There are new laws concerning life jackets, glass bottles,
unsecured coolers, drinking containers and cooly cups. I supply many of these
items, even flasks if you find yourself with a favorite beverage in a glass
bottle(drink up on the van). Most plastic flasks hold a liter. Do not under any
circumstances bring glass onto a RebelRiver.com boat. There will likely be
trouble, and deposits will be forfeit. Remember, he who goes forth with a fifth
on the fourth doesn’t go forth on the fifth.
I supply bungee chords, coolly cups, ponchos,
trash bags, canoes, paddles, and lifejackets. Each person is issued a life
jacket and told to wear it for safety purposes. Nine out of ten floaters don’t
wear them, game wardens and police who check such things usually require that
the personal flotation device simply be within reach. Use your own judgment. I
use them to shore the cooler snug against the wall of the boat, and tether them
to sinkable items such as lawn recliners or gear and trash. I personally don’t
take shoes, many do, but they are hard to swim in, and really catch water when
tied to capsized boats. Shoes in a water proof seal pack or dry bag is much
better.
Though I rarely turn over, Hardy Beach gets me, sometimes high falls, or even calm water, ramming a rock while standing,
etc. I try to stay prepared, a key to having fun. First keep all empty cans or
other trash in a mesh litter bag, and really anything else(flip flops, suntan
oil, miniature tackle box, sheathed machete, sun block or bug repellent, sponge.
This is especially important when shooting larger rapids, though capsiscion can
occur anytime through horseplay or inattention. Steve Adair will get
you(cybershout to Hula)
Ballast is important. If a person is canoeing
singly, with no person, cooler, or dog to weight the front, wind can spin you
helpless. A big rock helps. You can sit lower in the boat for a kayak effect. I
have a funky way at times of lying back while paddling. This cuts wind
resistance. Also sitting backwards in the front seat eases some single paddler
problems. Switching sides instantly, every time is still best for me. An
upstream challenge will make a paddler quickly.
I have my own ideas about paddling. Assuming
your boat is sixteen to eighteen feet plastic or aluminum, with slight
adjustments, a basic philosophy is for the rear paddler to guide the boat from
point to point by changing sides every stroke. Some of the best at
getting down river use big kayak paddles. Sponges are essential then, because
the paddle will tinkle. Grab some awesome ribs or barbeque at Stan's Barbeque in
Imboden Arkansas and the folks there can share your passion for paddling.
The front paddler need do nothing. Slow
stretches or duress welcome a little help, but it makes no difference which side the front
paddler chooses for his or her stroke. That said, there is always the
competitive type determined to guide the boat by power stroking from the front
with inefficient j strokes. Though it seems to help at times it accomplishes
nothing. It actually makes it impossible4 the person in back2 do their
designated job of steering the boat. Use reasonable strokes, that flow with
inertia and momentum create smooth harmony, a gliding momentum eats slow stretches up
efficiently and quick.
Sponges help keep the boat dry. I like to catch
baby turtles and keep just enough water for them to find exploring the boat.
When turned over forget the boat for a moment
Have you gathered trash, located and secured paddles, life jackets, cooler, and
gear? If the water is shallow try to lift the boat upside down, holding it until
drained well, then flip it quickly afloat. Load back up and try again. Sometimes
a person can stand underwater and hold the boat high to dry, then flip it afloat
all in one breath. If it’s too deep even for that maneuver just float it to some
shallows, it shouldn’t be too far. Looks like the others have your
paddles.
Now in 2018 it's
mostly rafts. Canoes and kayaks cruise Spring River in the morning, then rentals
begin turning over and losing beer cans and other stuff all afternoon. It's
pathetic. People have no regard4 littering or learning. It's all about getting
hammered on Spring River.
In 2019 I have been a
first responder twice already this last Memorial Day weekend. I did raft
finally. Rafts are good4 Spring River, there is less litter and duress over all.
Plus the DJs are entertaining. I fought the raft idea @ first but now I think
it's the best trend2 keep the river healthy and safe.
sponges water proof bags philosophy divorce argument serenity
love and titties potential litter guided canoe trips Spring river. river guide
invaluable river guide on Spring River. Canoe guide. Putting out. Getting in.
Getting out of the van. Getting over it. Canoe guide. Relationship guide.
Insanity. relief wondrous accomplishment challenge self sufficient completion
warmth nipples.
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