Up River Paddlin'

I think that most boaters would agree that the best way to learn about currents is to paddle against them. Just like the salmon do. The Cowlitz River is perfect for both salmon and kayakers. No shuttle vehicle. The perfect upper body cardio workout and skill builder all in one. I'll work the back eddies riding the up river current and then burst out into the current sprinting up to the next eddy. The more I paddle certain sections I'll learn every little bubble and rock that I can hide behind in my upstream pusuit. I find that if I paddle the same section of river enough my muscle memory takes me upstream to the furthest point I had made it last. Like a video game expert, I'm able to get to where I was last attempt quite easily but to make it past the next level takes a new found skill. I'll study the next pour over to burst over to find the easy water....and then....BAM...put every muscle and rotational strength into each stroke. But watch the shallow water or your paddle will explode in your hands. You think nails on a chalk board sound bad? Wait until you hear graphite and river rock collide. Once I can go no further, I play a bit with a nice eddy or surf wave and then turn to float my way home and enjoy the scenery and the anticipation of a hot fire and a cold beer.