PlanninG
9)

TaKe The shoRTesT WalK ouT
Whether you’re out for an afternoon on a local river or
planning an unsupported multi-day, knowing where you can
pull out if the shit hits the fan is an integral part of river running
safety. Along with analyzing maps and reading guidebooks,
the three-dimensional satellite imagery on Google Earth allows
you to scout topography, drainages and escape routes before
you leave home. But remember, says first aid professional and
Rescue 3 instructor Franco Ferrero, “If something goes wrong,
it is your problem, not the guidebook writer’s.” The most ac-
curate information about a river is often gathered by chatting
with locals and paddlers who have first-hand knowledge.
10)

KnoW The FloW To Go
reLeASe SCHeduLeS: Don’t get swamped or
stranded; many dam-controlled rivers have a regular sched-
ule of water flows. Miss the window and you’ll find yourself
hiking out.
WAter LeveLS: River hazards change dramatically as wa-
ter levels change. Seasonal and daily fluctuations are cre-
ated by melting snow or glaciers and rainfall. Expect higher
levels on snowmelt rivers in late spring to early summer and
during late afternoon when the midday sun has heated things
up. River gauges and landmarks help compare current water
levels to those cited in the guidebook.
fLood HAzArdS: In his classic book Kayak, the late Wil-
liam Nealy stated that there are three reasons for running a
river in flood: Accident (flash flood), misadventure (ignorance
of water level), or choice (defective genetic programming).
Let’s address the accidental flash flood. This phenomenon is
most common and hazardous in narrow gorges where rain-
storms can create a massive wall of water that rushes down
the canyon with little or no warning. Rivers that run through
broad dry washes are also dangerous, as these plains can
flood unexpectedly. When considering these rivers, keep an
eye on the weather in the days leading up to your trip and
don’t put in if rain is forecast or the clouds look threatening.
Of course, some rivers can only be run in flood, to which we’d
reply, “It’s in my genes, man.”
PH
11)
oto P
13)

houRs oF DayliGhT—

PaCK a BoaT
A feW ConCePtS to reMeMBer: If it’s not
aul
clipped in, it will eject when you do. Practice with a loaded
Know how many you have and respect this fact.
n
boat. Heavy-duty garbage bags are your friends, even inside
or
dry bags. Pack heavy things like food up front, within carved-
B
o
out storage compartments in the pillar or bulkhead, or right
behind your seat and balanced on both sides—this keeps
the ends of your boat feeling light for more control on the
water. Expedition paddler and Whistler Search and Rescue
volunteer Steve Whittall says, “Be creative. Customize your
boat and pick versatile gear—a tarp provides shelter for your
kitchen and sleeping and means you don’t need rain gear.”
8)

FinD FRienDs
Keep the things you will need soonest—lunch, water purifier,
cozy jumper—the most accessible. And finally, have your
Paddling with a mate is more fun, safer and easier
throw bag handy.
on the budget than paddling alone. Like partners in moun-
taineering or even marriage, the best river running partner
is one with whom you share trust and similar goals. For
example, if one climbing partner is determined to reach
12)
the summit and the other is simply content to be on the

aCCess TRansPoRTaTion
Planning transportation can be as simple as driving
on well-surfaced roads and dropping one of your vehicles at
mountain, the safety of both is threatened by the resulting the take-out. Alternatively, gaining access to a backcountry
frustration and hostility. or international river may be a complicated web of flights,
Kayaking, mountaineering and swiftwater rescue instruc-
four-wheel-driving and foot-packing. In some places, your
tor Franco Ferrero emphasizes the importance of a team-
transportation can range from trains or helicopters to rattle-
trap chicken-filled buses or even mules. “Just driving around
focused environment, “To avoid trashings and shattered
can be the most hair-raising part of the trip,” cautions sea-
confidence, paddle with people who will support you.”
soned international expedition leader Dunbar Hardy. Hardy
It is beneficial to spend time around paddlers of differ-
recommends asking lots of questions—if you’re renting a
ent skill levels and experience, as long as expectations
shuttle vehicle for example, you may need to bring your own
are discussed and understood by every member of the
roof racks—and making the most of local knowledge for di-
group. “Chances are you will put a lot of thought into the
rections, road conditions and best put-in and take-out sites.
gear you take with you—why not the folks you paddle with We’d add to the list learning how to drive off-road and pack-
as well?” says veteran expedition paddler Phil DeRiemer. ing extra tow straps.
2 Rapid
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