Solo? Not a poll, make up your own mind.

[Lisa Wilk]

While I'm logged in I would like to pose the question: Do you boat solo? This is not a plug for a Fluid creeker, and I don't mean at the play park when no one else is there which we do all the time. I also know that in a long, pumping Class 4-5 drop if things go bad wrong you are totally baked no matter how many people you are boating with. But, if you are a skilled boater doing a run that's a full level below your comfort zone with a group, do you go? Say you are a IV boater and after work you can't find a bro to run the #'s, class III, (its been down graded but that's another subject) do you do it and jog the shuttle, as I have seen people do and have done myself?

What do you think? How do you weigh the risks and rewards?

Lee D, Lisa's hubby.

[gh]

It's downrated cause you say so?

[Lisa Wilk]

I guess Cutch already answered my question in his best season thread. I like Embick's take on the subject in "Fast & Cold", his AK ww guide, but that's more for knarly boaders which I am not. Soloing sure heightens awareness. Lee D.

[Jutsu]

I'd like to know who has downgraded the numbers to class3?

[Lisa Wilk]

No, buzzers have said it's just class 3 at low water. I still think it's class 4 (except maybe at low water). But that's ANOTHER TOPIC. Start your own topic Mr. Anon, don't poach mine. And answer the question, skate!

[Andy H.]

This is a touchy topic that's been discussed in the past - you can probably do a search and read several pages on the subject.

I have and will continue to solo runs that are below my skill level and/or that I'm very familiar with.

--Andy

[ToddG]

Most of the fun of boating for me is just being in cool situations with classic personalities. Solo paddling is a whole different experience & it's not for everyone .. but certainly it forces you to remove the mental clutter when you're paddling, which can be helpful long after -- there's something to be said for going out & sharpening the pencil, so to speak.

[RiverWrangler]

First off - Leroy - get your own log-in. It's not real difficult. How can anyone take you seriously when you're signing things off with "Lisa's Hubby."

Second - Solo boating is cool if you are cool with it. I like it but I don't plan my season around if. If no one can go sometimes I still want to go and if everyhting falls into place I can have a real nice time on my own. I tend not to solo runs that I don't feel comfortable running sans scouting (for me this is stuff like Bailey, Poudre Narrows etc.). Runs that I have done probably over a hundred times. I would like to do a self support trip solo at some point to really dig deep into that personal experience - but really how can you beat the feeling of sharing an epic run with your homeboys, cracking the cold brews and the safety kit at the take-out... hardly a better feeling out there.

So yeah sometimes it's good to "sharpen the pencil." Sometimes it's good to share. To me though it's always a good time to take some strokes in the river.

[zbaird]

it seems you have answered your own question in the subject line..... make up your own mind.

[Jutsu]

I want to know what Lisa's thoughts are on this issue.

Sincerely,
Jutsu, Heather's boyfriend.