Maneuvers when Running Rapids

• How to stay on track
  Whitewater does not flow in one direction. You have to deal with rocks, Eddies, and other obstacles. Your goal is to keep the Raft parallel with the current. To avoid ‘wandering’, align the vessel with the current. Slow down by doing back strokes and make forward strokes to move ahead.


• Ferrying
  This is steering the Raft to either direction across the river. To ferry, make sure that the Raft is parallel with the flow. Make a narrow angle toward the bank. Notice that this maneuver slows you down a bit but it will move you sideways. Create a bigger angle and the current will push you further across the river.


• Turns / Pivots
  You need proper oar or paddle strokes when turning the Raft. When it pivots, it means turning while staying in one place. When you need to pass through a tricky part in the river, you need to pivot the Raft so it can squeeze itself in the narrow spot. To exit the passage, you need to pivot the Raft again so it will be parallel with the current.


• Sideslip
  If there is an obstacle on your way and the situation does not permit you to turn or pivot, you can make sideslipping strokes – draw or pry strokes. If done correctly, you will be able to avoid colliding with the boulder.


• Eddy Maneuvers
  An eddy is current which resembles a whirlpool, usually behind a rock or obstacle. It moves in contrast to the main current, creating a circular motion. An eddy usually offers a safe place to get out of the current. When you need to park your Raft, cross the eddy line fast and enter at 45 degrees angle so you will reach the high (upstream) or deep (near the middle of the eddy) portion. The high or deep section has upstream current which can cause the Raft to stop.