TLMSB, has in NAILED. There is nothing like a raft, BUT there is SOOOOOO much shit that comes with it. IMHO, I truley belive thats where a lot of the Kayaker/rafter beef comes from. I have been on trips where some of the kayakers, just expected us rafters to take care of it, and i have been on trips where the kayakers, rip all day, super solid, and say, "we'll be at camp", and say adios........then they come, hand me an un-opened bottle of makers mark, and tell me to sit down..........I prefer a closer idea to the later, but just cause i have all the shit, dosn't mean i need, want or git to sit on my ass.
as far as the "vacation" idea of it, thats crap............its an expedition, not a vacation. If you wanna vacation, pay a commercial crew to run you down, simple as that.
BTW, I row a big rig, and if you have a good eye, you can see my angst squirt boat, in my avatar.
Yo!
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as far as the "vacation" idea of it, thats crap............its an expedition, not a vacation. If you wanna vacation, pay a commercial crew to run you down, simple as that.
just semantics. i get 4 weeks of vacation a year. my vacations are usually spent on multi-day trips or rafting, climbing and fly fishing expeditions(expeditions-places that don't have guidebooks or much beta) or something else where I come back to work needing a real "vacation" to recover from my vacation.
Both are awesome activities. Both have pros and cons. As a former raft guide and a raft owner I can say that rafting will always be special to me hanging out floating down a canyon in serenity is a very unique way to spend time. Then the partying is always real good in camp. Cons as has been mentioned rigging, total gear, permits have all been mentioned. One that hasn't been talked about is the cost, an adequate river set up will cost a minimum of $5000 retail, maybe less if you go used. Ouch. Kayaking is far more affordable, though still expensive you can count on about a grand for essentials if you go used. Running tighter lines, surfing, among others are things that I enjoy. Fighting for time with tubers(sometimes), dodging rafts(sometimes), gear storage can be tricky, and though the learning curve can be managed, it is not an easy sport to learn. That said I'm glad and fortunate to be able to do both, the river is definitely my summer salvation.
Ditto, Yaks're small easy to move around and get you in tighter spots, more personal, more fluid, Ditto, Rafts're more time consuming, tough to move, good for groups, beer, overnights, etc., Ditto, try rafting and you will do both.
At the extremes, you might go for a tight little playboat (with a very long learning curve) that does one thing really well: thrills. On the other end, an 18-foot Grand Canyon beer barge will keep you in comforts for a 20-day trip, but will bust your gut rowing against the wind.
Most people look for something closer to the middle. In a 'yak, that'd be an all-around river boat with enough volume to carry a bit of overnight gear. In a raft (or cat— my choice) that'd be a boat that can carry two and enough gear for 2-3 nights out: a 14-footer or thereabouts.
Also in the middle ground would be a 2-person duckie (easy to paddle solo) or Pack Cat, that's good for day runs but can haul some overnight gear.
Once you get a taste, then you can decide which way you want to go. Or you can get a big ol' beer barge and strap your playboat on. Recruit a guest rower or two.
You need both, well eventually. I started kayaking when I was a single guy and now I have 3 yaks in my quiver. Every one needs a play or squirt boat, a river running yak for those longer runs or when you just do not want to be a sardine in a can, and a creeker for running the gnar.
Then after many years, I ended up attached and with two little ones. So now I have a raft too and look forward to taking the fam down multiple day trips. And like everyone else stated, now I can carry my, and plenty more gear for the long haul.
One is not necessary better, they both have their strengths and weaknesses. The right tool for the situation at hand is always a good thing.
Then after many years, I ended up attached and with two little ones. So now I have a raft too and look forward to taking the fam down multiple day trips. And like everyone else stated, now I can carry my, and plenty more gear for the long haul.
How many kayakers can carry their two dogs? The pups always look dejected when I head out with my paddle in hand, but get waaay pumped when the oars come out.
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