People learned by trial and error years ago how to paddle a canoe upstream in meandering rivers, knowing where the strongest currents were located. Assuming you don't want to go backwards, what is the best paddling route to maximize your speed upstream?
◦ Stay on the inside bend of meanders, crossing over whenever the meander turns so you can stay on the inside bend.
◦ Stay in midchannel.
◦ Keep on the outside bends, near the cut banks, as much as possible.
◦ Always stay close to one bank or the other, regardless of how the river bends.