Thread: RSTH episode last night RIVER CROSSINGS

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Dont know about 'the best route to cross' but there was a much safer crossing upstream. I would never never ever cross at the top of a rapid / gut where the gradient drops and the water velocity doubles or triples and most importantly where there is no safety margin of good self recovery area below the crossing point.
I was taught always to go across and down at 45 degrees going at the same speed that the water is flowing - that way you cant be knocked off your feet and to allow a good margin of safe water above the rapid just incase you do slip.

I picked the same as you mate, 25-30m upstream looked better and gave you more margin for outage if it turned to shit. I've done a couple of Land SARS crossing courses with the NZDA and this was an area that was focused on, the entry point and angle of crossing.
Good stuff tho' for Dave & the boys to focus on it an not take is lightly.