Dangers of Broaching in Major Whitewater

Broaching can occur in major whitewater.

In major whitewater, a paddlecraft is broached when it is pinned against a rock or other obstruction by a very fast-moving current. To escape, lean toward the obstruction so that the current can press against the bottom of the paddlecraft and push it to one side of the obstruction. If you remain broached, the current may tear a fiberglass boat in half. Polyethylene will not break, but it may bend and trap you in the boat.