sierraclub.org - sierra magazine - may/june 2010 - survive
Survive | Sucked Under
ASK THE EXPERT
Ron Smith owns and operates Black Parrot Paddling, a canoe and kayak instructional center with programs in Michigan and Alabama.
"Paddle trips on rivers in the winter and spring can be especially dangerous. Pre-scouting minimizes the possibility of being surprised by a strainer or other hazard. If that isn't feasible, try to have an experienced 'lead boater' scout for hazards and direct paddlers to a safe course. On any paddle trip, especially in winter and early spring, paddlers should be required to dress for immersion."
TELL US YOUR TALE
Have you had a near-miss outdoor experience that you learned from? Send your survival stories to Sierra senior editor Paul Rauber at paul.rauber@sierraclub.org for possible inclusion in a future column.
Illustration by Koren Shadmi