rookie 1st time float

snowball · 01-09-2003, 09:57 AM

OK, my buddy picked up a drift boat-- were both rookies, looking for an easy float. By the sounds of it, the Sandy is going to be a bit packed this weekend--- Any suggestions for two rookies on which river to gain some experience? Clack? Wilson? Nehalem? Nestucka?

snowball · 01-09-2003, 10:17 AM

anyone--

Red · 01-09-2003, 10:20 AM

Roslyn lake ??? Have you or your buddy ever rowed before?? Need more info.

skrimmy · 01-09-2003, 10:21 AM

Wilson

FastAction · 01-09-2003, 10:21 AM

The Wilson is very easy, but the traffic is horrible.... I say the Sandy from Dabney to LC is easiest... That was my first! This time of year = sleds and full throttle.... so be ware! Point and pull from danger and push through eddies.. or at least that is what I do!

blackdog · 01-09-2003, 10:23 AM

snowball, there are easy drifts on all those rivers. Honestly, there is a wealth of information stored in the 'search' section of this website - way more than you will get off of one question. Try a bunch of different searches and don't be afraid to look back into the 2001 archive. I think you will be surprised by how much you can find. This topic has been discussed in detail numerous times in the last few years.

snowball · 01-09-2003, 10:26 AM

row? yea we can row-- we can swim too

i'll take the advice on the seach engin and see what I can find. thanks much!!

D Money · 01-09-2003, 10:30 AM

Snowball
I wouldn't necessarily stay away from crowds on your first float. They show you where to go and how to set up. Anymore they're pretty hard to avoid so you mine as well learn whats ok as far as passing and such. Good luck and be safe. Take your time learning... the rivers aren't going anywhere. (except the ocean)
DM

Fishing freak · 01-09-2003, 10:37 AM

Wilson, from Guide shop tp Sollies. Piece of cake!

ampersat · 01-09-2003, 10:42 AM

i would say dabney to L&C except for the big rock under the troutdale bridge. if you've been there before and know the currents, then it's not hard at all. carver to riverside is a pretty easy float. just keep the boat ahead of you in sight so you tell which way to go around the islands and kind of see the line they're taking.

snowball · 01-09-2003, 01:06 PM

you guys are awsome.. thanks for the tips.. now.. how do i get to carver?

rookie · 01-09-2003, 01:25 PM

The Wilson would be my choice, but they are all about the same caliber.

ANDYCOHO · 01-09-2003, 02:31 PM

Stay away from Dabney to L&C if there is a strong wind in the Gorge it will make your learning experience miserable!!

Trying to keep your boat in the right slot can be more than agravating, and dangerous in some faster water with a strong wind.

My advice I give to new DB owners, is to share the time behind the sticks, you will learn a lot from the mistakes of others, I know I did. Good luck and have fun!!

To get to Carver from Sherwood, North bound I-205, take Estacada Mt. Hood Exit onto hwy 224/212, head east aprox 5 miles, take 224 towards Estacada, 1.5 miles turn right and head south over the Carver bridge and you should see the ramp just east of the bridge

Andy

[ 01-09-2003, 03:36 PM: Message edited by: ANDYCOHO ]

nerta · 01-09-2003, 03:33 PM

John Day River, Spray to Service Creek. Easy water. Good luck where ever you float.

Chris Nordling · 01-09-2003, 06:16 PM

The wind can make it interesting on the Clack too. Today was a good example of that. Pretty interesting keeping the boat straight during some of those gusts when backtrolling.

There will be plenty of people where ever you choose to go. Most rivers have enough water in them to not have to worry too much about scraping bottom or getting into low water trouble such as getting stuck.

Enjoy your float !
Chris

Rubber Robin · 01-09-2003, 11:07 PM

Besides the easy floats that have been listed here the best tip that I could give you................Always point the boat towards the object, bank, rock or whatever it is that you do not want to hit.

It is much easier to pull back on the oars and pull away from a hazard then it is to try to go in reverse and push on the oars. This is probably the number one thing that you will learn!

Good luck!!!! You will have many years of great fun floating and learning the rivers.

Plum Crazy · 01-09-2003, 11:14 PM

A good reference for do's dont's of floating is the Clackacraft web site. under rowing a drift boat.
My vote is for Clack, Carver to riverside. only real problems are the first riffle and thats it as long as you use your head and hit the V's youll be o.k.
I think the Crowds will be fairly big both sandy and Clack with both Follies and ifish challenges this sat . sun.
Good luck any ?'s give me write. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]
Fire

Steelie Steve · 01-09-2003, 11:21 PM

I agree with Fire in the Hole. Clack from Carver to Riverside is pretty simple. That was the first one I did and I survived it. Didn't even have someone to follow on it

Definitely point the boat at the danger and pull on the sticks.

Good luck and have fun with it!

Steve