Distinctly Montana Magazine

choosing a river to paddle is like choosing a musical piece to play. Classical music speaks of the deep flowing order of the world. Flamenco is like a river rushing over it banks in spring runoff — full of passion, pounding, and pushing." "Recreational kayaks can help the beginning boaters to easily take up the sport. Kayaks in this category are wide for stability, have large cockpits for easy entry, simple to paddle and are very afford- able. Take a class and test different paddles to get started. This is a great way to enjoy Montana's slow moving rivers and lakes." Scott Brown • owner, Basecamp • Helena & Billings "For running at least Class II and III rivers, you have the choice of multiple boat designs. Don't buy a small Play boat or a Creek boat if you want the versatility to run all kinds of rivers, entry level class III. To end up where you want, you have to know where you're going." descents in the U.S. and overseas expeditions, soloed a number of top end runs, done 8,500 vertical feet of class V in a day, run rapids that nobody else would touch, got- ten badly injured several times, and utterly thrashed on exploratory trips that turned out to be fiascos. But the hardest things I've ever done didn't take place on the water. They were being a parent, having a job, raising five children, being a good husband, and taking care of my father when he was dying. They were dealing with the sui- cides of my best friend and of my younger brother, who left his own five young children with a hole in their lives that I could never fill. Those are the hardest things I've ever done. I love kayaking because it's the most fun, challenging, and wildest sport I've ever found. I believe that when we learn to live with and become intimate with the huge forces that sculpt the world, we have the possibility of knowing parts of ourselves that are accessible in no other way. Adventure is the philosophy, insight is the goal. Outward journeys should always lead to even more pro- found inward journeys. Todd Frank • owner, Trail Head • Missoula "Do yourself a huge favor and be patient; the river isn't going any- where. Buy a boat that truly represents your goals; you'll learn faster. Always check your equipment list before you head to the river." Mike garcia • owner, northern lights trading company • bozeman "Remember that this is supposed to be fun! Relax, breathe in, breathe out, and smile." Chris Leatham • owner, Big horn Wilderness • great falls www.distinctlymontana.com 17

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