A River Running Dilemma

I’ve continued to do my research into what kind of whitewater boat I think is best for me—too much research, my wife would argue. Though my choices have expanded from one, to three, I do think I have a better idea of what I’m looking for.  There are just so many good options out there, but with the help of folks like The Fat Paddler and the Pirates of the Missouri, I hope to make an educated decision.  So here’s the latest in my whitewater dilemma:

The Liquid Logic Remix 79 – Described as the ideal boat for beginners, instructors and seasoned veterans. You can learn to roll in this thing and it will grow with you as your skills increase and can handle just about anything out there. I feel I’d really get my money’s worth out of this thing.

The Liquid Logic Remix XP10 – Positioned as one of the first truly successful crossover kayaks on the market, this boat claims to track well on flat water (with the help of a spring-loaded skeg) and handles whitewater up to class III+.  This really sounds like the more practical buy for me. I’m hung up on its length though. It measures at 10 feet, which is only 2 ft shorter than my current boat. I’ve been envisioning a much shorter boat, like the Ammo, but with as many great whitewater reviews as I’ve been reading (and seeing) and its ability to accommodate multi-day trips with its added cargo room and “waterproof” (no such thing) storage compartment, I know I’d have fun in this boat.

Keep the feedback and opinions coming!

The All-Around Whitewater Kayak

After a summer of some great entry-level whitewater kayaking on Split Rock Creek, I’ve decided my next boat purchase will be a true whitewater craft. I realize this is a little silly, considering I live in the prairie and with the exception of SRC, there isn’t any whitewater around here, but it’s something I want to learn more about and am willing to travel to do so.  I figure I can turn any future whitewater trips into bigger getaway weekends with the family.  A win-win for everyone, right? 🙂

I think I’ve identified myself as a river running kayaker. I enjoy the thrill of rapids, but also enjoy traveling from point A to point B, stopping for the occasional play spot. With that in mind, it seems like I need a good all-around boat and all of my research keeps pointing back to one particular kayak: the Pyranha Ammo.

However, there are a million options out there. It’s almost overwhelming. If anyone has recommendations or ideas, I’d love to hear them! While I wish I could buy one tomorrow, I probably won’t be pulling the trigger until next year.

Whitewater

I just want y’all to know that I know how to spell whitewater. It’s not white water.

Self-Rescue

During one of my latest runs down a local favorite (class III), I ran into 5 very inexperienced paddlers. When I came across them, they were finishing up emptying their boats and wringing out their hair. It seems a deceiving little pillow rapid got the best of them. I asked them if they had ever been down the next set of rapids and they responded with an emphatic, “NO” proceeded with, “we’ll follow you”. After giving them a couple pointers on what to avoid downstream, we paddled on. I went first.

I got through the run and looked back to see three heads, and three empty boats, floating towards me. This is where it got interesting. This set of rapids dumps into a large, deep pool lined with rock walls. There is no getting out on the bank because… there is no bank. Their boats filled with water, none of them knew self-rescue techniques designed for these set of circumstances and none of them had a bilge pump.

Fast-forward to the end of the story—I had a bilge pump. Also, they all floated far enough downstream that they were able to get a footing along the bank and dump their boats. Things could’ve turned out much differently however and hopefully these people learned a valuable lesson:  Know how to rescue yourself. Know how to re-enter your boat. Carry a bilge pump. WEAR SHOES 🙂 Seriously.

Split Rock Creek Flood Waters

The area where I live has experienced a lot of rainfall recently and local rivers and creeks are very high. One favorite hot spot is Split Rock Creek, a little-known kayaking gem that offers great beginner whitewater paddling when conditions are right—usually class II – II+ (III)—and typically runs at or below 500 cfs (give or take a few).  The recent flooding has pushed it to over 4,500 cfs (that’s nearly 10.5′).

Paddlers familiar with this creek get pretty big smiles on their faces when the water reaches these levels, but novice paddlers should take extreme caution.  These levels can toss your boat with ease and there are a lot of dangers that, if you don’t know exist, may put you in serious trouble especially if you aren’t wearing a helmet or spray skirt.

If you ever have the chance to paddle this stretch of river, please go with someone who has paddled it before.  It could literally save your life.

Word of the Month: Riprap

Riprap, also known as rip rap, rubble, shot rock or rock armour, is rock or other material used to armor shorelines, streambeds, bridge abutments, pilings and other shoreline structures against scour, water or ice erosion. It is made from a variety of rock types, commonly granite or limestone, and occasionally concrete rubble from building and paving demolition. It is used to protect coastlines and structures from erosion by the sea, rivers, or streams. It can be used on any waterways or water containment where there is potential for water erosion.

Find A Launch Site

I ran across this GREAT RESOURCE from Paddling.net.  It shows hundreds of verified and unverified launch sites across North America.  A potentially very useful tool when planning your next paddling adventure.

Click here to check out the launch map from Paddling.net

A Solution To Low-Head Dams

Most low-head dams in existence today are no longer serving a purpose, yet pose significant risk to boaters. More state and local governments should consider altering these structures by knocking them out or filling the downstream side with rock to disrupt the hydraulic. A great example of how low-head dams can be transformed into something useful for the paddling community can be seen in Yorkville, Illinois.

A Deadly Reminder

Another tragic and deadly reminder that tubes, canoes, kayaks, or any other kind of boat are no match for low head dams. A local teen who was part of a group floating down the Big Sioux River in inner tubes went over the dam at Baltic, South Dakota and has not been seen since. These killers look harmless, maybe even fun to the novice floater or paddler, but contain deadly hydraulics that pull its victims under—for good.  If you know anyone who is not familiar with these structures and are planning a trip on the river, please educate them.  Learn where low head dams are, how to spot them on the river, and where to portage them.

Mother Nature Rules

Months have led to weeks, weeks to days, and now finally, time for the 2011 South Dakota Kayak Challenge has finally arrived. However, record breaking water levels on the Missouri River and more than 85,000 cubic feet of water per second being released from at least one of the major dams on the Mighty Mo, spells dangerous conditions for paddlers this spring. It’s disappointing that the race was cancelled, but it’s also a great reminder of the awesome power of  Mother Nature. We should never take her for granted and cherish the times when conditions allow us to enjoy her.

Journal photo by Tim Hynds