Here are a few situations I have encountered whilst on Creeks and rivers where things can sometimes change pretty fast.

SYPHONS                                                                                                                             The water ahead bent off to the right and seemed to squeeze down through large boulders so I eddied out to the left of the creek. The water pored out through a spout into a fast moving pool below and then almost everything went into these Syphons. This Syphon section completely blocked the entrance  to the canyons below requiring portaging.  A syphon is created by water flowing under and through these rocks and it allows current to flow through, but not larger objects such as a person, It is a dangerous feature and not one you want to get swept into.

FLASH FLOODING

I had been having a bad day as there just was not enough water in the creek I was trying to descend, it was frustrating, then the rains came and I had a choice to go for it or give it up. I chose the latter because I felt the river would rise very quickly. Within Half an hour I took this photo, Sometimes the tropical rains of Central America are so intense that the rivers rise in minutes.                                                                 I usually carry some camping gear, of the basic variety, a flysheet and hammock just in case I have to pass the night, and wait it out, also a machete to cut out through the bush just in case.

HOLES STICKY SITUATIONS

I ran this rapid on the Chiriqui River which was long and complex terminating in the chute to the left in the photo above.                                     I nearly made it through but was rolled and washed back into the stopper at the chute, I was able to swim out ok but it took a further thirty minutes with the paddle to get the boat out of the Hole.               Everything got soaked from the hydraulic pressure of the water, getting through watertight seals on the dry bags.

 

BREAKDOWNS

In the back country a four wheel drive is essential, but as the roads are bad so the chance of breakdowns occur, Here the  mechanical oil Pressure gauge fitting severed, I was able to make a temporary repair to be able to continue. Try getting a tow truck up these tracks to get the vehicle out! For this reason I take some tools and a good spare tyre.

Attention to details is really important with all of the equipment, everything must work together to achieve your goal, even small inconsistencies can throw the balance, then it becomes necessary to adapt.