Canoe Safety 4 - Safety when other craft are on the river

Boats have a bow wave at the front or bow end created by the water pushed up as the boat moves forward. The bow wave is split and water travels on both sides along the length of the boat before settling after the boat has moved further along its path.

Boats have a wake at the stern or back end and this consists of the water that has traveled along both sides of the boat and a line of wake consisting of displaced water churned up by the motor.

(This ferry is in Queen Charlotte Sound, you won’t find it on the river but it is a good example of the build up of water in front of the bow). Photo Lin Starke MVB

In this image we see three distinct lines of water displacement but these flatten and become multiple ripples. You can see the start of the additional waves forming.
(Fishing boat Whangaroa Harbour. 60 Horse Power motor). Photo Lin Starke MVB