Importance of preparedness in river trips

CarbonEvergreens

CarbonEvergreens

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Washington state
I have a story to tell.
Last September my dad, uncle, cousin and I went on a canoe trip down a small river in northern Washington state. We expected it to be a simple "float" because all the locals said it was easy and we were testing out new canoes. We ended up spending 7 hours or so on the river. My uncle and cousin's canoe capsized because we got into class 3 rapids and their canoe was bulky and not meant for that(lake canoe). It was getting very dark and we ended up spending the night near the shore. They were wet and cold and if it hadn't been for the lighter and small knife I had in my pocket one of them may have caught pneumonia. It was very scary for both my cousin and I because we had never spent the night without a tent or something like a sleeping bag. It opened my eyes to survival and Bushcraft.
The moral of the story:
With a knife, fire source, and a little knowledge you can accomplish anything.
Anyway, thought I'd just share that because I don't know very many people who bring a knife or fire steel when they go canoeing or kayaking.
 
this is why your PSK needs to be attached to you and not in your pack..... glad everyone made it out ok.
 
CarbonE check out a Ribz pack. The Ribz pack is perfect for hiking and boating. It can be worn with comfort while rowing ect. at all times. If you were to get seperated from all your gear the Ribz pack would still be on you.

One time I found some kids who wound up in a similar situation walking along the Highway. Boatless cold and all bit up. A lighter saved them both. I dont want to high jack your thread so Ill stop!
 
joboo said:
CarbonE check out a Ribz pack. The Ribz pack is perfect for hiking and boating. It can be worn with comfort while rowing ect. at all times. If you were to get seperated from all your gear the Ribz pack would still be on you.

One time I found some kids who wound up in a similar situation walking along the Highway. Boatless cold and all bit up. A lighter saved them both. I dont want to high jack your thread so Ill stop!
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll definatly check it out!
 
CE, if you want more info on this issue, do a search for something called a Ditch Kit... not sure what it will turn up on this forum, but i think it's been lightly discuseed... there's also an excellent youtube video by a guy named Harlan Schwartz. (He's the owner of Red Lake Outfitters (or close) in western Ontario, and of the Solotripping.com forum.) in it, he covers exactly what you're talking about: what do you do if you're suddenly without all your gear. in cold water, you have about a minute to get hold of your panic and your breathing, about 10 to get to shore, and about an hour to get a fire going... some rough rule of thumb like that anyway... bet even a reflector blanket or poncho would have made that night a lot warmer than it was. really smart paddlers carry stuff like that in their life jackets, and wear them.

good for you man... you probably saved a couple lives with the lighter and knife, not just your own.
 
joboo said:
CarbonE check out a Ribz pack. The Ribz pack is perfect for hiking and boating. It can be worn with comfort while rowing ect. at all times. If you were to get seperated from all your gear the Ribz pack would still be on you.
Click to expand...
Looks like a cool idea for supplementing a regular backpack and keeping some things handy without the need to drop the main pack to get at them. I think in a canoe, though, I would just as soon have a normal fanny pack or lumbar pack.

Of course, maybe that's because I'm already bulky enough in the front, without adding a "tummy pack" too! :9:
 
Peacelovingirl said:
this is why your PSK needs to be attached to you and not in your pack..... glad everyone made it out ok.
Click to expand...


yes!

in paddling circles it's been called a 'ditch kit' for 50 years...and it should ALWAYS be ON you....

can be duplicated with stuff in bags (usually is) but ALWAYS gotta be on ya when you are paddling.

If you don't like any other way....heck, it's the one situation a fanny pack is cool! :D
 
I have a waterproof BOB I always carry with me when canoeing with all the essentials- first aid kit, extra knife, lighter, flares, space blanket, extra compass, dry towel, extra set of dry clothes, etc. which I attach to the canoe with a tether. Dad taught me this over 40 years ago, always be prepared on the water. Good reminder, thanks! ;)
 
Thanks for sharing your story. A good reminder to always be ready for worse case scenario. It's sad that the people who really need to hear stories like probably aren't using this forum.
 
Great post and great ideas. One other thing is making sure you know what to do with the kit. DualSurvivor had a great episode on this scenerio. I have a little pocket on my life vest I keep things in also a Sealine bag with the rest that is attached by string to my vest.
 
thankx I just put together a ditch kit after reading about you. Now if the ice would melt so I can get my canoe out:)
 
It's also important to realize how easily strong whitewater can get stuff away from you, and get water into "waterproof" containers too! Any psk needs to be well-secured to your body (but not in a way that might get caught on the boat or impede your movement if you upset), and WELL waterproofed. I carry my psk in a small waist pack, and everything inside is inside three layers of plastic. If you wouldn't be able to run your pack through your washing machine and have everything come out dry, it's not ready for the river!
 
CarbonEvergreens said:
I have a story to tell.
Last September my dad, uncle, cousin and I went on a canoe trip down a small river in northern Washington state. We expected it to be a simple "float" because all the locals said it was easy and we were testing out new canoes. We ended up spending 7 hours or so on the river. My uncle and cousin's canoe capsized because we got into class 3 rapids and their canoe was bulky and not meant for that(lake canoe). It was getting very dark and we ended up spending the night near the shore. They were wet and cold and if it hadn't been for the lighter and small knife I had in my pocket one of them may have caught pneumonia. It was very scary for both my cousin and I because we had never spent the night without a tent or something like a sleeping bag. It opened my eyes to survival and Bushcraft.
The moral of the story:
With a knife, fire source, and a little knowledge you can accomplish anything.
Anyway, thought I'd just share that because I don't know very many people who bring a knife or fire steel when they go canoeing or kayaking.
Click to expand...

Glad things worked out for you.It could have easily gone the other way if conditions were a little worse. I never go paddling without a backup survival kit. Its a small pack with food ,emerg blanket,firemaking kit,dry cloths ,extra fleece,flares,tarp,,,etc. Hypothermia is serious stuff. Lots of folks get in trouble every year thinking their about to do something easy and will only be gone for a few hrs. Play it safe,,,,,,,,good luck in the future
 
I float a lot of rivers here in WY/UT mainly fly fishing. I keep a PSK and FAK in my life jacket, with a duplicate in my fishing vest, and a larger waterproof pack on the boat. I've got it regardless of whether I'm floating or wading, I do both on a given float. A little redundant but, when its your life it's important.
 
I saw somewhere a small pack that attaches to the back of modern life vests for a ditch kit. It was not supposed to snag on items if you go in the drink.

A lot of vests now have nice pockets right on them to hold gear.

In a military compass/ first aid kit I have a space blanket, mini first aid kit, cordage, lighter, fero rod, Swiss army knife, plastic garbage bag, hard candy or tea pack. It's a lot but it fits snug. I use the Alice clip to put it on the attachment points.

I also have a whistle on each one.

If I can find thebpics I'll post em for you.
 
Sar5 said:
I saw somewhere a small pack that attaches to the back of modern life vests for a ditch kit. It was not supposed to snag on items if you go in the drink.

A lot of vests now have nice pockets right on them to hold gear.

In a military compass/ first aid kit I have a space blanket, mini first aid kit, cordage, lighter, fero rod, Swiss army knife, plastic garbage bag, hard candy or tea pack. It's a lot but it fits snug. I use the Alice clip to put it on the attachment points.

I also have a whistle on each one.

If I can find thebpics I'll post em for you.
Click to expand...

On the west coast of canada the idea of a ditch bag on the deck of your kayak with a line to the paddler is gaining popularity.
 
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