Why this should be a "Lost" Forum, not "Lost and Found"

[Cowper]

Because if more of us would write our phone numbers on our gear, anything found by an honest paddler would come home automatically!

Think about it - anything posted here as "found" was found by someone who is ready and willing to return it to the rightful owner just for a little bit of good river karma. More importantly, think how many paddlers are out there that DON'T read this ACC message board. Many of them would also return anything with a phone number on it.

Laundry markers are good, but almost any waterproof marker will do the job, even if you have to "renew" the numbers once in awhile. For Black paddles, get a white paint pen from Wally World or Hobby Lobby.

[hellbender]

ok dad!

[jeremytenhaken]

Good point, Cowper. On a tecnical note, "Sharpie" now makes a silver sharpie that shows up well on anything dark. Can be found at Lowes or Home Depot if unavailable elsewhere.

[Cowper]

ok dad!

OK, I've got to give you that one - it's a well deserved poke.

But I'm frustrated; as I look around on this forum and the general forum, I'm seeing at least 4 "found" paddles, and a bunch more "lost". Also some lost boats. Yeah, I know, some folks might not call the phone number to return a boat. But some would. These four paddles, without a doubt, would already be back with their owners if there had been a phone number.

I know nobody is going to write their phone number on EVERYTHING, I'm just trying to provide some "food for thought" to the newer folks who may not have thought about this before. Write your phone number on your "major" pieces of gear, and you've got a pretty good chance of getting it back if you ever lose it on the river or leave it in the parking lot by mistake.

Stay tuned for my next message: "Just Say No to Propane"

[turboturtle]

Better title

"Just say no to propane and blow logs"



And I used to think I was a danger mouse.

I couldn't hold a candle to you guys.

And theirs your sign!

[martinm]

Had my name and number on the white paddle, don't think I did on the black one. No calls yet...

Martin

[RomanLA]

I used a silver paint pen from wally world...worked good on everything and haven't had to redo anything yet.

[A Savage spanke]

This last summer I lost my paddle and sweet helmet, and had them both returned to me because of my phone number, thats 400 dollars worht of returned gear! I think I had carma going for me though, I returned a brand new phryanna without a name in it to someone on boatertalk. I don't believe many sports or activities have the same return rate for lost stuff that kayaking has, good people

[rsmitchell13]

Cowper is absolutely right. I lost a life jacket on the Mulberry River on Saturday afternoon and received a voice mail Monday evening with the news it had been found. Put your name and phone number on everything.

[anthony]

heck I even put my name and number on my wife and kid, that way some one will call me if they decide to run off. Cowper's a genius!!! I prefer backroads tatoo for the most lasting effect, that ink never washes off.

[Deeproots77]

And it makes it alot easier to remember the names of people I meet everyone should have names sharpied on gear

[jaxjack]

it is the "law" in colorado so the park guys can more easily solve their search and rescue and recovery efforts. in fact, it is a fineable offense if you dont have info inside your boat.
jack danielson

[ktmusa45]

Lost a Bliss Stick boat and paddle During Gauley Season and It's on its way home from West Virginia! Lets give a hand to all the honest paddling friends and family out there!

[lpowell]

hahahahaha! You guys!
I will now sharpie all my goods!

[Gordon Kumpuris]

I'm the poster child for Sharpie's. After losing a kayak during a flood on the east fork of the little Buffalo 15 months ago my boat was found and returned to me last week. Had I not put my name and number in it, it would have been relocated to central Missouri right now. I keep a sharpie with me pretty much all the time. If you need it hit me up! :)