Courtney's Guide to R2ing
R2ing in my Minimax is one of my favorite ways to experience the river. I’ve shared my boat with complete novices, kayakers checking out new sections, experienced rafters, and my favorite partner—my husband, Thomas (R2ing makes communication practice fun!). I’ve found that every river and partner combination require a unique approach to R2ing, and I rely on four main styles to keep things smooth and fun— often using more than one style between the start and end of the trip.
Phase 1: The Training Wheels
This is the go-to phase when one paddler takes on the role of guide, calling out paddle commands while the other person executes.
This phase is especially useful when:
- Boating with someone new to rafting who may need direction.
- Facing technical or intimidating rapids, where clear commands help navigate challenging features.
The roles are simple: One paddler is the guide, saying things like “Forward two!” or “Back on the right!” The other follows the instructions, just like in a traditional guided raft. The beauty of this phase is that you can switch roles between rapids. For easier sections, your partner might want to try guiding, giving them a chance to develop their skills.
Nick "guiding" the R2 boat over Husom Falls
Phase 2: Line Talk
In this phase, communication shifts from commands to collaboration. Instead of barking orders, one paddler calls out the intended line—
“Let’s slide left of that pointy rock, then cut back to center.”
This method works great when:
- You’re boating with someone you trust but who may not yet be ready for the mind meld.
- There are multiple ways to approach a rapid.
One key tip: Decide ahead of time who will speak for each rapid to avoid confusion mid-run. If you are both experienced boaters, feel free to switch who is "the voice" between rapids.
Weaving through Green Wall on the Illinois River
Phase 3: The Mind Meld
This phase is where things get intuitive. You both know the river or understand the lines well enough that minimal communication is needed.
Here’s how it works:
- One person points or gestures, and the other acknowledges with a quick nod or word.
- Instead of planning each move, you react to the river together, relying on instinct and mutual understanding.
This phase is ideal when you’ve boated together for a while and trust your partner’s instincts. It feels like an unspoken flow as you respond to the river in the moment, paddling in sync without hesitation.
"Let's Send It"
Phase 4: Zen Harmony
Phase four is the ultimate R2 experience—the place where seasoned paddling partners go when they’ve reached peak synchronicity. There’s little to no talking, just pure flow with the river and each other.
You might glance at your partner now and then, but for the most part, you’re operating on a level of mutual intuition. You see the same lines, react at the same time, and feel the river’s rhythm together.
It’s a phase that:
- Works best with a long-time paddling partner.
- Happens most often when you’re on a familiar river or paddling in easy-to-read water.
- Is super cool.
This is the phase where the river feels like an extension of your boat—and your paddle, an extension of your minds.
This picture was taken .8 seconds before the flip
BONUS!! Phase 5: Transcendent River Mastery (a.k.a. Eyes-Closed Zen Jedi)
This phase exists only in legend—achieved by the most enlightened river runners who no longer need to see the water to feel its flow. With eyes closed and minds fully synced, you and your paddling partner levitate over rocks, drift seamlessly through technical lines, and surf waves without effort.
In this phase:
- Paddle strokes become optional; the current simply bends to your will.
- Rocks and hazards? They no longer exist—you float above them like a river spirit.
- Your connection to the river reaches cosmic levels, where gravity and hydraulics are mere suggestions, not laws.
Attaining this phase may take several lifetimes of boating experience, or you can fake it with pure confidence (results may vary). But remember—achieve it just once, and you'll never need a guidebook again. Until then, keep your eyes open… just in case.
Their eyes are closed under those glasses, and they just laid some treats in a Class V
R2ing offers a unique and exciting way to experience the river, with each phase of communication adding a different dynamic to your adventure. Some runs will call for precise commands, while others invite you to paddle in sync with silent trust. And on the rarest of occasions, you might just enter Phase 5—the stuff of river legends.
