It's always tough to hear of a drowning; especially such a young person. Condolences to the family.

3 things to remember when driftboating over large drop 'reversal' waves - the first two are well known and simple enough. 1 - Wear a float coat or
lifevest. 2 - Keep the boat as straight as possible; which often requires a strong double oar pivot in the opposite direction the hydraulics are trying to turn you. The third one isn't as well known. 3 - Speed up your boat substantially by pushing hard before and just as you enter a strong hydraulic reversal wave. The extra momentum gives you a much better chance at busting thru and over the backwave. Those that enter slow and cautious more often get stuck and/or turned sideways; and that's when the boat can broach and roll over. ... If you aren't experienced in strong hydraulics then rope your boat thru until you learn by watching guides experienced at running these types of water. Be respective out there.

RT