This is all good stuff and thanks to all of you who have responded.

I am a newbie having purchased my DB last Feb. I have so far stayed on my home waters of the Snohomish system as that is what I'm familiar with having fished it for almost 20 years. I am surprised at how different things look from upstream. During the low waters of summer I was able to practice on and around small, exposed hazards yet still had plenty of room as not to threaten safety. I've been having a blast just learning how to row and interacting with the river. Over the years I have learned to respect our rivers and know from personnel experiance that bobbing down river is no fun for Bankie's either. Therefor I carry all of the suggested safety gear mentioned above (need a saw though, good idea) and wear my pfd. I also agree wholeheartedly with the no alcohol thing and that's coming from an Irish Catholic

My first time down the Sky I followed a friend downriver. I would not suggest this as the best method of learning a new river. I'd make a cast and look downstream to see him anchored 30ft. below me make another cast, look downstream and see him entering the next hole. I think your much better off with that friend in the boat.

Since then I have been "pilgrimmed" a couple of times by others mistakenly thinking me the right person to follow down river??? This is something I vow never to do as I will inevitably find myself following the biggest idiot on the river!

I fully understand that becoming good with the sticks rests entirely on good sense, safety consciousness, and lots and lots and lots of stick time. I will probably add at least one river to my resume this year (home away from home water) but I am in no hurry to add any more.

Having said all that my insurance is paid up!

Thanks again for all of the wonderful advice and tips