New drift boat

[blacktail luv]

My old man bought a new driftboat the other day at the portland sportsman show.  He has wanted one for years and now his dream has come true.  The thing is he is old and has neck problems so i am sure i will be the one rowing his ass around.  I have never floated a river in a driftboat before, any advice?  I don't know if scared is the right word but i am "concerned" about our maiden voyage.  Any pointers will be greatly appreciated.

[Machias]

Don't shoot the rapids in Hells Canyon during the spring thaw.   

[lazydrifter]

Take it out to the lake for the first couple of days and row it around and get to where you know how to turn it without thinking about which oar you be pulling and which one you should be pushing.  Always keep your bow pointed at the trouble.  And get someone that knows what is going on to go with you for at least a couple of trips.  I think I saw on another board that there was a driftboat school in Seattle that charged $200.00.  Would be well worth it.

[blacktail luv]

Thanks for the advice.  Keep it coming...please

[Curly]

http://www.pcc.edu/schedule/default.cfm?fa=dspCourse2&thisTerm=200902&crsCode=6DRFTBT&topicCode=REC&subtopicCode=WAS

Portland Community College has a class in April for $175.

Did you just buy a drift boat? Learn how to drift a boat down rocky and swift moving rivers. Basic oarsmanship river safety, self rescue, and reading water. Bring your boat to 6 classes on river. Contact 503 888-0569 for more info.

[ICEMAN]

Also, hook up with someone with a driftboat, and get invited for multiple trips before you launch your own. You need time spent on the river watching, then rowing, many trips would be adviseable. Rivers can kill even experienced rowers.

[MuleySniper]

Like the other guys are saying. Take it to a lake and row it around a bit. Whatever you do, first don't try floating the bogi by yourself when its raining cats and dogs!! I learned the hard way. I spent more time trying to stay alive and bailing water then I did catching fish. As matter of fact. After about the first half hour, I said F the fishing and just wanted off that river
MS

[Curly]

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9ALhTw4-xk&NR=1[/youtube]

[Curly]

Here is a good link that explains how to row a drift boat:

http://www.clackacraft.com/gear/rowingDriftBoat.htm

[jackelope]

don't float the white salmon your first time out either 

lakes for a few trips to get the feel of how it rows and how it reacts to the oars...then a slow moving river. little rowing moves are the key. a little goes a long way in a driftboat. the yakima through the canyon is where i earned my wings...great lazy flow to it and not much you can get in trouble with.

[klickriverchromer]

I'll go with you and show you some excellent ways to start reading water and also reading it for fish.  You call me anytime, pm me for my number>   Just in time to get into some steeeeeeeelies