There is a strong temptation this time of year to jump in your kayak and rip down the recently opened river.  of course you’d be fool not to scout the whole section of the river you plan to paddle. Ice dams, downed trees, and high water are just some of the hazards that early season river paddlers face.

Walking every trail, crossing every bridge, and looking behind every house it seemed as if it would be a cake walk to take a ride down the local water way.  Well, that was until I checked that one last bridge. Yeah, I can still get out and paddle, but only about half the route I normally would run. Oh well, I’m glad I checked.

A big ice jam in a river can pretty much ruin your day.  Not to mention when the banks have just enough thin ice to make landing a challenge as well.  On flat you can often navigate your way around the ice, but on a river things can get a bit messy.  Once that current pushes you against the ice it can go from inconvienient to life threatening pretty quickly.  Taking time to scout the river is just smart.  Get out and enjoy the weather, but be careful.

Related Posts:

1. Be More Than Mere Mortals
2. Cold Shot
3. ICE!
4. Canocopia Update – River
5. Thin Ice & The Forward Stroke