Words : Marc Ornstein Photos : Marc Ornstein , Tim Burris . Video by Paul Meyer
I love paddling narrow , twisting streams . You know the kind – small little meandering water threads with modest current cutting deep through the woodlands going who knows where . Such as you might find with some of the tiny rivers in the Jersey Pinelands , or on twisty little passages between lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks , or some obscure spring outflows in Florida and elsewhere .
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Words : Marc Ornstein Photos : Marc Ornstein , Tim Burris . Video by Paul Meyer
I love paddling narrow , twisting streams . You know the kind – small little meandering water threads with modest current cutting deep through the woodlands going who knows where . Such as you might find with some of the tiny rivers in the Jersey Pinelands , or on twisty little passages between lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks , or some obscure spring outflows in Florida and elsewhere .
Too small and maybe too ‘ obstructed ’ for lots of paddlers , but to those with the skills and the spirit of exploration and adventure (“ Let ’ s go see what ’ s out there , and see if we can get through ”), such streams can make for a worthwhile day of interesting paddling . But it ’ s different . It can be a lot like bushwhacking on foot and bushwhacking by canoe can be a lot of fun .
This is not everyone ’ s cup of tea , and extra precautions must be taken . Folks without refined paddling skills and the necessary judgement to evaluate the hazards would be advised to stay clear of such situations . Most of these ‘ fun ’ elements fall under the broad category of strainers , which we generally advise paddlers to stay away from . However , if approached properly , they can add a creative twist to their experience . They are also an opportunity to practice and refine skills , which may come in handy when a surprise strainer pops up unexpectedly .
Paddling such streams is like navigating an obstacle course . It requires the ability to ‘ read ’ not only the water but to evaluate each and every obstacle . Such an evaluation goes something like this .
Is there a safe route over , under , through or around the obstacle ? If not , it ’ s time to portage . Are my skills up to the task ? If not , it ’ s time to portage .
What is a reasonable , worst-case scenario , and am I willing to take that risk ? If not , it ’ s time to portage .
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