I love to paddle high water and that is usually what it takes to get me out in NY’s “offseason”. The Bottom Moose is running over 5ft in mid-Dec. I’ll be running the conservative lines…the goal is not to roll! Not to miss a line or an eddy. Some question a winter paddler’s judgement, especailly at higher flows. No doubt accidents can happen so think through what you’re doing carefully. When paddling this winter or early spring, take the time and think about how the environment increases the danger and take the steps to reduce those dangers.
The safety committee will be spotlighting archived articles at least once a month with emphasis on having fun safely. We’ll add in a few new thoughts when appropriate. We hope to generate some discussion from this on the AW forum when a topic raises interest. So don’t be shy and add your $.02!
The archives are a priceless history of whitewater safety. If you would like to help us improve this virtual library drop me an email tmkelley@clarkson.edu. Enjoy paddling this off-season or simply surfing the AW Journal Archives.