Where Has The Time Gone?

Hi All!

It was ski season the last time I posted here so I thought I'd give an update.  I hope many of you were successful in getting your river permits for this season.  We struck out so we are doing most of our floating on the Arkansas River and looking for the right permit cancellation.  The upper Colorado is coming up so we will likely go there soon as well.  We will likely do Lodore Canyon later this summer.  I will be posting soon on how to secure a permit cancellation.

Even during this dry year we have had a lot of fun this summer floating rivers and getting wet!  I've also had the pleasure of taking some new families out on the river.   It' always so nice to see how well a family responds to being on the river together and to introduce them to river life!

Here is a pic of a fun family that I took down Browns Canyon of the Arkansas.  They were great and a good time was had by all.  "Dad, when are we going to get our own raft" was mentioned a few times.

The next day I was able to get my own family out on the river.  My daughters love Browns Canyon and are a both good enough to kick me out of the Captain's Chair.

 My daughter forgot to watch what was ahead of us!  SLEEPER!  (a Sleeper is a rock that's easy to miss because it's barely covered with water)

The waves can get everyone wet and weather changes fast, so we always have plenty of dry clothes just in case.  I like my crew warm, well fed and happy. 

We even caught some fish for dinner!  Life on the river is truly grand!

 The Strong Family Rafters are having a wonderful summer and hope all of you are as well.  Stay tuned for more on Family Rafting from Bill Strong of Denver.

Ok, so now what?

So let's say you bought your raft.  It's a 14' self-bailing boat (not an "bucket-boat" that you have to bail every-time you take on some water).  Now..back to the frame.   I posted a pic of the NRS frame that I like.  Everyone has their preference on frames and seats (the Captain's Chair).

Below is the Captain's Chair that I find the most comfortable.  And you want a comfortable seat to row from, and to sit in as you float.  I've had two back surgeries, so the seat I sit in is very important.  If my back were to go out during a multi-day trip, it would be major trouble.  Not only due to the need to get the boat and my family through the canyon to the "take-out"...but all the work involved in setting up camp, unloading gear at camp, reloading in the morning for the next day of floating...a bad back would really be a problem.  So, I'm a believer in having a seat that works.  Below is a pic of the seat I like, go hear to read more: NRS High-Back Seat 

I have found the high back Captain's Chair to be the best in providing comfort and lumbar support.  I don't think anything is lost as far as performance.  Below is the low-back, which some people feel provides better performance in that you can lean back more as you row. 

I've used both and highly recommend the high-back.  I'm sure there are times during hard-core rowing that the low-back has it's uses.  That said, I've rowed some long days and down some pretty technical runs and have never had the higher-back get in the way. 

Above is a pic of a different type of seat and frame.  Many rafters like this type of high-back seat that has a mesh fabric (that can be replaced).  I don't find these seats as comfortable, but many rafters love them.  If you're in the Denver area go to AAA Inflatables or Down River Equipment to sit in one.  As I said earlier, Mark at AAA does amazing work and is a great resource!  This pic also shows a different type of frame than the NRS one I have.  It has nice diamond plate decking and pretty much rocks!  Below is a better pic of this type of seat.  It's made from 1 1/4" pipe.  

Regardless  of what type of Captain's Chair you end up with, you'll want to make sure it is both comfortable, and allows you to row effectively.  I've spent a lot of time in both types of Captain's Chairs, and find the high back NRS to be the by far the most comfortable for long days in the seat. 

Bill Strong Denver