kayaker’s
journal SKILLS BY RYAN RUSHTON KEEPING CURRENT USE RIVERS TO TRAIN FOR THE CHALLENGES OF OCEAN PADDLING
During an expedition on the coast of Downeast Maine and New Brunswick, we spent a day at the Reversing Falls of Cobscook Bay tidal races. Three of the six expedition members had ear- lier taken their sea kayaks in current on the Menominee River while the remaining three had not. It was amazing to see the difference in proficiency level between the two groups. Those with the river experience were able
to transfer these skills to the new environment instantaneously, playing in the current and moving their boats around with ease. Though the other three were talented paddlers, this new environment caused many tightly gripped paddles, shaky boats and rescues. How can Great Lakes paddlers and ocean
paddlers in areas like southern California, the Gulf of Mexico and many areas in the south- eastern U.S. learn to handle dynamic ocean conditions? Whether you want to prepare yourself for British Columbia’s Skookumchuck tidal rapid or notorious races such as Wales’ Penhryn Mawr, or earn top certifications with any of the major paddlesports bodies, paddling high-volume, class II to III rivers in your sea kayak can improve your skills between trips to challenging tidal environments. How do river currents compare to the races,
rips and overfalls of the ocean? Whitewater currents are created by gradi- ent, the loss of elevation along the river. The
steeper the gradient, the more powerful and technical the whitewater. Ocean currents are created by the tide. The larger the tidal range, the faster, more powerful and technical the currents and features. Beyond causality, there are differences in the
currents themselves. Tidal currents constantly change as the current goes from slack to max and back to slack again (and then turns and goes the opposite direction as ebb changes to flood). Whitewater currents
stay relatively
constant with the only change due to rising or falling water levels. Many tidal features are significantly affected or amplified by wind and ocean swell, whereas these environmental fac- tors do not really affect whitewater. Though these are significant differences,
there are many similarities when paddling sea kayaks in these seemingly polar environ- ments. Eddylines, standing waves and pour- overs are found in both tidal and gradient-in- spired currents. How you manage boat speed and position, angle of approach and edging are basically the same. Eddy turns, peel-outs, attainments and ferry glides remain the most common maneuvers. The ability to surf a standing wave on a whitewater river transfers directly to surfing a standing wave at an over- fall. Ditto coping with whirlpools. When selecting a river for practice, look for a high-volume flow, wide deep channels with
swift current, numerous eddies and standing waves, and a safe wash-out zone. Avoid techni- cal rivers with obstructions, strainers and tight turns where there is a risk of pinning or en- trapment. Remember the acronym SPANGLES to fo-
cus on the main factors for successful maneu- vers: Speed, Position, ANGLe, Edge, Stroke. Begin by practicing eddy turns and peel-
outs into current. Exit the eddy near the top— a clean eddyline and perpendicular approach will result in the current pivoting you quickly downstream; you’ll want to approach with more speed if the eddyline is turbulent. Edge down into the turn and use a static low brace for support during the transition. Next, try ferrying—crossing the main cur-
rent—and attaining—paddling upstream using eddies to ascend a rapid. Cross the ed- dyline with speed and a parallel approach so the opposing current is less likely to spin your boat. Edge away from the oncoming current and fine-tune your angle until the kayak glides effortlessly. With coaching and practice, river features
can prepare you to paddle anywhere the ocean beckons. Ryan Rushton is the founder of Geneva Kay-
ak Center in Illinois. He is an ACA Advanced Instructor Trainer, Swiftwater Rescue Instructor and BCU 5 Star Sea Leader. Read more freshwater training drills for tidal envi- ronments at
www.adventurekayakmag.com/0064.
DIGITAL EXTRA: To watch a video tutorial, go to Adventurekayakmag. com/0063 or download the Adventure Kayak app.
www.adventurekayakmag.com 25
MAINTAINING A LOW SODIUM DIET. PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
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