FAQ
What is the West South Central area?
The US Census Bureau defines West South Central as TX, LA, OK, AR.
How long are the trips?
Most of the paddles here are out and backs or loops of 10 to 20 miles. This is sometimes set by the distance between river crossings (bridges), or by the size of undeveloped or conservation areas near lakes and rivers (beyond that it’s often farmland or housing), or by -that’s long enough I’m tired-. The trips are more exploration oriented rather than speed or endurance oriented.
Paddle year round?
Spring and fall are best, winter is good with a farmer john wetsuit or a drysuit, summer is ok too but hot.
What’s a good boat to use?
It doesn’t matter too much.
What are some dangers of paddling in more remote locations?
The biggest one by far is that you trip and fall down. Another one is going too far out on a lake and capsizing. In some boggy areas mosquitoes cover you so fast you can hardly think. And pigs, pigs are worrisome. Getting lost is extremely frightening. Getting something in your eye isn’t good. The list is goes on.
What about alligators?
Probably nothing will happen.
What about snakes?
Probably nothing will happen.
Will the car be safe at the put-in?
Hope so. Won’t know till we get back.
What about an emergency kit?
Maybe some Advil, Benadryl, water purification tablets, repair tape, candy, pocketknife. In winter sometimes a set of dry clothes.
Isn’t it scary or unsettling to be alone, outside, in a remote area?
The feeling about this will vary from person to person. I grew up in a rural area in the Ozark mountains and spent a lot of time running around in the woods as a kid, nobody around. As far as people go, 99.9% of folks I’ve encountered on trips have been friendly.
Finding places to paddle, maps, routes, directions, orienteering?
A few books and websites in the links, but mostly by looking at google satellite maps. Then, print out satellite maps of an area and laminate at the FedEx office. Cell phones have map apps and can set location pins if you’re in tower range. But phones can be frustrating and glitchy. A compass is often useful. Redundancy is important in the event that one method fails. Knowing the NSEW structure of an area is good in case you have to walk out.
River flow rates, lake levels?
The USGS National Water Dashboard. Lake levels using google search.
Are there portages or obstacles on these routes?
Sometimes, like log falls, shallow or dry areas, brush, trash jams, steep banks, low water riffles, spillways.
Non-native aquatic invasives?
Take all appropriate post-trip care as required. These organisms were introduced many years ago and are everywhere, even in lakes with no boat ramps. Human control is helping but there’s probably no going back, ecosystems worldwide are now uneasy hybrids of native and non-native species.
Wear a life jacket?
Yes.
Are permits needed?
For State Parks, Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs), usually yes. The exact policies vary a lot.
Are launch sites open year-round?
Depends, some NWRs have seasonal restrictions. Avoid the first few days of hunting season in the fall, particularly for waterfowl.
Why?
To have fun, get outside, stay fit, a retirement activity, learn to do a website.
How were the photographs taken?
With an iphone SE. Then level the horizon later in Photoshop.