For many, taking a float trip on one of the pristine Missouri Rivers is the highlight of the summer months. Experienced floaters know what items should not be taken down the river, but for those that are new to this experience are not quite sure what not to take in the canoe or raft.
Electronic devices and water do not mix. Laptop computers, digital cameras, ipods and ipads are not waterproof and when they come into contact with water the electronic devise is ruined. Besides, a float trip is time for getting beck in touch with nature and spending time with family and friends, not working all weekend or networking while on the river.
Guitars are sensitive to water and humidity. Sure, it would be nice to hear live music while lazily floating down the river, but moisture can permanently warp a guitar. The neck, bridge and other critical parts of the guitar when exposed to water will ruin this musical instrument in a heartbeat. So, save the sing along for later on that night around the campfire where the guitar cannot get soaked with water, just be careful not sing too off key and annoy other campers.
Taking a purse or wallet on the river is a disaster waiting to happen. If these items become lost in the river or become soaked with water, all the contents inside can become ruined in a matter of seconds. Driver’s licenses, money, pictures and all those business cards soon become a wet soggy mess.
Many of us women and some men, love our jewelry and want to wear it any chance we get. Unfortunately on a float trip is not the time to wear those favorite earrings or a necklace that would go great with your new swimsuit. Trying to find something as small as a ring or earrings in the river is like looking for a needle in a haystack. So, forgo the bling and save it for a special occasion that does not involve water.
For those of us that are not blessed with perfect eye site, wearing contacts on the river can be disastrous situation. Contacts that are exposed to river or lake water are susceptible to microorganisms called acanthamoeba that live in the water and can attach themselves to the contact lenses causing an infection and inflammation of the eye. The contacts can also fall out and be lost forever in the water. Sticking with wearing glasses is better choice when paddling down the river.
Hopefully for those that are not experienced floaters found these tips useful for what not to take on a Missouri float trip. Using common sense with certain items can save one the aggravation of an item that is lost or ruined by water. Remembering these tips can help one to enjoy their trip paddling down the river with no worries.
A friend of mine lost his wallet on the Niangua (30+ years ago), and a few weeks after he returned home (Wichita), a soggy wallet with all of the money still in it, arrived in the mail at his home.
I believe you mean, it’s a chance to get “back” in touch with nature. Rather than “beck” in touch with nature.
I float this weekend! Heading out in the morning! So excited!!!!
I disagree about the digital cameras. I pack a small 12 MP point and shoot, and have never had a water disaster. They make waterproof housings for these, or a couple of ziplocks with no holes work just as good. If the camera goes in the drink, immediately remove card and batteries. Cameras can often be dried out at home with dry rice, sodium silicate (flower drying gel) and other home remedies. Just don’t fire it up when it is still wet, and you have a better than even chance it will be OK. What do you recommend? Film? That’s just as bad, if not worse, because the film will be ruined by river water.
If you wear glasses, please make sure to put a floating strap on them. The contacts item was a new one I haven’t heard before, learn something new every day! That being said, I wear daily contacts and just pitch them. I will also mention that I put an extra pair in my dry bag as well. Too easy to get tossed, and I have even lost a lens just from the kids splashing around a bit having fun in river, lose a lens , and spend the rest of the day miserable cuz I couldn’t see any thing!