How to Cross/ford a river safely

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Eppo
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Joined: May 4th, 2012, 6:13 am

How to Cross/ford a river safely

Post by Eppo » May 11th, 2012, 6:39 am

One of the most dangerous activities faced by a backpacker is fording a river. Here's an instruction video showing the preferred method. John E Hiker is a NOLS Graduate circa 1974 and former Outward Bound Instructor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XbRRD6zewk

Here's another video demonstrating the WRONG way to ford a river. If this crossing were any deeper or wider this guy would have been toast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scoTZCkiqIg

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retired jerry
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Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm

Re: How to Cross/ford a river safely

Post by retired jerry » May 11th, 2012, 6:47 am

Was that guy barefoot? I've tried that before and it's a bad idea.

Maybe that's a good video showing why you need a lighter pack - he could cut it in half easy

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Eric Peterson
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Re: How to Cross/ford a river safely

Post by Eric Peterson » May 11th, 2012, 7:00 am

Yup, went barefoot across Eagle Creek back in December and that was fun! Way wider than this
little crick in the 'wrong' way video, also have it on video if you want to use that as another wrong
way example! :D

BTW, didn't we already have this thread? Trying to get more John E Hiker uTube views? :)

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retired jerry
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Re: How to Cross/ford a river safely

Post by retired jerry » May 11th, 2012, 7:07 am

This thread has both the good example and the bad example :)

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