Eddies are a canoeist’s best friend when running rivers. Whether launching, scouting, regrouping, or navigating whitewater, eddies provide crucial resting points and opportunities to assess your next move. But effectively entering and exiting eddies requires technique and practice.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the essentials of eddy turns—how to break in, break out, and make the most of these powerful features.
Plus, there is an embedded video with lots of examples.
What Are Eddies, and Why Do They Matter?
Eddies form downstream of obstructions like rocks or riverbanks, where the current slows and often reverses. They range from calm and flat—ideal for beginners—to swirling whirlpools with strong recirculation, which can challenge even experienced paddlers. Understanding eddies and their eddy lines (the boundary between the calm water and the faster main current) is key to mastering river navigation.
Eddies serve multiple purposes:
- Launch points for entering the river.
- Resting areas for regrouping or scouting downstream.
- Strategic spots for navigating rapids.
Breaking Into an Eddy
To successfully enter an eddy, you need three things:
- Speed: Enough momentum to cross the eddy line without being swept downstream.
- Angle: A precise angle toward the eddy line—too shallow, and you’ll miss it; too steep, and you risk capsizing.
- Edge: Leaning the boat into the turn creates stability and allows the canoe to pivot naturally.
For example, in the video, whilst on the Menai Straits, I targeted an eddy behind a rock. Increasing my speed and angling toward the eddy line, I leaned into the turn as the boat crossed the boundary. The current helped guide the canoe into the calm eddy without the need for extra paddle strokes.
However, what happens if you skip the edge? As demonstrated with course participants in a powerful eddy, they approached with excellent speed and angle but neglected to lean the boat. The result? They tripped over the water and went for an unintended swim.
Breaking Out of an Eddy
Exiting an eddy is like entering, but in reverse. The goal is to rejoin the main current smoothly and with control:
- Speed and Angle: Maintain enough forward momentum and approach the current at an appropriate angle.
- Edge: As the flow catches your canoe, lean the boat in the direction of the turn.
For example, in the video, when leaving an eddy on the Afon Tryweryn in North Wales, I first identified my downstream target. With speed and commitment, I angled toward the current, leaned into the turn, and let the water guide my boat.
Fine-Tuning with Paddle Strokes
While speed, angle, and edge do most of the work, paddle strokes can enhance precision:
- Cross-Bow Rudder: Tightens the turn when entering an eddy.
- Stern Rudder: Corrects your course when exiting or stabilizing in turbulent water.
For example, in the video you’ll see I used a cross-bow stroke to sharpen the turn into a shallow eddy, ensuring I stayed on target. In another situation, as the bow of the boat was shoved by the flow at the last moment as we headed for the eddy line, I used a stern to correct it. Paddle strokes become particularly valuable in more powerful or unpredictable conditions.
Making Eddy Turns Elegant and Fun
Mastering eddy turns improves your efficiency and adds finesse to your paddling. On the river, speed, angle, and edge are your most effective allies. With practice, these techniques become second nature, allowing you to navigate confidently and explore more challenging waters.
I hope this guide inspires you to practice eddy turns and elevate your river-running skills. For more tips, watch the full video and check out my book, Canoeing, for a deeper dive into paddling techniques.
Latest posts by Ray Goodwin (see all)
- River Running in a Canoe: The Importance of Eddy Turns - December 29, 2024
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