I hit a lateral wave crooked on the Upper Clackamas and flipped my AIRE Lynx. It's 17 seconds of how not to hit a wave.
Video: carnage on the upper Clackamas on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
What's a lateral?
A lateral is a wave that forms at an angle to the current, usually where water bounces off a rock or a wall. Taking one on the side of the boat, like I did here, is a common way to flip.
How to handle a lateral depends on the wave, the flow and your boat, so it's one to learn on the water with someone experienced. For why IKs flip and why self-rescue matters, read Why Inflatable Kayaks Flip, and Why Self-Rescue Matters. For a longer look at a flip, watch Breakdown of my kayak flip on the Upper Clackamas.
Personal trip report: flows, wood and hazards change, and what worked for me that day isn't a rule for your boat or group. Check current conditions, scout, and boat within your training.
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Updated October 28, 2026 · By Jacob Linkhart, owner of SOLWYRX Paddle Gear · Spot a mistake? Email me and I'll fix it.
