The Washougal River in 2025, paddling R2 with my dad in a 10.5-foot raft, and running some rapids backwards.
Video: The Washougal River By Jacob Linkhart 2025 on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
Disclosure: SOLWYRX Paddle Gear sells SOTAR gear, and I earn money when you buy it here. SOTAR also sponsors me as an athlete.
R2 means two people paddling a raft. It's a lot of fun with the right partner, and there's nobody I'd rather boat with than my dad. You have to communicate, time your strokes, and trust each other, because neither of you can do it alone.
Why run it backwards?
Partly because it's fun. But running a rapid backwards also builds real skill: you learn to read the water over your shoulder, use back strokes for power, and stay calm when the boat isn't pointed where you expected. When a rapid spins you for real, you'll already know what to do.
New to the terms? Read R1, R2, C1: What the Terms Mean. Looking for a raft that's great for R2? See Merlin vs. Rogue: What Size SOTAR Raft for R1 and R2? and the SOTAR Lance.
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.
