River Selection: Where should I go?

By Nick Pritchard

So you've decided that you want to get away for a weekend but you're not sure where to go from there. You like your local rivers but you're hoping to try something new. This next step can often be tricky, unless you already have someplace in mind, where do you go? There are so many many options available depending on your resources (time, money, equipment, skills & knowledge, etc.).

When starting to plan a trip one of my favorite places to start is my guidebooks. Almost every region has some sort of guidebook which provide you information from a paddler's perspective. These books often provide information on water levels, put-ins/take-outs, hazards, camping, shuttles, scenery, history, maps, etc. Some of these books are offered in online versions which are typically cheaper than buying a hard copy.

If you do decide to use guidebooks you should keep the following in mind.

• Remember that they are guides.
• The information in the book may be outdated, make sure to keep that in mind
• The information may be incorrect 
• Just because a river is in the book does not mean it is a spectacular river, do more research if you're unsure
• In general it is important to verify the information that you find in the guidebook through other current sources. Campsites may have been closed/added, put-ins/take-outs moved/closed, new regulations put in place, etc. 

If you don't have a guidebook available, I would start searching the internet for the general area that you want to visit. There is often lot's of information posted on paddler friendly rivers. If there is such a river in the area you want to visit the locals will be talking about it, whether it is local outfitters, the local parks department, or a local paddling club. Talking with these folks can also provide you with knowledge that you would not be able to attain otherwise.

You may consider looking at the National Park Services website also. They manage numerous waterways that are often beautifully maintained and very paddler friendly. 

There are many resources available when you are deciding to go on a trip. Whether you decide to do a weekend paddle or three week expedition, there is always somewhere new to go. There is always that next bend in the river.

As always feel free to ask us if you have any questions!

Pre-trip Planning: Consider the Weather

By Nick Pritchard

When planning a trip the weather is obviously a critical factor in the success of your trip. When considering the weather I like to break it down into 3 steps. Each of these steps are more detailed than the last, so that when I am on the last step I have a pretty good picture of what the weather will be like.

The first step when planning out a trip is determining the general time that you would like to go on your adventure. Will it be in the spring, the fall, or will you go down south for a nice winter paddle? When thinking of the general time of year consider the weather that we associate with those times (ex. spring rains, hot summers, etc.) and determine if that is what you want to encounter on your trip. This first step will also help you determine what the water levels will be like. You can typically expect higher water with spring rains.

The second step is to select a month within that general time of year. When I am at this second step I like to check the historical averages for the area that I'm visiting. This information can help you get a feel for how much rain is typical during that month and what the average highs/lows are for that time. Don't forget to consider how bad the bugs will be during a given month either!

The third step is to select the actual days that you want to go on your adventure. This is step may seem like it does not hold much consequence but particularly in spring and fall, a couple weeks can mean a big difference between water levels, temperature, and precipitation. Look over the historical averages and talk with the local land management agencies in order to find the best time for you to go.

By carefully choosing the best time for you to go on your adventure you will greatly increase the chances that your trip is successful. As with all parts of pre-trip planning you do not want to rush through it and throw it together at the last minute.

As always feel free to ask us if you have any questions!

Pre-Trip Planning: Meet Local Land Management Agencies

By Nick Pritchard

Whether you are planning a new trip or paddling your favorite spot it is important to build a relationship with local land management agencies. These agencies have the most up to date and accurate information for your adventure. The most common agencies that you will encounter are the Department of Natural Resources or the National Park Service.

Getting to know the local land management agency also provides them with more information about you. In stead of just sending your itinerary to them and getting the necessary permits, plan on spending a little bit of time in the ranger station talking with the rangers there. During this conversation the rangers are likely to find out more about your group, skill levels, planned itinerary, and other items so that if something were to happen to you or your group they would be able to respond better.

Talking with the rangers at the station will also help you determine what resources they have available in case of emergency. You can also discuss with them what radio channels they monitor and the best way to contact them. Maybe they have a ranger doing rounds of the park every few hours that you wouldn't have known about unless you talked with them.

The local land management agencies in the places that we visit have a wealth of information that are sure to help you have a much smoother trip. Plus the rangers usually have some good stories that will likely give you a good laugh!

As always feel free to ask us if you have any questions.