A Guide to River Obstructions
Obstructions in a river provide you with plenty of opportunities to do things. The first thing you have to deal with is which way to go. There isn't any correct answer, but you will often see different conditions on either side of the obstruction. Sometimes, you can even hear one side is more aggressive then the other.
Obstructions, however, also provide rest opportunities. A sizeable obstruction, such as a boulder, will create a relatively calm piece of water behind it. As the water flows around the obstruction, it does not immediately whip back together on the downside. This area is known as the eddie. It represents a good resting place if you are on long rapids and getting tired. You will still have to paddle a bit, but you can take a second to gather your wits and look to see if your paddle partner is still with you.
While eddies are good places to take a break, it is important to understand the difference between an eddie and a hole. Both have to do with obstructions, but a hole is not a place to rest. A hole is exactly what it sounds like - a churning mass of water that sucks and throws things around. They are fun to play with if you are experience, but not if you think you are coming around an obstacle to a restful eddie.
The way to tell the difference between a potential eddie and hole is to look for water going OVER the obstacle. If this occurs, a hole may be waiting on the other side. The specific answer depends on how much water is going over the obstacle. The more water, the more likely you will find a hole at your destination.
Holes can be fun places to work on your skills. That being said, you should probably have a pretty well developed set before having a go at them. Holes are essentially churning, contrasting currents filled with air. This makes them unpredictable. Unpredictable can be fun and dangerous at the same time, so take care.
When you get right down to it, obstructions are pretty much what make rivers fun. Understand what to look for and you can have a blast.
Related Tags: sports, extreme, kayaking, boulder, river, hole, rafting, rapids, eddie
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of unique birthday gifts for him.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Airsoft Electric Rifle - G&g Gr16 A2 Carbine Airsoft Rifle
The Gr16 A2 Carbine weighs in at just under 6 pounds, making this rifle exceptionally easy to carry - Skateboarding Priest Is Internet Sensation
Skateboarding has always tapped into counter cultures, an expression of youth and attitude, which mi - Improve Your Paintball Game With These 5 Essential Tips
If you're attempting to become a better paintball game participant, after that there are some ideas - Inflatable Kayaks For Families
Many of us would love to be able to get out on the water a little more than we do. Whether it be an - Paintball Guns - The Basics
Paintball guns are the primary equipment in paintball games. This is also called paintball marker an - Reasons To Have Fun With Your Family This Summer
If you sit and think about when you were a kid what comes to mind? It would be safe to say that summ - Wakeboard Vests For Any Water Sport
Life jackets, or live vests, must be used with most all water sports to be participating safely. Thi - Tippmann 98 Custom Paintball Gun Review
The Tippmann 98 Custom is one of the most favored paintball guns on the planet. Believe it or not, i - Motivation In Training For Skydiving
Sky diving is a very pleasant practice that would accurately let you fly towards your uppermost feel - Choose Right Carpet Cleaning Services In Orlando
Your home and your valuables are the most treasured assets that you have in your life. Most of us ar
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Airsoft Electric Guns - For The Real Hobbyist
Electric airsoft guns are the best of the best when it comes to airsoft weapons. They are, without d - Aerohio Skydive Center
The Midwest United States may be one flat plain. but even flat can be exciting when you're falling - Skydiving In San Diego
At San Diego's extreme sports centers you have an opportunity to make your first tandem jump or take - World Record for Balancing Tallest Pole
An article about a world record set by Ashrita Furman for balancing the longest pole on your chin.As - Experience the Benefits of Sports Massage
It's the day after you climbed a huge crag and your muscles are not very happy about it. A great wa - Skydiving Altimeter Watch
The instrument used to measure an aircraft's altitude is an altimeter. It measures altitude above me - Rock Climbing Jargon
If you are looking for an inexpensive extreme sport that is pure adrenaline and addicting, rock clim - The Capsize Drill for a Closed Cockpit Kayak
Capsizing and Escaping from a Closed Cockpit Kayak - The Basic and First ProcedureIntroductionWhen k - Factory Butte, Utah - Protecting The Winkler and Wright Fishhook Cacti
Factory Butte Recreational Area, Utah is near Capital Reef National Park in Wayne County, Utah and s - How to Dominate at a Bouldering Competition
There are tons of indoor comps all over the country. That being the case I decided to write this l