A FEW REMINDERS FOR PLANNING AND EXECUTING A SAFE FLOAT TRIP

As of this week, I am officially released from the grip of school.  Summer is officially here, and if you’re anything like me, your soul craves nothing more than river mud- and sand-crusted feet, a timeless journey down a coursing river, and tangling with the resolute will of a river smallmouth.  So, in honor of National Safe Boating Week and everything that summer is, I’ve put together a short list of tips—a refresher—for keeping your float trips safe and enjoyable.

The iconic Massanutten Mountain from Low Water Bridge on the Shenandoah River.  Photo by Matt Reilly.

Check the Weather, Plan for the Worst

    Three years ago I was floating a short piece of the upper South Fork Rivanna River with my brother after work.  It was a last minute plan.  We were just going to be out for a few hours.  The skies were bluebird.  We didn’t even glance at the forecast.

    In this case, what we didn’t know bit us—hard.  We had paddled about a mile upstream and were just about to stop and begin to fish on our float back when an audible roar started to grow in the air.  I rounded a bend in the river to see--like black and white—dark, roiling storm clouds pushing back quickly on a bright sky that had previously seemed unconquerable.  As fast as we could paddle back wasn’t fast enough.  The storm overtook us in a matter of minutes, bringing branches tumbling haphazardly into the water along our path.  We made it back to the truck unscathed, albeit soaked, frightened, and humbled.  Read about that encounter HERE.

    The moral of the story?  Check the weather—always.  Summer is characterized by late-afternoon low pressure systems caused by warming air over land.  Know that, and plan and pack accordingly.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

    A study conducted in four southeastern states concluded that alcohol is a contributing factor in about 51 percent of motorboat fatalities in those states.  If your summertime boating activities involve operating a motorboat, understand that it requires dexterity, awareness of boating traffic, and the ability to make and execute quick decisions. 

    Alcohol also increases the danger of drowning by decreasing one’s ability to swim by reducing their ability to hold one’s breath and by disorientation. 

    Moreover, alcohol should not be utilized as a source of hydration, as its consumption can lead to dehydration.  Alcohol limits the body’s production of an anti-diuretic hormone, which reduces the body’s ability to absorb water.  Putting your body in this situation while on the water, in the sun, is not a healthy choice, and can lead to minor dehydration or a more serious illness.

Know Your Course and River Conditions

    It’s easy to underestimate the amount of time required for a particular float.  I have listened to many a story from people who fallaciously equated the length of the paralleling road to the length of their intended float, or otherwise bit off more than they could chew in a day and ended up on the river much after dark, to ever consciously make that mistake. 

    If you plan to tackle a new stretch of river, do your research.  Know its length in terms of river miles.  On average, eight to 10 miles makes for about four to six hours of relaxed floating.  If you plan to fish, cut that time in half.  Current speed should also be taken into consideration.  An eight-mile float on a fast-paced river will go by much faster than on a slow, meandering river.

    Similarly, it pays to do research on the water type present along the stretch you intend to float.  For instance, the Shenandoah River is a river of many ledges and a few rapids, namely Compton’s Rapids, while the Rivanna River has little in the way of sharp ledges in its lower reaches.  Know these character traits so that you can be on the lookout for them and know how to handle such obstacles when they are encountered. 

    Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, always check streamflow levels before floating a river.  The US Geological Survey maintains a detailed, real-time set of tables fed by river gauges across the country that serve as an invaluable resource for river-goers and fishermen alike.  Utilize that resource to avoid the stretches of slow, flat water where you might have to drag your craft during low water; the tight rapids that will be more dangerous during high water events; and to know when to stay home when the water is at flood stage or a remarkable low.

     Keep these tips in mind while planning and enjoying your times on the water this summer.  Nothing puts a hamper on a great day on the water with friends like an accident, and most can be easily avoided with forethought.

    See you on the water!

                 

 *Originally published in the Rural Virginian

STAYING SAFE IN THE SUMMER SUN

Summer is universally known as a relaxing time for fun in the sun, on the water, or on the trail; but the dangers of the season should not be dismissed.  There’s poison ivy, snakes, and bees, but none are more dangerous than what lurks in the sky.  The sun poses a real threat during the year’s hottest month; and proper care should be taken to prevent heat- and radiation-related illnesses.  Here are a few safety precautions to consider this month.

Photo by Matt Reilly

Dress Comfortably

    Before heading out, check the weather station.  Light, breathable shorts, pants, and shirts, some that offer sun protection, are made by companies like ExOfficio, Columbia, and Under Armour.  Some are worth the slightly inflated price tag.

    Neck buffs, hats, and sunglasses also deserve their places on your hot weather checklist.  Buffs can prevent sunburn in the most vulnerable places, and sunglasses, personally, make time spent outdoors with exceptionally-bright sunlight more enjoyable, not to mention safer for your eyes.    

 

Drink!

    It’s a cliché, but considering what the summer sun has accomplished on some of the more exposed rivers by the climax of summer, and that almost ¾ of the human body is water, I would say it’s a cliché grounded heavily in science.  Staying hydrated, drinking water or juice even when you don’t feel thirsty, is the first and most important step in keeping yourself healthy in the heat.  Even mild dehydration can leave one feeling weak and tired; and taking a break in that situation without replenishing your body’s supply of fluids can be very dangerous.

    Avoid drinking alcohol, as it’s well recognized as a diuretic that makes maintaining a healthy fluid level difficult.

    Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and VDGIF officer patrol state waters on the lookout for transgressors in the latter days of June through July, an establishment of the Department’s Operation Dry Water.

Take 5

    Don’t underestimate the value of taking a break, especially if doing strenuous activity like hiking or mountain biking.  Rest.  Use this time to replenish what you’ve lost in fluids. Eating small snacks not overly loaded with protein—though, with a sustainable amount—also helps in keeping cool, as it prevents an increased metabolic rate that produces unwanted bodily heat.

Be Cool

     It is not uncommon for temperatures to fluctuate 20 degrees over the course of 24 hours, with the coolest parts of the day passing in the night and the hottest in the hours following midday.  Use this information to your advantage by planning activities in the cooler parts of the day.  Going on a hike?  Wake up early to see the sunrise and make your trek when the sun hasn’t yet saturated the ground.  Fishing?  The topwater action is better in the evenings anyway, and will only improve from here on out.

Lather.  Rinse.  Repeat.

    No, I’m not suggesting showering—when you get home, definitely!—but rather applying sunscreen, or, more importantly, reapplying.  I’ve had my neck fried to discomfort on the first day of a beach vacation enough to have learned that sunscreen is a beautiful creation, and should be utilized as such.

    When sunscreen shopping, it pays to not just pick the highest sun protection factor (SPF) number and get out.  Not only is this number misleading, it’s also just half the story. 

    SPF is a reference to the level of protection against cancer-causing UVB rays.  The average person will be well-served by sunscreen with an SPF of 15, while fair-skinned people may benefit from SPF 30. 

    Contrary to popular belief, these numbers don’t double in potency as they double geometrically, but 30 still offers more protection than 15.

    The other half of the story, UVA rays, can also be damaging to your health, but aren’t as commonly advertised as their bold counterpart.  UVA rays are also associated with cancer, but, as researchers from the EPA found, penetrate deep into the skin to cause wrinkling, and overall, about 90% of all skin changes previously attributed to aging.  While picking a sunscreen for UVA protection, look to the ingredients list for components such as ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone, or zinc oxide.

    Even with the best sunscreens, remember to reapply often.  Multiply the time it usually takes your skin to burn without protection—if you know—by the SPF number, and reapply on that interval.

  

    

    Just as in cold weather situations, there are plenty of dangers present in the elements that can slip into your body somewhat undetected—at first.  Take care, and place safety before practicality while exposed to the elements to get the most out of your time outdoors.  Dehydration and sunburn take more out of fun than most people are willing to give.

*Originally published in the Rural Virginian

STAYING SAFE IN THE SUMMER HEAT

    As the hottest month of the year in the Old Dominion approaches, there’s plenty to do outside; but if July 2013 is going to be anything like last year’s, care should be taken to minimize the possibility of heat-related illness.  Here are a few things to consider for safety while adventuring this summer.

Dress for Comfort

    Before you leave the house, think of the weather.  Light, breathable shorts/pants and shirts, some that offer sun protection, are made by companies like ExOfficio, Columbia, and Under Armour.  Some are worth the slightly inflated price tag.

    Neck buffs, hats, and sunglasses also deserve their places on your hot weather checklist.  Buffs can prevent sunburn in the most vulnerable places, and sunglasses, personally, make time spent outdoors with exceptionally bright sunlight more enjoyable, not to mention their protective qualities.      

Drink!

    It’s a cliché, but considering what the summer sun has accomplished on some of the more exposed rivers by the climax of summer, and that almost ¾ of the human body is water, I would say it’s a cliché grounded heavily in science.  Staying hydrated, drinking water or juice even when you don’t feel thirsty, is the first and most important step in keeping yourself healthy in the heat.  Even mild dehydration can leave one feeling weak and tired; and taking a break in that situation without replenishing your body’s supply of fluids can be very dangerous.

    Avoid drinking alcohol, as it’s well recognized as a diuretic that makes maintaining a healthy fluid level difficult.

    Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and VDGIF officer patrol state waters on the lookout for transgressors in the latter days of June through July, an establishment of the Department’s Operation Dry Water.

Take 5

    Don’t underestimate the value of taking a break, especially if doing strenuous activity like hiking or mountain biking.  Rest.  Use this time to replenish what you’ve lost in fluids. Eating small snacks not overly loaded with protein—though, with a sustainable amount—also helps in keeping cool, as it prevents an increased metabolic rate that produces unwanted bodily heat.

Be Cool

    It is not uncommon for temperatures to fluctuate 20 degrees over the course of 24 hours, with the coolest parts of the day passing in the night and the hottest in the hours following midday.  Use this information to your advantage by planning activities in the cooler parts of the day.  Going on a hike?  Wake up early to see the sunrise and make your trek when the sun hasn’t yet saturated the ground.  Fishing?  The topwater action is better in the evenings anyway, and will only improve from here on out!

    Wet-wading a favorite river, as opposed to frying on an aluminum boat, is a great option for fishermen.  The flowing water is usually still a comfortable 70 degrees, and if you get too hot, a swim is just seconds away. 

Lather.  Rinse.  Repeat.

    No, I’m not suggesting showering—when you get home, definitely!—but rather applying sunscreen, or, more importantly, reapplying.  I’ve had my neck fried to discomfort on the first day of a beach vacation enough to have learned that sunscreen is a beautiful creation, and should be utilized as such.

    When sunscreen shopping, it pays to not just pick the highest sun protection factor (SPF) number and get out.  Not only is this number misleading, it’s also just half the story.  

    SPF is a reference to the level of protection against cancer-causing UVB rays.  The average person will be well-served by sunscreen with an SPF of 15, while fair-skinned people may benefit from SPF 30.  

    Contrary to popular belief, these numbers don’t double in potency as they double geometrically, but 30 still offers more protection than 15.

    The other half of the story, UVA rays, can also be damaging to your health, but aren’t as commonly advertised as their bold counterpart.  UVA rays are also associated with cancer, but, as researchers from the EPA found, penetrate deep into the skin to cause wrinkling, and overall, about 90% of all skin changes previously attributed to aging.  While picking a sunscreen for UVA protection, look to the ingredients list for components such as ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone, or zinc oxide.

    Even with the best sunscreens, remember to reapply often.  Multiply the time it usually takes your skin to burn without protection—if you know—by the SPF number, and reapply on that interval.

    Just as in cold weather situations, there are plenty of dangers present in the elements that can slip into your body somewhat undetected—at first.  Take care, and place safety before practicality while exposed to the elements to get the most out of your time outdoors.  Dehydration and sunburn take more out of fun than most people are willing to give.

BOATING SAFETY WEEK 2013

    From the small weedy impoundments of the Piedmont, to the expansive waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a state that abounds with accessible opportunities for recreational boaters and anglers.  

While boating is meant to be an enjoyable, relaxing activity, even the best days on the water can take a turn for the worse unexpectedly.

    Safe boating awareness week was kick-started last Saturday, as it is always observed as the first week before Labor Day Weekend, anticipating the beginning of what is typically the heaviest season of boating traffic.  Being well-educated and equipped for a day on the water this spring or summer is the most important element of preventing an accident.

    From 2010 to 2011, researchers noted a 19% increase in boating accidents across the state of Virginia.  In 2012, the US Coast Guard registered over 4500 boating-related accidents, involving 651 deaths, 3000 injuries, and about $38 million in property damage.  Distracted operation, operator inexperience, and improper lookout rank as the top three causes of accidents; and alcohol consumption remains the leading factor in accidents resulting in fatalities.

    As a step towards slashing these grave numbers, in 2007, the Virginia General Assembly instituted a boating safety and compliance requirement, which continues to be grandfathered in by age group until 2016, when all operators of personal watercrafts (PWC)—jet skis—and motorboats of 10 horsepower or larger will be required to have proof of completion of a NASBLA approved boater’s safety course.

    Currently, every operator over the age of 14, and all motorboat operators 30 and younger must have completed a safety course.   No person under the age of 14 may operate a PWC.

    However, as the next phase of the initiative, all motorboat operators 40 and younger must have proof of course completion beginning July 1 of this year.

    The USCG takes note that only 9% of boating accidents occurred on vessels manned by an operator who had received the proper boating education requirements.  Therefore, despite the age requirements, it is recommendable, and statistically safer, that even those temporarily excused of the requirements take initiative and register for a course.

    There are numerous approved providers of both classroom and online classes.  A full list and signup information can be found on the VDGIF website.

    The North American Safe BoatingCampaign is also taking steps towards protecting Virginia’s boaters through the “Wear It!” initiative.  It’s well known that life jackets, or personal flotation devices (PFDs), save lives, but how helpful are they really?  USCG data supports that 71% of all fatal accidents involve drowning.  Of those, an estimated 85% could have been prevented through the proper use of a PFD.

    The VDGIF requires that one fitting, serviceable--not torn or critically damaged—, and USCG approved PFD per passenger, and one throwable life preserver be present and easily accessed on all motorboats.

    PFDs should fit well—snug, but not tight.  Adults can test their jacket’s fit by raising their arms overhead and ensuring that the range of motion in the head and neck are not restricted.  To check the fit of your child’s vest, firmly lift up on the shoulder straps.  They should rise no more than three inches, and not be any higher than the child’s ears.

    With all legal hurdles cleared and safety devices gathered, conduct a thorough, pre-season maintenance check.  Inspect all rope ties and engine lines for wear, make sure your fire extinguisher is serviceable, and check the functionality of navigation and headlights.  Battery terminals should be cleaned of any corrosion and buildup, gas lines should be in smooth working order (check for cracks due to dry rot, especially), and ensure that all through-hull connectors and fittings remain watertight.

    If all is in working order and you are in compliance with the Virginia boater’s education requirements, get out on the water and enjoy the weather!  But remember, a fine day on the water can still take a turn for the worse.  Stay alert; and as an extension from the DGIF, be responsible, be safe, and have fun!

PERSISTENT PESTS

    A relatively thin mast crop in years past has supported few rodents such as mice, and therefore has forced the persistent pests to seek other forms of nourishment—us.  

So no matter what you’re doing in the outdoors this spring and summer, knowing what to avoid, and a little about the animals themselves, will carry you safely through this year’s tick season.

    The four species of ticks found in Virginia are the lone star tick, the American dog tick, the deer tick, and the brown tick.  The lone star tick, named for the lone white spot in the center of its back, is the most common in our area; as it’s found predominately east of the Blue Ridge.  The American dog tick, identifiable by a pale spot just behind its head, is found predominately in the west.  Both the tiny deer tick and the reddish brown tick are less common, but can be found throughout the state.

    Perhaps what scares people the most about ticks is the threat of tick-transmitted diseases.  These are diseases that, as the name suggests, are transmitted by a bacteria carried by ticks.

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSP) is the most widespread of Virginia’s tick-transmitted diseases.  Both the lone star tick of the East and the American dog tick of the West are known to carry RMSF.  The tick must be attached to a host for four to six hours to inflict the disease.  Flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle cramps, fatigue, and fever usually follow contraction by 2-12 days, which are in turn followed shortly by the appearance of an irritating red rash around the extremities.

    Virginia’s other tick-transmitted disease, lyme disease, seems to attract plenty of attention—some clearing up is in order.  The deer tick is the only tick in Virginia known to carry lyme disease, and is an uncommon species, found primarily in the northern and eastern reaches of our state.  The lone star tick, found in our area, has never been identified as a potential transmitter of the disease.  However, occasionally a victim of the lone star tick will develop a circular rash and flu-like symptoms consistent with lyme disease—but they have not contracted the disease.  Symptoms of lyme disease are similar to those associated with RMSF and are accompanied by a circular rash with a clear center at the site of the bite.  A carrying tick has to be attached for a period of 36 hours in order to transfer the disease.  Therefore, if you check yourself regularly for ticks as you should, it is very unlikely that you will contract the disease.

    While not every tick in Virginia carries harmful bacteria, anyone who has had the misfortune of contracting a tick-transmitted disease will tell you that any prevention steps you can take are well worth the effort.

    Ticks usually attach themselves to a host by waiting on the edges of low-growing vegetation until something brushes against them.  When possible, walk in the middle of a trail or road to avoid picking up any unwanted hitchhiker.

    Wear long, but light, clothing.  Tuck in your shirt if possible, and your pants into your socks or boots to minimize exposed areas of skin.  Wearing light colors like white not only makes it easier to spot ticks before they can attach themselves, but also keeps you a bit cooler in the brutal heat.

    Using insect repellent with 30-70% DEET can help significantly in warding off ticks.  Another option is to use products such as “Buzz Off” by Ex Officio that have built in and long lasting bug repellents.

    The final and most foolproof way to keep from being bitten by a tick is to check yourself regularly for them, if not while you’re in the field, always when you arrive home.  If you discover an attached tick during a tick check, remove the pest intact, making sure to remove the head from your skin, and wash the area thoroughly.  Most tick-transmitted diseases require the tick to be attached to a host for several hours.  So checking yourself for ticks regularly will make it very unlikely for you to fall sick.

DRESSING FOR A WINTER WADE

      Before this year, I had never owned a pair of waders.

It’s not that I didn’t want a pair, but that I was warned that the money I would spend would quickly be rendered worthless by my growing feet.  This Christmas though, my parents found it in their hearts to help extend my fishing season by granting me a pair of chest waders and boots.  Naturally, the first thing I wanted to do was field test them.  So come New Year’s Day, braving 40-degree water temperatures and forecasts of rain and sleet, my brother and I packed up the fishing gear and headed for the river; but what was I to wear under them?  After some quick research, here’s what I found.

Feet

      Cold feet are not fun, period.  As a general rule, don’t wear cotton anything.  Under a pair of heavy wool socks and the neoprene booties attached to your waders, feet tend to sweat; and the natural, water-logging quality of fibrous cotton will do its best to make your feet feel damp and uncomfortable in such a situation, cutting your cold-weather outing surprisingly short.  To combat this, invest in a pair of synthetic, wicking socks to use as a liner.  Your heavy wool socks should cover these as insulation.

      Making sure your feet are well taken care of is essential, but over-dressing them can present certain hazards.  If several layers of socks prevent your wading boots from fitting, if they’re too snug or tight, you risk losing circulation in your feet, in which case they will get cold and possibly injured regardless.  If your boots are too tight with the aforementioned layers of socks, they are too small.

Legs

      Waders offer your legs less protection than they do to your feet.  Again, a moisture-wicking base layer is a key detail.  On top of this should go a mid-weight layer for insulation.  Consider sweatpants, fleece, or jeans depending on the temperature.

Body

      The same rules should be followed when dressing your upper body as with dressing your feet and legs—moisture-removing base and multiple insulating layers depending on temperature.

I do recommend wearing a jacket—a wading jacket, rain coat, or anything with a water-resistant outer shell—to prevent your arms from getting wet.  The first time I fished in waders in cold water, I wore a fleece jacket as my outer layer.  As I ventured into deeper water, my elbows occasionally got wet when reaching for my fly line and net, quickly chilling them. 

      As an aside, provided your waders have a waist belt, tightening it and wearing a water-resistant shell will partially spare your feet, lower body, and upper body in the event of an icy dunk.

Hands

      My hands got wet too.  I brought gloves, but left them in the car—a bad mistake.  Cold hands, bare hands, can make a person miserable if it’s cold enough, and should be avoided.  Even if you don’t plan on getting your hands wet, cover them with a pair of gloves that don’t restrict your fishing capabilities.  Mine are a pair of fingerless fleece gloves from White River Fly Shop, and, in very cold weather, I wear a thinner pair from Under Armour under them.

Head

      Your head is outlet of much of your body’s heat, and should be given special consideration when dressing.  In situations when the air and water both read in the mid-40s or higher, this may simply mean wearing your everyday felt or cotton hat.  Other days, when the air is colder and dry, a stocking hat will serve you well.  However, when the sky is, or may, spit precipitation, a hat with an outer layer of nylon, canvas, polyester, or a waxed or oiled material that will not become waterlogged is essential.  Take these things into consideration when choosing headwear.

      In the end, be prepared.  The Boy Scout motto says it well.  Never rule out the possibility of a wintry dunk—always pack extra clothes.  Apply common knowledge and sense while dressing for a winter wading trip, and you should be plenty warm enough to be comfortable, warm, and thoroughly enjoy your adventure afield.□

*Originally published in The Rural Virginian