On our 01-01-2007 Brandywine River paddle, I was stuck in what is called a stopper. In hindsight I suspect that if I would have headed over towards the opposite (far left) side of the stopper I would have been out of the stopper a lot sooner. However I also would have been much further away from help if I went swimming.Below is a little bit of information on Stoppers and what to do if you get stuck in one.EditWhat is a Stopper?
A stopper is also called a hydraulic and is essentially a recirculation of water back towards a falls face. Stoppers (hydraulics) can be very dangerous since they can entrap swimmers and boats up against a falls face indefinitely.
EditA Few Stopper Types
Open Stopper - Angled stopper kicks out downstream providing a clear wash out and easier exit downstream.
Closed Stopper - Has no clear out wash and is potentially very dangerous.
Smiling Stopper - Curved stopper with exits at either end with an appearance of a smiling mouth when viewed from upstream. Escape easier because water recirculates towards the exits downstream.
Frowning Stopper (Keeper) - Curved stopper with exits pointing upstream requiring arduous paddle back upstream to exit. Has the appearance of a frowning mouth from upstream.
EditWhat To Do If Stuck
A synopsis of the writeup in the British Canoe Union Canoe and Kayak Handbook indicates the following if you get stuck in a stopper (hydraulic):
- Stay relaxed and balanced
- Lift upstream edge to prevent becoming tired
- Look around for an outflow
- Move towards the outflow
- Use the outflow's disturbance in the hydraulic to escape the stopper
EditAdditional Reading
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/education_safety/safety/boatwater/drowningmachine.pdf