Basics of Sponsoring a Float
by Bobby "Plaidpants" Thomas
When I was first approached about sponsoring a float trip I started to crawdad a little bit.
I thought it would entail a whole lot of my time to get one together. So I attended about five floats
and decided it cannot be that hard to organize one. The next float I bit the bullet and this is how
I survived. I had only been in OMP about 8 months.
Pick a river
Choose a river that will be floatable. Use one of the many
river maps of the Ozarks streams that can be purchased at local businesses. OMP used to have some but
I have also seen and bought two at Bass Pro Shops, Ozark Adventures, and Dynamic Earth. Also, it
might be worthwhile to read a little about the history of the river and points of interest
you may come across. Once you select a river check the levels to make sure that where you want to put
in is not too low to float. Even though the group may enjoy a lazy float they also want to get
downstream without having to paddle a whole lot. It's also nice if you can keep from having to drag
your boat. An ideal length for an overnight float is between 8 and 10 miles, stopping to camp about
two thirds of the way down. An ideal length for a day trip is around 5 to 6 miles. Once you have
selected your river and the put-in and take-out points make sure you know the shortest and best
route to run the shuttle.
Pick your meals
Meals can be "bring-your-own" or "potluck style." Sometimes group meals can take a
little more effort but if you plan ahead it's very enjoyable. Determine which meals will be potluck;
usually only the evening meal on the first day and possibly breakfast the following morning.
When I sponsor a float I will usually specify that everyone is responsible for their own lunches,
snacks, and drinks. On an overnight float don't forget about breakfast the next morning. Remember
that hot breakfasts are nice but are a little more work to clean up. My family has started taking
cereal and a quart of milk in the cooler. It's alot less hassle but since I still have to have my
coffee there is a small amount to pack away. Do not depend on OMP to supply stoves, coolers, or any
other items. Make sure you have these items accounted for.
Pick a campsite
Check your map and make sure you can locate a gravel bar for your campsite. If you are
floating an unfamiliar river and aren't sure where to camp, talk to other members who have floated
that river and may have some suggestions. Once the float starts, have your map with you so you won't
float past your gravel bar and have to paddle back upstream to get to your campsite. Have a backup
in mind in case the one you have picked is occupied. It's a good idea to also have some type of
shelter in case of rain. Para-Wings can be somewhat expensive but are worth every penny in a
downpour.
Pick up after yourselves
When it is time to paddle out the next morning make sure you check the gravel bar and leave it
cleaner than when you arrived. Make sure the trash bags are put in boats and paddled to the
take-out. Once at the take-out make sure the trash is placed in the proper containers. Make sure
all paddlers get back to their vehicles.
Share your experience
Once the trip is over and everyone is safely back home, write up a trip report so that others
can share in your experience. Trip reports are published on the website and in the newsletter and
can be accompanied by photos. Include the location of the trip, who attended and any significant
events. As a reference for others, it is also nice to include distances and river levels.
See, this is not all that tough to do. So I would ask some of you to step up to the plate and
sponsor a float for OMP. It’s a piece of cake!
|
