Winter Floating

[smallmouthjoe]

Even though it's currently 28 degrees in Springfield and as bleak as Northern England outside I can't get over this desire to be outside surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape. A friend and I are planning a winter float on The Buffalo next week and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to which section to float. And also if anyone has any suggestions as to some equipment to take. This will be our first attempt at a winter overnighter and if anyone can think of any equipment besides proper clothing,neoprene waders, a good tent, good sleeping bag, dry bags in case we happen to get wet, a sunflower heater, hand warmers, etc.., please let me know. I know it may sound a little crazy given the recent temperatures but both of us would like to experience a small adventure before we have to begin the grind of school and work again. Thank you for any suggestions.

Tyler

[awhuber]

Even though it's currently 28 degrees in Springfield and as bleak as Northern England outside I can't get over this desire to be outside surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape. A friend and I are planning a winter float on The Buffalo next week and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to which section to float. And also if anyone has any suggestions as to some equipment to take. This will be our first attempt at a winter overnighter and if anyone can think of any equipment besides proper clothing,neoprene waders, a good tent, good sleeping bag, dry bags in case we happen to get wet, a sunflower heater, hand warmers, etc.., please let me know. I know it may sound a little crazy given the recent temperatures but both of us would like to experience a small adventure before we have to begin the grind of school and work again. Thank you for any suggestions.

Tyler

Sounds like a good list. I float year round and the only suggestion I can add is to bring a chain saw! We bring everything when we float and on winter floats I prefer going solo in our disco 69s. Have fun

We will be out on the Courtois on new years day.

[eric1978]

Sounds like you should be good to go, Joe. I love winter floats...not crazy at all. I would make sure to have several ways to quickly and easily make a fire in case someone takes a swim. Make sure your dry bags are actually dry and be sure to have a change of clothes and your firestarters in them. It's also nice to have a bigger dry bag to stuff your sleeping bags in to make sure they don't get wet. Even synthetic bags are close to useless if they're not perfectly dry. Don't even consider bringing a down bag. Be vigilant about keeping your dry bags locked up tight at all times when you're floating. It's easy to convince yourself not to roll it back up every time you get into it for something. I learned the hard way.

The chainsaw is a good idea and very convenient to have with you, but not very convenient to carry along. I usually just bring a bow-saw.

A bottle of tequila (poured into a Nalgene bottle, of course) and a couple limes are always with me on winter overnights...and some hair jigs.

[Gavin]

Planning to do a bit of float camping on the Current this weekend. Extra gloves and mittens are a must...You will want a fresh set of long johns & socks to hop into before you go to sleep at night. Sleep in the clothes you've been sweating in all day and you will have a really cold night. Winter nights can be long especially if your cold....a big fire and a group of friends to play cards with is a real plus...bring some quality anti-freeze as well...Single Malt or Single Barrel...Keep you beer in the dry cooler w/o ice...it wont freeze that way. Good luck.

[smallmouthjoe]

Thanks for the ideas guys, it's safe to say that I will be bringing a bottle whiskey with me to at least help me feel warm. All my dry bags have been tested and I'm planning on bring all the necessary equipment needed to build a fire quickly. My tackle has been organized and the only thing I should be needing is a fishing license. Does anyone have any suggestions in regards to what section we should float this time of year? Thanks again guys.

[Al Agnew]

If you're really planning on fishing, don't do more than 5 miles per day. In a five mile section there might only be 4 or 5 good wintering pools to fish, but you'll be all day fishing them if you do it right. And when you've only got about 6 hours of so to float if you don't want to be setting up camp in the dark, 5 miles is plenty far enough. I did the lower end from Buffalo Point in three days in late November a few years ago, and didn't have time to do much fishing at all because it was just too long for the amount of daylight.

So, Gilbert to Maumee or Maumee to Buffalo Point would be pretty good for a two day trip this time of year.

[Troutdude]

As a Veteran winter floater, I always make sure I have a clean, dry, full set of clothing stored in a different dry bag than the rest of my clothes. I once suffered catastophic dry bag issues on a winter float on the current and thanked my lucky stars I had the foresight to pack an additional set of clothes in an alternate bag.

[Flysmallie]

So, Gilbert to Maumee or Maumee to Buffalo Point would be pretty good for a two day trip this time of year.

I second Gilbert to Maumee. I love that stretch.

[GloryDaze]

I love winter floats as well- Floated the Current last year right before Christmas. Daytime highs in the low 20's with nigh time lows down to 0 and into the negatives. It was great- I did learn on that trip though, if you have a way when your sleeping to get your body off the ground it's much more comfortable and warm. Hence my purchase of a Thermarest after that trip-

Enjoy.. I've alwayd been a fan of some Spiced Rum on these winter trips myself

[smallmouthjoe]

Trying to get off the ground is something that I haven't considered. Maybe I'll go out and buy one of those foam pads I've seen. Thanks for the float recommendations guys this will only be my third trip down there, your input is very valuable.