Need tips/ideas on crossing a river!!!

[Autumn Ninja]

Any tips on crossing a small river would be great. It's only 100 foot or so wide. But ranges room 6 to 12 foot deep. Ive researched rope bridges or a wooden raft with a rope to use as a ferry. Has anyone on here ever done something like this? How well did it work?

[headgear]

I am going to jump out on a limb and guess you have a decent hike before you get to your river crossing that would make a canoe or inflatable raft a pain in the neck to haul around.

The rope idea might work, I have never done it myself but it seems simple, although a fair amount of work to get it setup so I don't know if it would be worth it unless you got a lot of use out of it.

[publiclandhunter]

I had this crazy idea of using an angler's float tube, ultra-light stocking foot waders and some flippers in a similar scenario a few years ago (carry my boots in a backpack to change into). Actually bought all the gear, then a week before I wanted to slip in there, we had torrential rains and the islands flooded out completely, so I returned the gear and never entertained the idea again.....but it would seem plausible in this case.

PLH

[Bucky]

http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... F4Q8wIwAw#

Sevylor Tahiti Inflatable Kayak - above link is camo colored = $100

I have used a similar setup to cross a much smaller river/creek - I tied a piece of rope to both sides around trees to guide myself across (no need for paddles and more room in kayak for bow/gear).

[DEERSLAYER]

What do you mean "any tips on crossing a small river would be great." Swim! Your always telling me how bad azz you are!

I was thinking the same thing as public land hunter or set up a trolley system.

[Autumn Ninja]

I was thinking the same thing as public land hunter or set up a trolley system.

Oh, that opens up a whole new train of thought.....rope, harness and pully....This will be the rout to your stand Slayer!!!!

[magicman54494]

I've thought about tying a rope in a tree and swinging across. I have one spot that a rope would be very handy. Any ninja should be able to swing across!

[Autumn Ninja]

Any ninja should be able to swing across!

If it where just me crossing, I would just walk across a cable. But I need to make my crossing Deerslayer friendly, LOL.

Zip-line with some type of assist may be the way to go....I need to do some zip-line research. Keep the ideas coming!!!

[dan]

Are there not any areas shallower than 6 feet? I usually undress and carry my gear over my head across and then redress. I have done this in some pretty cold temps and been ok as long as I keep my clothes dry.
But water needs to be less than 4 feet deep. Most small rivers have shallow spots...

[virginiashadow]

[Spysar]

Boat. Two cables on strong trees, one to walk on and one to hold onto. A drysuit.

Is there a current? How much chit do you go thru before you get to the river?

[BackWoodsHunter]

Does the river hit a road anywhere near by? A boat would be worthwhile if you could boat all the way to the spot maybe?

[DEERSLAYER]

...But water needs to be less than 4 feet deep...

That won't Dan. Autumn Ninja is only about 4 feet tall.

[DEERSLAYER]

I need one of those! Probably expensive though.

[Arrowbender]

A friend of mine used an otter sled and waders to cross a long swampy pond. He threw all of his gear in the sled, kind of laid over the back and kicked his feet. He then left the sled and boots on shore. We would use the sled to drag deer as well. We teased him a little but it got him to some good spots that we didn't get to.