Kayak - Red River, How to Read a River

 Kayak - Red River                                                                     11.4 miles

We've done the Red River numerous times so today I did something I've wanted to do for a long time.  I concentrated on photos that could help a kayaker know "How to Read a River."   If the photos look muted today, that's because I took the photos through a clear dry bag with my iPhone.

Soon after we started our paddle, we passed these 2 boats.
They're a good reminder of why it's important to be diligent on the river.
We've passed this canoe before and it has a hole in it, so it's not usable.

This kayak ran into something causing it to buckle and crack.
Definitely not usable!

Signs of trash or leaves up higher in the trees
show that the water was at a higher level recently.

When you see white water, look for a "V" in the water.
In most cases, the water will lead you right into the "V"
and that will avoid rocks. (hopefully)

Always look ahead for rocks in the water.
This one is easy to see, but some you may not see
until you're right up upon it.

The red arrow shows the path of the river and it gets 
narrower here.  Always take turns to go through
narrower passages.  Hang back and watch the boats in front
of you to see how they manage.  
If it's a particularly difficult passage and you're the first to go through,
you should wait at the other end to make sure the other paddlers get through safely.

In this narrow passage, there was a tree on the left and the water
was being sucked in towards the root system.  As the water is being sucked in, it
could also drag your boat in.  Do your best to stay away from that tree.  You'll
have to paddle harder in situations like this.

A 'strainer' is a pile of logs that collect in the river and can
cause river currents to be drawn into the logs.  In this case,
you want to stay away from the logs on the right and paddle towards
the left of the river.

When a paddler holds his paddle horizontally overhead,
you are to "STOP".

There's a rock up ahead and this signal means go "LEFT"
to avoid the rock.  In many cases, the rock will NOT be that big.

This signal means go "RIGHT".

Always watch the river.
If you see a rocky bottom, avoid that as your boat will drag.
If you get stuck in a section of the river that is shallow, you may have 
to get out and walk.  It's not always fun dragging your boat.

Here are some basic rules for kayaking:

1.    Don't drink and paddle.  They DO NOT mix.  Save the drinking for celebrating the end of your paddle.

2.    Wear a lifejacket at all times.  Even the most innocent river can have hazards.

3.    Dress for the conditions.  Before you get on the river, check the weather.  What's the temperature?  What's the chance of rain.  Look for the level of the water.  (Is it higher or lower than normal conditions?). If the water is cold, take extra dry clothes in your hatch or in a dry bag.

4.    Paddle in your skill level.  Think about the following.  How far will you be from shore?  Are there high waves?  Are there others around you?  If you're alone, give somebody your plan.  If you're new - do not kayak alone.

5.  Practice kayak re-entry.  If you're flipped and in deeper water, can you get back into your kayak?

6.  Put important items in dry bags.  When possible, put the items in a hatch or tie them onto the kayak. Especially protect your phone!

7.  Pack a whistle.  Many lifevests have whistles.  Only use them when necessary.

8.  Keep yourself hydrated.  Pack water and food if you'll be on the water for awhile.

9.