge abutments. Even in slow
water, these hazards can be deadly.
When approaching obstructions,
plan well in advance. Portage may
be necessary (carrying boat around
obstacle). Use a backstroke in large
waves to crest the wave gently and
avoid swamping.
4. Your craft may “wrap”
around an
obstacle sideways. Know how to
“highside” to prevent a “wrap.” To
avoid being trapped, you can climb
on top of the obstacle or your boat
or abandon the boat and swim.
5. Capsized?
Stay at the upstream
end of the craft to avoid being
caught between it and any obstruc
tion. Keep your paddle if possible,
but don’t take chances saving
equipment. If it improves your
safety, leave the craft and swim to
the nearest eddy.
Upstream V
7. The point of the up-stream V
indicates rocks.
9. To avoid being swept
into a
rock or other hazards on a curve,
position the craft sideways to
the current. Paddle strongly
through the curve close to the
shore opposite the hazard.
1. Before you go
, know the level of
difficulty of the river, and the land
marks of the take-out point.
2. Launch the craft
into the current
facing upstream. Stern person gets
in first while bow person holds
craft against the current. Before
heading downstream, become
familiar with the craft and how it
handles, and “warm up” with some
basic maneuvers in calm water.
6. Avoid waterfalls
, low dams, and
dangerous rapids. A flat horizon
line in the river may indicate a
waterfall or low dam. Portage all
of these areas.
Downstream V
8. Downstream V
with large
stationary waves indicates
gaps between rocks.
Take-Out
10. Don’t miss your take-out point.
Head for shore, turn into current
and forward ferry to shore. Boater
in stern should be last out of the
craft while bow person holds craft
against the current.
PUT-IN
TAKE-OUT
waves
waves
eddy
hole
strainer
LEGEND
BASIC RIVER RUNNING TACTICS