Wet exits are something that while learning to kayak can be very embarrassing and is sometimes shamed. Although a consistent roll is a necessity to progressing quickly in kayaking, I think that swimming should be almost encouraged.
For a long time I've struggled to get my roll every time in whitewater. The swirling water and rocking of my boat made me very anxious underwater and I would usually swim very quickly. Whenever I swam I would get very angry at myself, think I was bad at kayaking and often I would yell at and criticize myself in the eddy after emptying my boat.
However, I have realized during the first three days on the river at Keeners that it was all in my head and it was nothing to get angry about. Swimming helps a developing kayaker learn. I strongly believe that as long as a swim is somewhat safe (eg: most of the Ottawa River) and it isn't disrupting other paddlers’ enjoyment of the river (eg: if someone in the eddy waiting to surf something leaves to come help you) a swim should be celebrated. But after celebrating the great learning experience it's important to try again. Maybe go up and run the rapid again. Catch that wave again. And actually learn from the experience and fix what you did wrong last time. Or roll successfully with more confidence.
Swimming rapids is also something we practice here at Keeners because it is an essential skill.
And best of all, swimming can be fun. Personally I love swimming sometimes.
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