Wading

Wading Equipment 192

Felt Soles 192

Staff 193

Additional Wading Principles 194

Hip Boots 195

Summary 195

The basic wading rule is to have one foot secured at all times. Never attempt another step without one foot affixed to the bottom. Spills happen when this basic rule is broken. Slow down your wading pace to make sure at all times that one of your feet is anchored. In order to safely wade, first move one foot and secure it; next, maneuver your other foot and also secure it.

The force of the current can be lessened by decreasing your surface area exposed to the current by placing both legs side by side against the flow. (See Diagram 1)

When probing for your next step, do not maneuver your secured foot until your probing foot is anchored. In wading across stream, the current’s force is lessened by wading diagonally downstream. In contrast the current’s force is enhanced by wading in an upstream direction.