By JASON SHREDER
I don’t know. You tell me. I was wondering what I was going to write about this week and it hit me right on the head — a pine cone that is. I was killing some time at the takeout a few days ago, (because I forgot my kayak gear), and was actually relaxing. I found this old dirty towel, tucked under the van seat, a couple of wet PFD’s (life preservers), and some lukewarm water and made myself a riverside nest.
What is a dirt bag kayaker? Am I one? Do I know any? What characteristics define the role of a true dirt bag kayaker? We’ll get to that in a minute. For now, though, maybe I should tell you about me and how I fit into the picture.
Well to start, I am a dedicated Missoula kayaker who needs to paddle every day, but I don’t know if I would truly consider myself a dirt bag. Some of my friends might consider me a prima donna, but I know I can hang with the dirt bags — easily. Trust me, I have absolutely nothing against dirt bag kayakers because if I did, it would narrow my friends down to a couple.
In this state of random relaxation — after the pine cone hit me in the head — I decided to compile a checklist of the qualifications I think defines a dirt bag boater.
Drum roll please…
1. Thrifty in every sense.
2. Home is in the back of a Subaru or truck 8 months of the year or more
3. Dirty, stinky, feet
4. Works just to quit as soon as a good river trip comes along
5. Gear is many times marginal, but still able to function on river
6. Owns a dog with a collar that is a beat up NRS strap
7. Relies on Snicker bars (poor man’s power bar) to get through the day
8. Beside the river, lives a simple life, needing little besides the river and essential gear
9. Has no problem wearing mismatched flip flops
10. Hamm’s, Rainer, and Olympia are top shelf beers
These are just a few of the things that come to the mind of this Missoula kayaker. I know I’m missing lots of things so please contribute to this piece. I want to know what you think defines a dirt bag boater.
Like this blog by one of Missoula’s legendary kayakers? Check out these other blogs by Jason Shreder, owner of Zoo Town Surfers: Go with the Flow and Get in the Know or Kayaking the Lochsa River or The Sellway River – A Preason Kayaking Treat .
You may also want to check out our page on Missoula Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting.
See Jason Shredder’s “Go With the Flow” archive.
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Jason Shreder, owner of local whitewater company Zoo Town Surfers. I love Missoula, the great community, and all the awesome water that surrounds it. I’m constantly moving and 90% of that movement involves kayaking, rafting, working, and hanging out with my awesomely supportive girlfriend and dogs.