Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Gordon, I was with you until you got to rafts... which are in most cases, assuming adequate cfs, superior craft to both kayaks and canoes because they:
1) are very hard to tump...
2) carry more gear than even a good Whitesell canoe normally does...
3) can haul a cooler, a real chair and cook-stove for extended rest-breaks...
4) require one's significant other to actually refuse your offer to haul them down the river, removing the "you never take me" plaint...
5) can haul more than one 4-7 year old, allowing them to play amongst themselves on the river...
6) give "over-nighter" river triips a good name... even with folks who normally camp out at Holiday Inns...

OK fine Crane! I was just ribbing about rafting too. Rafts have their place for sure. And frankly you left off one of the best reasons to raft.

- You can row your kayaker buddy AND his kayak down the river when he gets tired so as to more fully enjoy his company.

1. Rafts always have the best seats. Never seen a oar rig where the pilot didn't have a super cush seat going on.
2. Better vision too when sitting way up high.
3. They are friend magnets.
4. Rafters can carry "others" beverages easily with a high commission rate.
5. Rafters can carry down a injured texan and his equipment.
Some other stuff I'm sure.

Reason one person will never do anything BUT open boat anymore

Gordon, do you remember when my son was about 10 years old at Vous one year and he went upside down in the pool. you and I were at the edge of the pool when we noticed him beating on the bottom of the kayak. He just told me yesterday that because of that incident, he will never paddle anything but an open boat again. He still can't even stand to think about it. He truly was a couple of seconds away from blacking out.

Even though that was nearly a decade ago, thank you again for saving my son's life !

Yaks are just a passing fad. Like mullets and bellbottom pants. The saving grace is that they can be chopped and recycled to be molded into canoes. With the future of paddling in mind, it would be a good thing if more yakkers bought red plastic buttboats. Thank you for your attention.


Michael

Gordon, probably could have paddled down Pinnicle a few years ago, but since I broke my back April 1, not real sure I can actually paddle again. dale

The main reason why more folks don't openboat is that they just don't get it. "Why would you make it harder on yourself", is what I hear alot. Once people give it a try and something clicks and they do start to get it, then they're hooked for life. I've only been in an openboat 5 or 6 years now, but once it clicked for me, I knew I would probably never paddle a kayak again. -M-

From a long time kayaker, ole d-bob is a good man to have along on a kayak trip when you need a break.

And, there is usually a cool brew stashed away some where in his raft.

You all forgot to mention that open boaters are just plain cooler, and provide endless amusement for butt boaters. I'm not going to say it but read the stickers on Cole's boat. That is if he stops being cute and lovable and gets back to paddling. BOB

It appears that Cole has his priorities messed up.

Kayakers definitely outnumbered here: http://forums.arkansascanoeclub.com/vie ... 18&t=27200" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A lady at Canoe School (yes,Canoe School) asked my why we open boaters do'nt use kayak paddles since it would be easier.I replied"If we wanted it to be easier we would paddle kayaks."

YES it is definitely easier.. to swim out of a canoe!