Steering a Paddle Raft

[teletoes]

Be consistent in you commands. I've gotten it down to six: "forward", "back", "left back, right forward", "stop", "hang on!" and "high side!". You don't need to bother with "right back" because you're in the perfect position to do this by yourself.

Don't use the word "go" because it sounds too much like "no".

When in doubt, T up and yell "Forward! Hard and together!"

[stuntmansteve]

Originally Posted by teletoes

Be consistent in you commands. I've gotten it down to six: "forward", "back", "left back, right forward", "stop", "hang on!" and "high side!". You don't need to bother with "right back" because you're in the perfect position to do this by yourself.

Don't use the word "go" because it sounds too much like "no".

When in doubt, T up and yell "Forward! Hard and together!"

Actually, "Lunchcounter" is the rapid you should beware of the most in Alpine Canyon, particularly since you'll probably have an audience to witness any screwups you may make. Easy to scout from the road though. Its below Big Kahuna if my memory serves. Should be at a good level this late in the summer. Main thing with paddleboats is getting the crew to all work together and not having some know-it-all try to guide from the front. I usually put the most experienced paddler on the front right and have them set the cadence for the others to follow. Go over a few basic strokes, i.e., forward, draw (if you know how to do it, otherwise forget it), and back strokes, right after launching so they got an idea of what to do before having to make any serious maneuvers.

Sounds fun, wish I could make this run again....

[studytime]

Originally Posted by DoubleYouEss

run it as a stern mount paddle assisted rig, or just a paddle assisted oar boat.

This. Never leave you oars!!!

[montuckyhuck]

Originally Posted by stuntmansteve

Actually, "Lunchcounter" is the rapid you should beware of the most in Alpine Canyon, particularly since you'll probably have an audience to witness any screwups you may make. Easy to scout from the road though. Its below Big Kahuna if my memory serves. Should be at a good level this late in the summer. Main thing with paddleboats is getting the crew to all work together and not having some know-it-all try to guide from the front. I usually put the most experienced paddler on the front right and have them set the cadence for the others to follow. Go over a few basic strokes, i.e., forward, draw (if you know how to do it, otherwise forget it), and back strokes, right after launching so they got an idea of what to do before having to make any serious maneuvers.

Sounds fun, wish I could make this run again....

Actually kahuna is bigger at low flows, but yeah its above lunch countet.

[Kendi]

I like to stick with the basic commands (all forward, all back, right back, left back, stop, highside). Saying something like "left turn" or "let it ride" gets confusing (I have worked with these people and they drive me nuts). Frankly if you can get your paddlers to follow commands well- you probably won't have to do much if you don't want to. That being said- if they are out of shape they aren't gonna want to paddle all the time. Give them some rest first before screaming ALL FORWARD OR WE'RE GONNA DIE!

[g.soutiere]

Originally Posted by Kendi

I like to stick with the basic commands (all forward, all back, right back, left back, stop, highside). Saying something like "left turn" or "let it ride" gets confusing (I have worked with these people and they drive me nuts). Frankly if you can get your paddlers to follow commands well- you probably won't have to do much if you don't want to. That being said- if they are out of shape they aren't gonna want to paddle all the time. Give them some rest first before screaming ALL FORWARD OR WE'RE GONNA DIE!

I agree when you just need some forward strokes( a small move) I use forward one( forward two if the crew isn't strong paddlers) all forward for punching holes. And remind them to stop when you say stop( even if they are at two when you call forward four).

[johnovice]

OP: If you want to scout Kahuna before you put it, there is a little parking lot with a sign/label (and short trail to overlook) -- very easy. I'm not sure if you can see the river right sneak from there -- not suggesting you need to sneak! Not sure if you have run that section, but Kahuna is a few hundred yards after you leave the gauging strait -- hard to miss the strait -- it's strait! (and there is a cable over it). After the strait, the river narrows into "blind canyon." Because Kahuna is caused by a ledge, you don't really see its size until right before you drop -- you can see white from a hundred yards or so out, but from there it could appear to be very tame -- certainly not the "Big Kahuna!". (I know you have looked at the recent photos, so you can judge for yourself if you want to run the meat -- I avoided the meat last night, but I was in a ducky and didn't really want to swim after the sun was down.) Lunch Counter is another hundred yards down and is fairly tame now -- just follow the tongue.

[laterwagged]

Originally Posted by johnovice

Get your crew to paddle in unison; put good listeners/doers up front on both sides -- they will be in unison and folks behind them can (may?) follow.

Paddle bot training is important.

[GoodTimes]

Forward, Back, STOP....that's about it...that's all I use anyway.

If they didn't paddle hard enough to miss the rock...they deserve to swim. No "high-side" from me!!!

[brmidjones]

point and shoot