What Is A Strainer In Kayaking? Different Types – 2022

A strainer is a type of obstacle often found in rivers and kayaking. It is essentially a large tree or group of logs that have fallen into the water, creating a blockage. This can be dangerous for kayakers, as it can cause boats to get stuck and overturn. Knowing how to identify and avoid strainers is essential for any whitewater kayaker.

What is a strainer in kayaking? The strainer is a hole or obstruction in a river that can cause serious problems for kayakers.

This article will explain what a strainer is, how to identify one, and some tips on how to safely navigate around them.

What Is A Strainer In Kayaking?

A strainer is a type of obstacle often found in rivers and kayaking. It is essentially a large tree or group of logs that have fallen into the water, creating a blockage. This can be dangerous for kayakers, as it can cause boats to get stuck and overturn. Knowing how to identify and avoid strainers is essential for any whitewater kayaker.

What Are The Different Types Of Strainers In Kayaking?

There are two main types of strainers in kayaking, live and dead.

Live Strainer:

A live strainer is a tree or log that is still partially rooted to the river bottom. This type of strainer can be especially dangerous as it is often hidden beneath the surface of the water and can easily cause a kayak to become overturned.

Dead Strainer:

A dead strainer is a tree or log that has been completely uprooted and is floating freely in the water. Although this type of strainer is not as hidden as a live strainer, it can still be dangerous as it can easily become entangled with a kayak.

What Does A Strainer Do And What Are Its Benefits?

A strainer can cause several problems for kayakers.

• Firstly, it can create a blockage in the river which can make it difficult or impossible to paddle through.
• Secondly, a strainer can catch and hold onto a kayak, causing it to overturn. This can be especially dangerous if the kayaker is unable to swim or is not wearing a life jacket.

Despite the dangers, strainers can also provide some benefits to kayakers. Strainers can create eddies behind them which can be used by kayakers to rest or escape the current. In addition, some kayakers use strainers to practice their Eskimo rolls or other rescue techniques.

How To Safely Navigate Around A Strainer In Kayaking?

The best way to safely navigate around a strainer is to avoid it altogether. This can be done by scouting ahead and looking for obstructions in the river. If you see a strainer, paddling around it is often the best option.

If you are unable to paddle around the strainer, there are a few other options:

• One is to portage around the obstruction, which involves carrying your kayak and all of your gear over lands to the other side. This can be a time-consuming and difficult process, so it is often only done as a last resort.
• Another option is to try to paddle over the top of the strainer. This can be dangerous, as it is easy to get caught on the obstruction and overturn. Only attempt this if you are confident in your ability to do so and have a good understanding of how to Eskimo roll or perform other self-rescues.
• Finally, you can try to push your kayak through the strainer. This is often only possible with smaller obstructions, and it is important to be very careful as you can easily get stuck or overturned.

Conclusion

At the end of this article about what is a strainer in kayaking, we hope you have a better understanding of this common river obstacle. Remember, the best way to safely navigate around a strainer is to avoid it altogether. If you must paddle through or over one, be sure to do so with caution and only attempt if you are confident in your ability to do so.

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