| If you are an avid paddler, it is important to become | | | | over. Keep in mind as well that kayaks do flip and if |
| familiar with the different types and parts of rivers. If | | | | your personal flotation device gets caught on this |
| you are a fan of kayaks or some type of inflatable | | | | debris, you could end up getting pinned underneath and |
| dinghy, this is must-have knowledge! The first part that | | | | not being able to get out! |
| you should become familiar with is commonly referred | | | | Kayaks love eddies. An eddy is a current of water |
| to as chutes. This is the name assigned to a section of | | | | behind obstacles where the water is calm and can be |
| fast-moving water that is usually formed after the | | | | paddled into. This can provide a place of solace, and |
| water flow passes an obstacle of some kind such as | | | | also a great place to check gear, rest, drain your boat |
| an out-cropping of rocks. A chute is comprised mainly | | | | or scout upcoming rapids. Waterfalls and dams are the |
| of large standing waves called haystacks. When you | | | | next type, and should be approached with great |
| see these, it will give you some assurance to know | | | | caution. These can be run into with a minimum of |
| the water is deep and probably rock-free. | | | | danger, but you should stay away from them until you |
| The next kind is called river bends. Following the inside | | | | have excellent paddling skills. Going over waterfalls in |
| of a river band is usually the safest route as the water | | | | an inflatable dinghy can prove to be disastrous! Try to |
| on the outside normally runs much faster and deeper. | | | | get information about the obstacles ahead from |
| Typically, on the outside of a river bend, fallen trees | | | | paddlers who've been there before you. Always be |
| and trash will accumulate. These are sometimes | | | | aware that there might be underwater obstacles that |
| dangerous and will put a damper on your kayaking | | | | can take you by surprise as well. |
| adventure if you end up running into these and flipping | | | | |