Eddying out

 

 

 

 

 

Definition
An essential river skill that allows you to control the boats rate of descent by exiting the rivers main downstream current into an eddy, commonly referred to as ‘break out’ or ‘eddy out’. This provides the opportunity to scout ahead or stop to assess potential hazards.

Positioning and Setup
First of all, we need to think about the angle we are going to approach the eddy (1), as this lateral momentum will continue to drive us across the eddy line. Ideally you need to be aiming to cross the eddy line at a 45° angle. Assuming we are coming from the middle of the river (as in the video clip), start by establishing an adequate amount of forward momentum towards the eddy by applying a few rapid forward power strokes to get the boat moving. Then begin to pace-out your strokes once your boat has reached its optimum speed (in a similar way to long-jump athlete initially building up speed and then pacing their strides out to time the planting of the foot on the take-off line).

The point where we cross the eddyline greatly depends on the volume and power of both the main flow and eddy.  Typically the preferred entry point is the top third of the eddy line where it is more defined and narrow. The further you move downstream the wider the eddy line and less predictable the current becomes when crossing it. To achieve an entry point at the top third of the eddy line you’ll need to make adjustments for the speed of the current that's taking you downstream. This is achieved by aiming upstream of your target (2) so that the boats lateral momentum leads you directly to your predetermined point on the eddy line.

Initiation
If there’s a sloping gradient leading into eddy (like a small river ledge as shown in the sequence) you’re going to need to lean slightly downstream whilst applying a long forward power stroke (3) on the downstream side to keep the boat effectively tracking across the main flow toward the eddy and desired entry point. The important point to remember here is that your active forward stroke is used to predominantly maintain your forward momentum whilst the tension of your body controls the angle at which you approach and initially thrust across the eddy-line.

The boats momentum will now have increased sufficiently to cross the eddy line with ease. Just before your feet cross the eddy-line complete the forward power stroke on the downstream side (4) as the boat begin to thrust across the eddy-line. At the same time quickly simultaneously transfer your edge (slightly) upstream and shift your upper body across the boat to the inside of the turn (5). Try not to over edge the boat, it’s far more energy efficient to use the boats hull to initially plane across the eddy-line. Your upper body will be slightly rotated downstream ready for the next phase.

Release and Momentum
As soon as the boat begins to enter the upstream flow of the eddy, rotate your head and body quickly to lead the turn upstream whilst leaning forwards towards the inside knee and planting a forward power stroke - ensuring you keep your arm slightly bent. (6). The amount of edge and trim you apply depends on the speed of the eddy you are entering. If you need to carve sharply behind the eddy line, lean aggressively forward towards your inside knee (7). This will cause the boats front rail to carve harder and increase the turning angle whilst the stern skids across the surface avoiding any confused water. Alternatively, if you need to carve deep into the eddy, bring your weight over the inside buttock, the stern rail will now be more active decreasing the angle at which you carve upstream.

The amount of power you apply to the active forward stroke also depends on the speed of the eddy you are entering. If you hit your entry angle correctly there should be little pressure felt on the active blade as the boat will be gaining most of its turning force from the eddies upstream flow. The benefit of having it there is that if you need to you can pull your legs around the vertical stroke using your torso to face upstream. (this vertical power stroke has largely replaced the bow rudder as it offers less stress on the shoulders).

Recover and Exit
As the upstream vertical power stroke reaches level with the hip (8) covert it into a brief stern rudder just behind the hip. As you apply the rudder stroke roll your wrist back slightly so the upper blade edge of the drive face point slightly towards you. This will drive the boat forwards into a wide or short carving arc depending on how hard you squeeze the rudder and trim the boats rails. This is a great technique for saving energy whilst on larger volume rivers or avoiding the blade from been trapped on shallow rocky eddies.

Additional Notes
The following methods will help you further enhance your boat control, practice entering the eddy and using your edge, trim and body rotation only to carve the boat into the eddy as it will force you to use upper body rotation whilst relying on the boats rails to anchor the boat into the eddies current – A vital component of any variation of the eddy out technique. There will be more on this subject soon...

Sequence Summary

• Positioning and Setup – Approach the eddy-line at a 45° angle with plenty of forward momentum.
• Initiation – Place a forward vertical power stroke on the downstream side just before the eddy-line.
• Release and Momentum – Adjust edge and trim whilst planting a power stroke into the eddy.
• Recover and Exit – convert the power-stoke into a stern rudder