So after one full season of chasing steelies and salmon from the bank I've gone and bought an old driftboat with a friend. This addiction is worse than cocaine and craps. None of us have any experience rowing.

I've rowed a driftboat exactly one time and that was on very smooth water going upriver from from where the Dickey feeds into the Quillaute (sp?) to the takeout.

Anyone have any tips on good runs to try and get my act together so I'm not just doing 360s all day? I've heard the Plumb Creek to Fall City run is a good one for beginners. My goal is to get competent enough to do parts of the skagit, lower sky and maybe bogy runs by the fall.

Any tips on getting the hang of being on the oars besides just doing it? I found some rowing tips on one of the manufacturer's sites but I know there's no excuse for experience. I'll put out an offer now to any experienced rowers without a boat who might be interested in some coaching once the rivers drop in. Bob, it might even be a good addition to your "Tips" section.

I ended up getting what I think is a great deal on an old 14' fiberglass custom driftboat from BK.

Thanks for any and all advice. And please cut me some slack if you see a little guy spiraling down the river.

Bruce

[This message has been edited by B. Gray (edited 07-15-99).]

B.Gray, congrats. on your purchase, I hope you get as much pleasure and excitement out of your drift boat as I do mine. You are making a good call by collecting info. and advice before floating. We usually hear about those who don't, and some these stories are sad, especially when there are injuries or loss of life. Neale Streeks has written an excellent book on the subject called "Drift Boat Strategies" I have garnered some very usefull info. from this book and highly recomend it. I got mine through amazon.com,took three days after ordering-I was impressed. GOOD LUCK !

[This message has been edited by sebastian (edited 07-15-99).]

As you learn to row you'll love your drift boat. I don't know where you live, but find three or four easy drifts to get the hang of things and to experience different types of water. Always remember you have more powere pulling on the oars than pushing, so keep the bow pointed at any danger spots so as to pull away from them. Your started in the right direction by asking questions. You might hire a good guide sometime and observe how they handle a boat. I learned a lot by doing just that. Have fun.

B. Gray-
try putting in at the Fall City Ramp and do the drift down to the Neal Road take out. There is one section on the Plumbs to Fall City that is a little rolly. If you have any questions, e-mail me directly.
KK

the plum creek drift is a good one .another good one is the sultan to the bob howared take out . these are the ones that i started out on . if you choose the more difficult rivers ,you might ask a guide to take you first.! then go and hike the river.then take notes,and mark them on a very detailed topo-graphical map. this will prove very valuable later to up date it with any river changes ,snags or your favorite holes.!! if you are really gun-ho .just remember to wear a life vest and expect the unexepeted.

Bruce, I'm in the same boat. Have now made 3 trips from Sultan to Ben Howard on the Sky. With the high water cond. its a very easy learning experience. Email me at bluecat@firetrail.com when you want to go and I'll either join you or we can run both boats. Any day or time, I'm not employed right now. Mike

B. Gray, I see you have come out to the peninsula. When the Hoh clears up, Oxbow to Cottonwood is a pretty simple drift with a little bit of everything, but nothing too severe. A pretty good place to learn. It's where I and several friends learned.

Bruce ... some of the fellows passed you some sage advice ... a tip would be hard to do as there is only so much I can cover ... perhaps I'll try to do a little on rigging your boat safely, but nothing can help you mor than time on the water learning how the boat reacts to your movements and how to use the water to advantage ... I do run instructional rowing trips from time to time to if that interests you at all ... good luck and be careful!