Techniques from Kokatat Ambassador Kim Russell on how to boat scout:

“When you’re paddling down the river and you have no option to get out and scout a rapid from the shore, it comes in handy on knowing how to boat scout. Not to mention, it’s a lot quicker and sometimes easier than getting out of your boat once you get the hang of it.

Here are five easy steps to boat scout your way through a rapid:

1. Upon approaching a rapid, look as far downstream as possible to judge the character of the rapid. Are there wave trains? Holes? Ledges? Depending on the character of the rapid, you may only be able to boat scout from the top (waterfall), whereas with others you will be able to scout multiple times throughout the rapid (boulder garden). By looking downstream as far as possible, you at least have an idea about what you are getting into.
2. At the top of the rapid, eddy out if you can. (Tip: If the rapid is on a right bend, try and position yourself in an eddy on river left, so as to see around the corner.) When looking for an eddy, look for a safe eddy that if need be, you can paddle back upstream from, or at least get out onto shore and walk back upstream. In other words, try not to enter “The Eddy of No Return.” If there is no ideal eddy, it is possible to back-paddle at the top of the rapid, while facing downstream, and scout the rapid like so. Just be aware of where you are positioned, as this can be very dangerous if the water is moving too fast.
3. Survey your surroundings. Are you dropping into a gorge? Is the rapid wide open? Are there eddies in the rapid? If so, where? Are there any hazards? If yes, where are they? How long is the rapid? Is there a good place to hold rope if need be? By surveying your surroundings, you are giving yourself backups, just in case you fall off line.
4. Once you’ve got the gist of the rapid, look for the line. Look for V’s through wave trains, look for the big holes, and make a note of the hazards. Scout the line just as you normally would from shore. Engrave it into your mind, and make note of trees in the distance, or a big rock on the cliff-side to help you keep on your line if it can’t be seen from the water very well.
5. If you’re confident in your line, take a deep breath, peel out downstream and stick that line!

And remember: when in doubt, SCOUT!!!

Tip: If you’re in a boulder garden, and you can’t see to the base of the rapid, take your time and scout instead for the next eddy. Continue boat scouting eddy to eddy until you are at the base of the rapid.