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Break In/Out

The Break Out (of the flow) along with the Break In (to the flow) is an essential skill that all river rivers should take time to perfect. The move allows smooth transition from the main (or faster) flow into an eddy (or any slack water).

To practice the Break Out you’ll need a pretty good eddy with a nicely defined eddy line. Start off well up stream and identify the eddy you are going to head for early on. Paddle down stream and choose where you are going to cross the eddy line and aim for that point.

As you cross the eddy line you will need to edge (tilt) the kayak towards the inside of the turn (ie upstream) and may be aid the turn using a bow or stern rudder on the upstream side.

The Break In is an essential skill that all river rivers should take time to perfect. The move allows smooth transition from an eddy (or any slack water) back into the main (or faster) flow.

Start off in the eddy facing upstream, power the kayak over the eddy line and allow the downstream flow to start turning your boat. As the boat turns add a little edging (down stream) to aid the turn and prevent a capsize.

A low brace can also be added for addtional stability on your downstream side. For a faster break in a bow rudder can also be used.

The speed at which you leave the eddy and the angle of attack is really dependent on the prevailing conditions. After plenty of practise this is easily worked out.

2 Comments

  1. redzircon

    1) So edging is tilting the boat?

    2) For the break out, which side should one be edging? Upstream or downstream? My tail occasionally feels like its getting dragged under all of a sudden and I think this is to do with incorrect edging.

    • Unsponsored

      Edging is tilting your boat. When you break out of the flow you need to edge slightly upstream (inside of the turn). You need to make sure that the eddy line is inline with your body before doing the edge. This will help prevent that grabbing feeling you are getting.

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