The Solo

[waterhog]

I know there are alot of opinions out there on this subject and i would like to here a few. Doug Ammons says (soloing is the true test of skill) while i dont agree with all dougs words i do agree with these.
I recently heard a story where a kayaker died simply because there wasnt enough room in the eddie above the portage while this is extremely rare incident there are many other senerios that could arise when boating with other people.


p.s.i would not recomend soloing when you are learning it is most definately for the expierianced and confident kayaker who knows his\her limits and have the ability to make sound judgemnts in extreme situations

[okieboater]

Been boating many moons and have done a lot of "solo" boating. Rivers like the Cossatot back in the late 70's did not have a lot of activity. Maybe because we did not have a large number of boaters like we do now. Francine would drop me off at the put in, we would wave at the falls and she would pick me up at the then Hiway 4 bridge back when you could get a truck down to the low water bridge from both sides. We did this at a lot of rivers in those days. With all the stuff going on these days, I would not have her driving back roads all alone - but that is another story.

With a lot more river time, most of us will see or experience accidents. After a while I think that sinks in. Going solo, a simple mistake like missing a eddy or catching an edge, can turn into a real bad day. My take is most of us will take a look at the hazards on any float and make a personal decision as to what to do that day. For me, every solo float I have taken gets me a heck of a lot closer to the river and the entire experience.

I do not know if the Nantahala gorge run can be considered as a real going solo run. But, each year I still do that a lot when I am in the area by myself. Catch the NOC shuttle and it makes for a really fun day and you can work on whatever technique you need to. I have always seen boaters on these runs, but surprisingly on week days you can have entire sections of the run all by yourself, even lesser wesser.

I have a very good boating bud who has solo canoed up in the boundary waters by himself for weeks at a time. He is a very good boater and not a thrill seeker. Said being alone up there is a life changing experience for the better.

I do not recommend solo boating. Having said that, most boaters with sufficient experience will make their own decision as to if or when they want to solo and live with the outcome.

In this day and time of law suits and big government controlling our lives, for me it is a real pleasure for me to be able to do some things on my own decisions. Boating floats going solo, may well be one of the few things left. Others may not agree.

[Tmuse]

I"ve soloed the tot in the falls, the ocoee on a lap, if you call that solo boating, Falling water creek, and norrell spillway several times. Solo boating is a life changing expereince makes you feel one with nature, just remember to be carefull out there and make good decisions, and you need to have alot of expereince boating and know your limits.

[FarPastGone]

Chuck, I think the story about the person missing the eddy is probably a result of either too many people on a run or bad group dynamics (someone wasn't hustling to get out of their boat). Creeking has a threshold, depending on the creek and difficulty of course, every person you add to a group past the initial boater makes it safer until you get to that threshold (also barring below run rating skilled people). I absolutely hate creeking with more than 5 or 6 people on steep stuff. It is inconvenient, crowded, and doesn't really add more in terms of safety than it does risk. If it is something pretty chill than it is not a big deal, or even a creek that is pretty wide open like Watauga or Richland. There are a number of dangers in boating with just two people as well.

That is my rant on creeking in groups.

I think solo boating is one of those things where people who do it really enjoy it, but the people who get in trouble doing it didn't respect the river. I also see it as one of those things where among those who do it, there is no need to share it, since it is really just about the river and yourself (yeah I know cheesy stuff). Really think you can be safe doing it if you are smart about it, don't run stuff that is right at the edge of your comfort level, don't try and take crazy lines, just take it easy. Of course that is different for everybody, the edge of my skill level and somebody like Rush Sturgis is night and day.

-Matt

[Cowper]

I recently heard a story where a kayaker died simply because there wasnt enough room in the eddie above the portage while this is extremely rare incident there are many other senerios that could arise when boating with other people.

I don't doubt the truth of the story, but that is one of those statistical things. I know for a fact that there have been many deaths due to seatbelts, and others due to airbags. But this is not a good reason to think it is "OK" to not wear your seatbelt, because overall, wearing that belt gives you the best chance of still being alive after a serious accident. Same thing on boating alone. Boating alone significantly increases your overall risk, and is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Actually, a number of folks expressed their opinions about boating alone over on this thread: http://ns13.webmasters.com/*arkansascan ... =1&t=14774" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sometimes I boat alone. Sometimes I start fires with gasoline. I find both to be rewarding experiences.

[Heath]

(soloing is the true test of skill)

I think each person could see this differently. Does it truly take more skill, or is it more of a state of mind. Personally I think it takes the same amont of skill to run a rapid solo, as it does with a group of boaters. but to run harder rapids with out the support and safety of a group. takes a little bit different mind set.( and a lot of self confidence). when paddleing solo you really cant second guess yourself you have to no your limits. when with a group you can stretch those limits and push the edge knowing that your buds are going to do what they can to save your a$$
At the same time Soloing is also a little easier( its just you your looking after) some people feel more comfortable in this situation. sometimes it is easier to just concentrate on your self and not have to worry about others.
As a person who has soloed quiet a bit in the past I have started shying away from it. I dont feel there is anything to prove to myself or anyone else. and the added risk isnt worth it to me anymore. I have missed a few runs in the past couple of years becase there was no one else there but thats ok they will be there some other time.

later Heath

[waterhog]

copper theres no need to doubt the story because its true im just not gonna get into names and i am also against the seatbelt law while some stats show it makes it safer tellin me i got to is one step closer to commieville

[Eric Esche]

"Sometimes I boat alone. Sometimes I start fires with gasoline. I find both to be rewarding experiences".[/quote]

And then some of us have been known to mess around with blow logs and buy boats without consulting our spouse first.

Both can be dangerous, but rewarding activities.

Eric

[panicman]

The main problem with going solo that I see(and I have gone solo before)is setting the shuttle.

[Louiscov]

Solo days and trips can be special. Quiet, focus more on scenery, fish, nap, just chill bigtime!!!

Mine have been on water where I had bombproof self rescue confidence: Buffalo (2 - 3 day trips), Caddo, Ouachita, Piney, with commercial shuttle service. I tried the Nantahala solo once and a long bruising swim and self rescue at the Bump really deflated my river play. Ever since I more just get down the river with less "pushing it," but solo can be awesome.

Gotta have me some solo every year!

[RandyJ]

The main problem with going solo that I see(and I have gone solo before)is setting the shuttle.

That's part of the adventure!

[bryanpin]

I thinks its funny how several of us feel the need to put the "don't boat alone disclaimer out there". It's true, it's way more dangerous. A trivial mistake alone can mean bad bad things if it's just you. But with that said, I've done it a few times and loved every second. Richland solo was incredible. Did it at about 2.9, so it was nice and slow for boat scouting for hazards, although pretty gripping with all the slots and pin potential low water brings. Also have done the Tot and Norrell. I still feel it's not smart decision making. But hell, I like kayaking and dumb decisions!!

Matt's congested group point is something we should address alot more. I've seen and been involved in more carnage due to crowding than anything else on the water. Always break into smaller groups and space out nicely! Geeeezz i'm trying to enjoy this place too!! Although our last Beech run with about 25 boats was saaaaahhhh wheat!!

[FarPastGone]

Although our last Beech run with about 25 boats was saaaaahhhh wheat!!

It went about as well as it could have all things considered.

-Matt

[waterhog]

25boat group on beech is a little defferent than 25 on somthing steep

[shelbyjohnson]

I've enjoyed reading this thread and seeing the thoughts. Solo boating is not for me. I'm wired social and I enjoy the company of great friends as much as the creeks, so paddling experiences to me are natural and social.