Solo Boating

[Nathan H]

I know this has been the topic of forum conversations before, but what are everyone's thoughts on solo boating? I found found myself in three rivers today and after paddling some class IV with another boater, decided to hit up hospital rock when the other guy decided he wasn't up for it. To be honest, I thought it might be a little stupid, but man did I have a good time. I have never boated with such focus before in my life. One of the best days I've had on the rock and it was a nice hot lap in under an hour. It's not something I do a lot. Nevertheless, I often boat with a very strong crew that I perhaps over-rely on and it's empowering to so forcefully be reminded that I am solely responsible the success of my boating. There's such a psychological comfort in boating with your team, but I think it's important to prove to yourself every once in a while what you are capable of and what your limits are. I think it's also important to contrast your decision making when you are by yourself and when you are with a safety net. I think we should more often boat like we would when we are by ourselves, so that we don't ask to much of our friends in situations when things could go wrong. Just some thoughts.

[rideon]

Couldn't have said it better...we could debate the downsides (and there certainly are some) of solo boating all day but I think you highlighted the upside of solo missions perfectly. I think in general as humans we think we need to be around other people all the time but there is something very powerful about being in the back country alone...I don't do it often but man is it good for me on a personal level when I do.

[Le Mitch]

since moving east i have spent more time boating by myself than with anyone else. granted it is on a run a grade or so below my ability but its nice to just be able to get out and not have to worry about anyone else

if i had my choice i would boat with a crew and push myself, but boating is better than no boating. though i think by going alone its easier to meet new people

[nsinderson]

Could not have said it better.I love to boat solo and just got back from a solo mission. I look at it as just one more facet of a sport that has many. The added focus and awareness are rewards that can't be understated, and of course there's the challenge of setting shuttle.
Although some of my boating buddies might suggest that I solo boat due to the color of my boat and condition of my boof .

[timberman]

While I know 2 people who have watched a grand float downstream after relatively easy and safe solo town runs I do enjoy the serenity in a solo.

That being said, most would say Doug Ammons solo in the Stikine is nucking futs right? Well what help is a crew on 15,000 cfs of continuous Class V? I have found myself on a few rivers boating in between others in my crew and realizing it was actually a "solo" mission as nobody could help me anyway. A good case in point is on a novice mission on Cataract canyon at 54,000 cfs where I swam...the entire mile long rapid, right past my crew.

I find this becomes more and more true as rivers get more continuous especially during flood stages. So Hunk, to point out that treating solid crew descents as solo missions makes good sense but I would argue that in reality they are solo missions. Especially with the clown posse, ghetto gear, shit show that I boat with, lol.