Kayaking Terms

If you are new to kayaking, learning the basics about the river features is a great way to feel more confident about yourself as a kayaker. The following terms may be helpful.

RIVER BENDS: The inside bend of a river is often the safest route. The water on the outside of the river is commonly deeper and runs much faster than the inside. The outside bend is also more dangerous because this is where debris such as fallen trees and trash can pile up, creating very dangerous obstacles that one may not be able to see. If you flip over and get your personal floatation device caught on the debris, you could end up trapped.

STRAINER: Much like a kitchen strainer, this is a part of a river where wood, usually downed trees have collected. It catches floating objects and even boats, so be aware of strainer locations and avoid them.

ROOSTERTAIL: A roostertail is a part of a river where a spray of water launches off a slightly submerged rock. This creates the roostertail. Much like a roostertail off of a high powered speed boat. As you may realize these should be avoided because they indicate a shallow rock.

CHUTES: When a river becomes constricted either naturally or from the presence of obstacles, it creates a section of fast moving water. At the end of this stretch of water a chute is formed.

HAYSTACKS: Haystacks are large standing waves that can be found at the end of certain types of chutes or other narrow passages of water. They usually indicate the water is deep and likely rock free.

EDDIES: An eddy is a paddlers best friend. Eddies are currents of water behind obstacles where the water is calm and can be paddled into. Eddies provide paddlers with a place to rest, check gear, drain boats or scout upcoming rapids.