Re: [Paddlewise] Crossing Eddyline Question

From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 09:53:19 -0500
Gerald Foodman wrote:
> 
> I learned to moon the current when crossing an eddyline.  Good enough.  But
> I get confused about which side to brace on.  If you don't moon enough the
> current wants to flip you to the upstream side.  You are tempted to brace
> hard upstream to prevent going over that way.  But you are supposed to brace
> on the downstream side.  It takes too long to think this through when I need
> to.
> 
I think your problem is in not recognizing where upstream and downstream
are. In the eddy, downstream is toward whatever obstruction is forming
the eddy, ie, just the opposite from the main current. If you are in the
eddy, you should be mooning the _eddy_ current, which means the boat is
edged downstream in the _eddy_ current. 

If it feels like you are bracing upstream, you may be bracing too soon,
which is a typical mistake. Wait until you can plant your paddle on the
far side of the eddyline before you put any pressure on it. Wait until
your feet or knees cross the eddyline to start edging the boat. Turning
too soon while still in the main current means that you will at best
miss the eddy, and at worst flip upstream.

As Kevin says in another post, this needs to be instinctual, so find a
benign eddyline asnd practice, practice, practice.

Steve
-- 
Test Scoring & Reporting Services       Sometimes, you never can
University of Georgia                     always tell what you
Athens, GA 30602-5593                       least expect the most.
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Received on Wed Jan 13 1999 - 06:51:08 PST

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