During a beginner lesson one of the most important concepts I like to teach is catching eddies. Understanding how to enter and exit an eddy allows a beginner kayaker to break apart a rapid in order to better plan out the next move. Hopping from one eddy to another also allows a kayaker to better ferry across currents, perhaps to avoid an obstruction downstream. Eddy lines are also great tools when learning to bury the bow and stern for various playboating moves.
When entering an eddy I think of three things: Speed, Angle and Lean (S.A.L.)
SPEED:
Having momentum when entering an eddy is key. Speed will carry your entire boat over the unstable eddyline, rather than just your body. Not having speed will allow the stern to be swept right on top of the eddy line, often ending in a flip.
ANGLE:
Entering the eddy perpendicularly will allow the boat to cross the eddyline
LEAN:
When turning into an eddy a kayaker will lean into the turn, similar to leaning into a turn on skis or a snowboard. This means leaning upstream while crossing over the eddy line to "hook" into the top of the eddy. Remember to continue to paddle all the way into the eddy as to not get stuck on the eddy line! Also, you'll want to aim to enter the eddy just behind the obstruction, or at the top of the eddy. Here, the eddy line is most defined and narrow and where the current is the calmest in the eddy.
Good luck and keep eddy hopping to improve those whitewater kayaking skills!
Be sure to check out Wilderness Voyageurs Kayak Instruction where we can personally tailor a day of instruction to meet your needs and improve your kayaking technique whether it be on the Middle Youghiogheny, Lower Youghiogheny or even the excitin Class 5 white water Upper Youghiogheny River!



So you might be inclined to think that Kayak Instruction is just for the hard core adventurer. The reality is that White Water Kayaking is a great family activity. If you are looking for great Pennsylvania Family Trips, consider kayak lessons in the Laurel Highlands. 
Someone had to wade to the other side and fix a rope so the rest of us could zip-line across. Stetson volunteered and immediately started undoing his pants. Some witty fellow remarked, "Hey, Stetson, why do all your plans start by taking your pants off?" Well, the traverse was brilliant fun. Here's a photo for your enjoyment:
