Swimming trunks and Snorkel/Facemask go on every trip. We swim for fun, for snagged lures, for clams, for site seeing, for other peoples snagged lures, for lost poles and for fish finding. New fishing spot? Go for a snorkel recon. Almost never loose a lure unless a fish breaks it off. Adds an entire new dimension to the trip.

Yes in my PFD, but not wearing it like I'm paddling.  Turn it upside-down and wear it like shorts.  Then you can float around while sitting down.  It keeps you about shoulder level with the water.  

Toss around a ball.  Nerf floats & is light.  Just don't bring the howler versions.
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Swimming is a great way to pass the time.  Very theraputic.  Allows the spine to relax and unravel.  Cools the body.  Cleans the grime off.

I'm not a jumper, but could be if the peer-pressure is right.  Not a fan of heights.

I also go swimming when I'm messing around in the canoe.  Heel it over, push the limits, try some new strokes, practice rescue.

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You're missing some of the best tripping.  Open forests.  Quiet solitude.  The smell of fresh growth & decay.  The colours of autumn.  The fishing, oh the fishing!  Imagine a portage without sweat.  No bugs.

Rocky wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2010 at 1:59pm:


There are three factors to risk to consider, but many people only consider one of them.

The first factor is the likelihood of failure (in this case, hitting that rock).  Almost everyone considers this when assessing risk.

The second factor is the consequences of failure (in this case, the severity of damage which might result from hitting that rock).  Certainly, not everyone gives this it's due consideration.

The third factor is the possibility that we may erroneously estimate either the likelihood of failure and/or the potential severity of the consequences of failure.  Very few consider this element of risk.

I used to be a cliff-jumper when the opportunity presented itself.  In recent years I've decided the risk/reward tradeoff is no longer acceptable to me.

I would not go canoeing at a time of the year when the weather was not warm enough for swimming.  Sometimes the water seems a little cold at first but once you are in it feels fine.  We always skinny dip, we don’t bring swimsuits, if I am in the wilderness, I’m not packing in a swimsuit and I’m not going to deal with a wet suit.  We start the day with a dip, the very first thing in the morning and we usually swim several more times during the day.

While paddling, I have seen small groups of campers, sunning on the rocks after skinny dipping and we just ignore them and they ignore us, no waving or acknowledgment, no big deal.

I have jumped from 10-15 feet into the lake (in the past), but the rules now is, never, ever, jump like that, because even with clear water there could be a rock that is closer than it looks.  Not my rule, I’d rather take a small risk, but, I go along with the others and their concerns about safety.

I think the craziness factor, for me, is dependent upon conditions.  Sometimes a swim is just to refresh when tired, dirty and sweaty and it is a quick dip.  But if you get a lovely beach, (admittedly rare) and beautiful sunshine (not as rare) it can be such a treat!

For me, what comes to mind is a July 3rd afternoon in 2005, the last full day out of our 11-day trip.  We had camped on the northern part of Loon Lake and awoke to a rainy morning.  We had intended to make a side trip to the Devil's Cascade, but decided to forego that because of the weather and we paddled the Loon River in what could only be called a deluge.  At times the rain was so heavy I (in the bow) literally couldn't see where we were going.

As we came into the south end of Little Vermilion Lake the rain suddenly stopped and the sun came out.  It was a very dramatic change.  We stopped at the campsite there, which has a sandy beach, and not much else to recommend it, and at first I said I didn't want to stay there, but as we looked at the possibility of getting everything dried out on the last night before the long trip back to Michigan it began to look like an OK idea.

That beach was wonderful.  The warm sun felt so good and I swam and swam.  That time I finally got Spartan1 to even come in for a short dip!  I remember it as one of the more pleasurable swims I have ever had in canoe country.

We had a resident spruce grouse for entertainment that afternoon, and a spectacular cloud show at sunset.  The next day we braved choppy waves and power boats across Crane Lake and hung around the Crane Lake area for the July 4th fireworks--which I would highly recommend if you are ever in the area on that holiday.

I voted 'you crazy' based on swimming for the sheer pleasure of it. I'll wash my feet most every day so I don't offend myself and sometimes my face but that's about it. I might think differently if swimming on a trip was my only option. Although I do agree, darn nice place to do it.

Every time I see the title of this thread I can hear that (Peter Gabriel (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)) baseline following his "...who's minds, are as healthy as their bodies... " intro in my head. Da Dum, da dum da... Better legs than the SpongeBob  SquarePants tune it often (and easily thank you) replaces in my head these days!

The only times I have not gone swimming are in early May or Later fall trips. Many times I will take a quick dip to refresh myself after a long portage---that is probably what most of my "swimming" consists of--more of just getting in and out. A few times on really HOT days I have been known to swim for quite a awhile or just put the life jacket on and float around.

T

solotripper wrote on Feb 15^th, 2010 at 4:06pm:


At some point in life, it may become preferable (necessary) for each person to have their own tent or hammock. Now- back to swimming...

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Another validation of the solo trip or group solo if I ever heard one

Our groups swims everytrip where frostbite is not an issue. Although we choose to wear our swim trunks. (I'm already listening to you snore and fart in our tent everynight. I do not need to see your bare arse.) We also enjoy cliff jumping. (After rock checks) Surprises me that people would not swim.