river kayaking dangerous?

by **HookUp** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 5:23 pm

As I tell my son all the time ... you really don't have a say in the matter until you turn 18. And after that, if you expect me to pay for room, board & college, you don't have a say then either.

With that said, my son & I were running class II's when he was your age.

I'm of the opinion that life is dangerous! I understand your parents are worried or scared as a father of twins I can relate! What you have to do is convince them that you understand the dangers, that you are prepared for the dangers, trained for the dangers but you also prepared to keep the danger factor low. I grew up as a young punk who had a neighbor who rode motorcycles. Keep in mind this was WAY before it was a fad where everyone rode one. He told me something I'll never forget "When you get to where you are no longer afraid of it then it becomes dangerous". That stuck with me and it's true with kayak fishing, motor cycle riding, using a chain saw, driving a car, walking across a pedistrian right away etc well you get the point.

Your job and it's a tuff one is to convince your parents that YOU are RESPONSIBLE! If that means hooking up with a kayak expert, taking a class etc IF THATS WHAT YOU WANT YOU WILL FIND A WAY! With that said like someone else said for now just be glad your parents care enough to be cautious and say no! Until you can convince them otherwise. JMHO Coop

by **mattbowers01** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:47 pm

We could all give you this and that advice, but we'd be preaching to the choir. Yes, what your parents say, goes, until you are no longer under their roof, physically and legally. We don't know you, or your parents. Your parents may be overprotective (God bless 'em), or you may have given them reasons in the past for them not to give you free reign (I know, kids never give their parents a reason to doubt them :roll:

). This isn't really a kayak fishing question, this could be a question about anything, and until you and your folks come to terms on whatever it is, nobody on the outside is going to be of much help. Sorry. Matt

by **Snyder80** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 3:38 am

Save some money and take a survival swimming course. I was taught combat/survival swimming in the USMC and I can tell you with complete confidence that I could swim a mile without drowning. I may not be swimming along at a Michael Phelps speed but I'd get there. Current you can't control, nature, a hole being punched in your yak by a rock, etc; these things you can't control. Learn to swim like a fish and let God take care of the rest. You only live once.

On that same note, my dad wouldn't let me do a lot of things until I was of a certain age or maturity level that he saw fit. That included not getting my drivers license until I was 17 or riding my bicycle on the roads where we lived. There were times I hated his decisions but now I appreciate it because a lot of people I knew aren't around anymore because of stupid choices.

They're not saying no to you out of hatred. In fact, it's the exact opposite. Respect and love them back.

by **cmayes** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:32 pm

Jdunlap807 wrote:I river fish alone myself. Not for lack of a friend but enjoy the quit. The main thing is I known my river very well I have been canoeing and fishing it from a very young age with my dad.
I think most importantly Is that you know the rivers depths,current,downed trees , and nearest safety point. Al so make sure someone mom dads girlfriends known your rout and planed time of trip In case of emergency. As for a safety class that would be a very good idea for your benefit. It is amazing how much you could learn for a quality instructor. That again is strictly up to you to decided.

I have found the getting on the water as much as possible to be the best learning for me. I have researched my tactics and safety videos to give myself the best knowledge for what I am doing if a problem came up, but again a trained instructor is your best resource for question and demonstrating.

Very well said. I too fish alone alot because I enjoy the solitude. The river can be dangerous and you must respect her...You sound like you do, but, your parents are right and you must follow their commands. Experience comes with time

As for mom and dad it's true your safety and health is the biggest concern at all time I have a four year old and she is my life. If some thing happened to her it would be hard to deal with. So it is hard for them to understand. My best advice would be to do the small lakes and things they are ok with you doing. I'm sure the fishing will still be good. Overtime and at 15 there is no time to wait ( I am 28 and it doesn't change ) they will see you become more confident and skilled and hope more understanding of your wants.
Good luck

by **ecu daniel 14** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:36 pm

dude just show them a youtube video of fat guys standing up and fishing out of a kayak....these things are so stable now-a-days they just have to see it to believe it.

by **Sempr** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 6:11 pm

"dude just show them a youtube video of fat guys standing up and fishing out of a kayak"

Hey I highly resemble that remark.........

by **ecu daniel 14** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 6:13 pm

Sempr wrote:"dude just show them a youtube video of fat guys standing up and fishing out of a kayak"

Hey I highly resemble that remark.........

Im fat too. Im just mad cause I cant stand up in mine...

by **lconn4** » Tue May 01, 2012 1:03 pm

Jocko wrote:Seriously - be thankful your parents care. Get them involved and they will see your confidence and learn to relax and trust you on the water.

mnfisherman, you have to "sell" the idea to your parents. Some sales are one call and close the deal, this isn't that kind of sale. Be patient, continue to seek out information on water safety and survival. As Jocko said, get them involved. Show good judgement in all your endeavors including who you would choose to be on the river with and POUND, POUND, POUND, until you wear them down! :lol: