Plain rivers in the place I originally from are usually either deep or fast, so to go through a rapid you can dive to the bottom where the stream is slower, then swim some time underwater, usually at some angle. A series of dives was much more efficient compared to surface swimming.
Not OP, but the current is slower in eddies and at the very bottom. If you actually need to get upstream rather than just have fun playing, you can just walk on the bank. ISTM the only absolutely necessary technique for fast streams is the ferry. Speed is definitely helpful for that, although it isn't entirely "swimming against".
Ferrying is crossing a river, by propelling oneself (either swimming or in a boat) diagonally across and against the main current. In e.g. a canoe it's easy to do so without being pushed downstream at all, while when swimming you will lose some ground. The skill is knowing the best angle to take.
"ISTM" is "it seems to me", in any online discussion. b^)
I think its one of the few places where the profit motive aligns to be somewhat lawful neutral if not lawful good.
McDonald's was one of the first businesses to realize that on the Interstates you get all sorts of weary travelers at various states in their journeys. Some may only need a quick restroom trip. But just making that restroom trip makes them a captive audience to maybe buy a snack they didn't intend to. Or that goodwill of offering a quick restroom stop at one of the trip makes it more likely the customer will return for a meal at the other end of the trip.
McDonald's expanded so rapidly down the US interstates for just this reason, so its interesting that that remains a core value to corporate even knowing that there are plenty more options when travelling than when McDonald's was first starting out.
I know anecdotally so many people that still look for those golden arches when in need of a quick leg stretch or a restroom break on a long drive.
Wait! You can get Usenet these days? Is it only for piracy or other things as well? Where can I sign up?
Also, what is an indexer in this context? Is it something you need only for piracy, or is it about Usenet in general?