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Are you a dirt bag boater?

by | November 14, 2011

I don’t know. You tell me. I was wondering what I was going to write about this week and it hit me right in 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 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? Well to start, I am a dedicated kayaker who needs to paddle everyday, but I don’t know if I would consider myself a dirt bag.   Some of my friends would maybe consider me a pre Madonna but I know I can hang with the dirtbags. Trust me, I have absolutely nothing against dirtbag 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 dirtbag 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 that’s collar 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 very little besides the river and essential kayak 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 mind. I know I’m missing lots of things so please contribute to this piece. I want to know what you think defines a dirtbag boater.