due to the recent heat wave, many people are heading to their local rivers, streams,etc. and too many drown trying to cross or float downstream, do any of you veterans (or active duty) infantry types mind reviewing proper fording techniques for us? (assuming a small to medium river.)
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river crosing?
- Thread starter Dougm
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Usually, a boat is indicated.
Seriously though, you mean fording a body of water that looks like it can be walked through, right?
First, try and ensure you won't get in over your head. Deep and slow is preferable to deep and fast. Cross in early morning because new run-off is not as likely as it will be later in the day. If you can, it is wise to use hiking poles or sticks to get 4 points of contact. Keep yourself oriented to the opposite shore. Make sure your pack is not going to drown you if you slip. Consider removing your socks and stowing them in a waterproof bag. I prefer to have some river runners (aqua socks, whatever) in my pack just for crossings. Walk between rocks, not on them. Watch for hypothermia on the opposite bank, or if you feel "fogged" in the water.
Seriously though, you mean fording a body of water that looks like it can be walked through, right?
First, try and ensure you won't get in over your head. Deep and slow is preferable to deep and fast. Cross in early morning because new run-off is not as likely as it will be later in the day. If you can, it is wise to use hiking poles or sticks to get 4 points of contact. Keep yourself oriented to the opposite shore. Make sure your pack is not going to drown you if you slip. Consider removing your socks and stowing them in a waterproof bag. I prefer to have some river runners (aqua socks, whatever) in my pack just for crossings. Walk between rocks, not on them. Watch for hypothermia on the opposite bank, or if you feel "fogged" in the water.
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Keep yer powder dry . L:O:L
Seriously though a good waterproof tinder container is a must . Just in case you fall in the deep end . A quick fire on the far side will do wonders to spirits and other damp things .
Try and map your way across . Don,t get half way over by an easy route only to fall short when a less obvious route will get you all the way over .
Oh yeah , don,t carry an eleven flippng pounds F:N:C:2 in your arms when you
cross . Man that brings back memories .
Seriously though a good waterproof tinder container is a must . Just in case you fall in the deep end . A quick fire on the far side will do wonders to spirits and other damp things .
Try and map your way across . Don,t get half way over by an easy route only to fall short when a less obvious route will get you all the way over .
Oh yeah , don,t carry an eleven flippng pounds F:N:C:2 in your arms when you
cross . Man that brings back memories .
Water is water, wear a life preserver if you have access to one and plan on going across.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/3-97-61/ch9.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/90-5/Appc.htm (near bottom)
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/3-97-61/ch9.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/90-5/Appc.htm (near bottom)
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2005
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Never ford a river, you've got to take the ferry or you'll lose all your oxen.
... depends on the stream...
If its not too fast and less than about 4 feet deep, I just drive across (my Jeep is specially preped).
If hiking and it is a moderately swift streem I use a pole on the upsteam side to break the current.
On occasion, I have carried a big rock to help hold me down in deeper ('say..chest deep) slower moving water. Alternatively you can wrap the pack in your poncho and use it as a float to help swim across ... but only if the water is slow moving.
Swift streams, even if shallow, can kick your feet right out from under you...Think about the videos of the people being rescued from fast flowing ditches; many die in water less than knee deep. Use Extreme caution. Shuffle your feet acrosss the bottom if you can feel the water trying to take your foot sideways. If it looks dangerous, or is moving faster than you can walk or is a rapids; don't go in.
Always partially unhook your pack prior to fording to allow quick exit if you do get into trouble.
Use a waking sitck to probe ahead for holes and obsticles.
Enjoy!
If its not too fast and less than about 4 feet deep, I just drive across (my Jeep is specially preped).
If hiking and it is a moderately swift streem I use a pole on the upsteam side to break the current.
On occasion, I have carried a big rock to help hold me down in deeper ('say..chest deep) slower moving water. Alternatively you can wrap the pack in your poncho and use it as a float to help swim across ... but only if the water is slow moving.
Swift streams, even if shallow, can kick your feet right out from under you...Think about the videos of the people being rescued from fast flowing ditches; many die in water less than knee deep. Use Extreme caution. Shuffle your feet acrosss the bottom if you can feel the water trying to take your foot sideways. If it looks dangerous, or is moving faster than you can walk or is a rapids; don't go in.
Always partially unhook your pack prior to fording to allow quick exit if you do get into trouble.
Use a waking sitck to probe ahead for holes and obsticles.
Enjoy!
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2005
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- 241
Was that picture missing when I originally posted it? It was there in the preview, how strange.
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- Jun 16, 2003
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A walking stick is a good way to probe for otherwise unexpected increases in the depth of the stream/river (AKA "holes").
(Darn, but walking sticks are good for lots of stuff!)
(Darn, but walking sticks are good for lots of stuff!)
! Sorry, I didn't see that before posting.
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Nooooo not my oxen! Now I'll just have to spend all afternoon shooting those dumb buffalo 
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- Apr 24, 2005
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+1 for Berdar's link above.
Me? This is what I use when working in or near water:
On the knife (blue handle) sheath is a waterproof tinder container. Attached to the knife lanyard is a flint fire starter thingie, and a Lansky Dog Bone for blade touch-ups. All gear is stored in the pocket on the back of the PFD:
And do you really need to immerse yourself and/or float downstream to cool off? Take of your shirt, dunk it in the water, wring it out a little bit, put it back on, find a shady spot, and let the evaporative action cool you down.
Me? This is what I use when working in or near water:
On the knife (blue handle) sheath is a waterproof tinder container. Attached to the knife lanyard is a flint fire starter thingie, and a Lansky Dog Bone for blade touch-ups. All gear is stored in the pocket on the back of the PFD:
Nature's way of culling the herd? Sorry if that comments offends anyone, but if one is dealing with moving water, one should really take a moment to think about the situation. Safety first.Dougm said:
And do you really need to immerse yourself and/or float downstream to cool off? Take of your shirt, dunk it in the water, wring it out a little bit, put it back on, find a shady spot, and let the evaporative action cool you down.
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River crossings are historically the biggest life-hazard in cross country travel- remember water is FAR stronger than even the strongest man.
I should have mentioned that I ONLY wade deep (past my knees) in STILL wayer that I have tested (with a proper 4'-6', 1.25"dia. wood staff NOT a short, flimsy glorified ski pole) THAT DAY <rivers change rapidly).hikeeba said:+1 for Berdar's link above.
Me? This is what I use when working in or near water:
On the knife (blue handle) sheath is a waterproof tinder container. Attached to the knife lanyard is a flint fire starter thingie, and a Lansky Dog Bone for blade touch-ups. All gear is stored in the pocket on the back of the PFD:
Nature's way of culling the herd? Sorry if that comments offends anyone, but if one is dealing with moving water, one should really take a moment to think about the situation. Safety first.
And do you really need to immerse yourself and/or float downstream to cool off? Take of your shirt, dunk it in the water, wring it out a little bit, put it back on, find a shady spot, and let the evaporative action cool you down.