How Soggy Sneakers Can Help You Find Your Perfect River Adventure in Oregon pdf
Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers book pdf
If you love river running, you probably know how hard it is to find reliable and comprehensive information about different rivers. You might have to rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, outdated guidebooks, or online forums that are often incomplete or inaccurate. That's why you need Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers, a classic book that has been helping river enthusiasts for over 30 years. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this amazing book, including its author, content, benefits, drawbacks, and how to get it in pdf format.
Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers book pdf
The author of the book
The author of Soggy Sneakers is Pete Giordano, a veteran river runner who has been exploring Oregon's rivers since 1974. He has run over 400 rivers in 14 states and 7 countries, including some first descents and record-breaking runs. He is also a former president of Northwest Rafters Association, a founding member of American Whitewater, and a contributor to several magazines and websites on river running. He wrote Soggy Sneakers in 1989 as a way to share his passion and knowledge with other river lovers. Since then, he has updated and revised the book four times, adding new rivers, maps, photos, and tips.
The content of the book
Soggy Sneakers is a comprehensive guidebook that covers over 180 rivers in Oregon, from easy floats to extreme rapids. It provides detailed information on each river, such as location, access, length, gradient, difficulty, season, scenery, hazards, history, and more. It also offers helpful advice on how to run each river, such as what equipment to use, what skills to have, what lines to take, what to avoid, and what to expect. Here are some of the main features of the book:
The regions covered by the book
The book divides Oregon into six regions: Northwest, Southwest, North Central, South Central, Northeast, and Southeast. Each region has its own chapter and map, showing the location and direction of each river. The book also indicates the distance and driving time from major cities, such as Portland, Eugene, Bend, and Medford. The book covers a wide range of rivers in each region, from popular ones like the Rogue, the Deschutes, and the Clackamas, to lesser-known ones like the Illinois, the John Day, and the Santiam.
The difficulty ratings of the rivers
The book uses a five-level rating system to classify the rivers according to their difficulty level. The ratings are based on several factors, such as gradient, flow, rapids, obstacles, portages, and rescue options. The ratings are as follows:
Class I: Easy. Flat or slow-moving water with few or no rapids. Suitable for beginners and families.
Class II: Moderate. Mild rapids with clear passages and some maneuvering required. Suitable for novices and intermediates.
Class III: Difficult. Moderate rapids with irregular waves and rocks that require precise maneuvering. Suitable for experienced and skilled paddlers.
Class IV: Very difficult. Intense rapids with powerful waves and hazards that require expert maneuvering. Suitable for experts only.
Class V: Extremely difficult. Extreme rapids with violent waves and dangers that require exceptional skill and luck. Suitable for very few people.
The book also uses a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to indicate variations within each class. For example, a Class III+ river is harder than a Class III river but easier than a Class IV river.
The maps and photos of the rivers
The book provides clear and accurate maps for each river, showing the access points, landmarks, rapids, campsites, and other points of interest. The maps also show the scale, distance, gradient, and difficulty of each section of the river. The book also includes stunning color photos for many of the rivers, showing the beauty and diversity of Oregon's landscapes and waterscapes. The photos also illustrate some of the features and challenges of each river, such as waterfalls, boulders, bridges, dams, etc.
The descriptions and tips of the rivers
The book gives detailed descriptions for each river, explaining its characteristics, history, ecology, geology, and culture. The book also gives helpful tips for each river, such as when to go, what to bring, where to stay, what to see, and what to do. Some of the tips are practical and technical, such as how to deal with low water levels or high winds. Some of the tips are fun and quirky, such as where to find hot springs or hidden caves. Some of the tips are personal and anecdotal, such as how the author discovered or named a certain rapid or feature.
The benefits of the book
Soggy Sneakers is a great book for anyone who loves river running or wants to try it for the first time. It can help river runners of different skill levels and interests find their perfect river adventure in Oregon. Here are some of the benefits of the book:
The book as a guide for beginners
If you are new to river running or want to learn more about it, Soggy Sneakers can help you get started in a safe and enjoyable way. The book can teach you the basics of river running, such as how to choose your equipment, how to read the water, how to paddle efficiently, how to avoid or handle hazards, and how to respect the environment. The book can also help you choose suitable rivers for your first trips, such as Class I or II rivers that are easy, scenic, and fun. The book can also introduce you to some of the best places to learn, practice, and improve your skills, such as whitewater parks, schools, and clubs.
The book as a reference for intermediates
If you have some experience in river running or want to challenge yourself more, Soggy Sneakers can help you take your skills to the next level. The book can help you explore new rivers that match your abilities and preferences, such as Class III or IV rivers that are exciting, varied, and rewarding. your skills and techniques, such as how to scout rapids, how to run drops, how to eddy out, and how to roll. The book can also help you plan your trips in a smart and efficient way, such as how to check the water levels, how to arrange the shuttle, how to pack your gear, and how to deal with emergencies.
The book as a source of inspiration for experts
If you are an expert in river running or want to push your limits more, Soggy Sneakers can help you discover new possibilities and opportunities in Oregon's rivers. The book can help you find hidden gems and rare treats that will satisfy your passion and curiosity, such as Class V rivers that are extreme, remote, and spectacular. The book can also help you create your own adventures and challenges, such as how to combine different rivers, how to run new sections, how to make first descents, and how to set records. The book can also help you connect with other river runners who share your enthusiasm and vision, such as local experts, legends, and pioneers.
The drawbacks of the book
Soggy Sneakers is a wonderful book, but it is not perfect. It has some limitations and flaws that readers should be aware of. Here are some of the drawbacks of the book:
The outdated information of the book
The book was last updated in 2014, which means that some of the information might be outdated or inaccurate by now. Rivers are dynamic and constantly changing due to natural or human factors, such as weather, erosion, landslides, floods, fires, logging, mining, dams, etc. Some of the rivers might have changed their course, flow, gradient, difficulty, or access since the book was written. Some of the rivers might have new rapids, hazards, or features that are not mentioned in the book. Some of the rivers might have been closed or restricted due to environmental or legal reasons. Therefore, readers should always check the current conditions and regulations of the rivers before running them.
The subjective opinions of the book
The book is based on the personal experiences and preferences of the author, which might not match those of other river runners. The author has his own style, taste, and criteria for river running, which might differ from yours. For example, he might prefer steep and technical rivers over wide and scenic ones. He might enjoy long and remote runs over short and convenient ones. He might favor high water levels over low ones. He might rate a river higher or lower than you would. Therefore, readers should always use their own judgment and discretion when choosing and running rivers.
The lack of diversity of the book
The book is written by a white male who belongs to a certain generation and culture of river running, which might not reflect the diversity and inclusivity of the river community. The book does not feature or acknowledge many river runners who are women, people of color, LGBTQ+, disabled, young, old, etc. The book does not address or challenge many issues or barriers that affect these groups in river running, such as sexism, racism, homophobia, ableism, ageism, etc. The book does not celebrate or promote many perspectives or values that enrich river running, such as feminism, multiculturalism, environmentalism, social justice, etc. Therefore, readers should always seek and support other voices and stories that represent the diversity and complexity of river running.
Conclusion
Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers is a must-have book for anyone who loves river running or wants to try it for the first time. It is a comprehensive guidebook that covers over 180 rivers in Oregon with detailed information and helpful tips. It can help river runners of different skill levels and interests find their perfect river adventure in Oregon. It can also teach them how to run rivers safely and enjoyably. However, the book also has some drawbacks that readers should be aware of. It has some outdated information that might not reflect the current conditions and regulations of the rivers. It has some subjective opinions that might not match those of other river runners. It has some lack of diversity that might not represent the diversity and inclusivity of the river community. Therefore, readers should always check the latest information about the rivers before running them. They should also use their own judgment and discretion when choosing and running rivers. They should also seek and support other voices and stories that represent the diversity and complexity of river running.
If you are interested in buying or downloading Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers book pdf, you can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Google Books. You can also visit the author's website, where you can find more information about the book, the author, and his other projects. You can also contact him directly if you have any questions or feedback about the book. He would love to hear from you and share his passion for river running with you.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers book pdf today and start planning your next river adventure in Oregon. You won't regret it!
FAQs
Q: How many pages is Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers book pdf?
A: The book has 384 pages in print and 512 pages in pdf format.
Q: How much does Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers book pdf cost?
A: The book costs $19.95 in print and $9.99 in pdf format.
Q: How can I get a signed copy of Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers book pdf?
A: You can order a signed copy of the book from the author's website for $25 plus shipping.
Q: How can I get updates on Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers book pdf?
A: You can follow the author on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, where he posts updates on the book and his other projects.
Q: How can I contribute to Soggy Sneakers: A Guide to Oregon Rivers book pdf?
A: You can contribute to the book by sending your feedback, suggestions, corrections, or additions to the author via email or social media. He appreciates your input and will consider it for future editions of the book.
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