If there is such a thing. I've drift boat fished a lot in the past, only on the oars once. Now I'm thinking of buying a drift boat.
I 've read some books on rowing and have an idea of the correct way to do it. Any suggestions on a SW/W WA. river?? Or should I hook up with someone and be a willing slave for someone that will teach me?

Books mean nothing.. Go with a long time river vet. That way he can tell you all day " pull both.. both again... now with your left.. NO.. your other left "..

Try a lake first then Pm me and I'll take you down the Cowlitz in my DB.

Find someone with a boat, or hire a guide. Let them put you on the sticks while they sit up front. They move their hands just like they're rowing, you follow exactly what their hands are doing with the oars. Works like a charm. Quickest way to learn. There is no "safe" river to learn on. Any piece of moving water can kill you in an instant.

First ya PM Sol and beg fer a ride. He'll hook a fish and the lessons will be underway. While he's running around in the boat he'll be barkin orders at ya. He's loud enough that the folks at the diner in Forks are laughin and wonderin who's ridin with Sol today.

It'll hurt but he'll beat it into your head--your good ta go!

Don't let this be you!

YA that gut didn't get his lesson from Sol!! The day after that happened he rode with Graham or was that the day before.

Really--your best bet is riding with someone THAT HAS THE TIME ON THE RIVER and learn from them.

Before you buy a DB, make a few trips with someone who has one and knows what they are doing on the sticks. Ask them to let you row in a mellow area (frog water stuff) and get used to how the boat handles. Learn to turn the boat quickly, do a 360 (it WILL come in handy to spin off rocks) and balance your oars to get a smooth stroke.

Once you buy your own, take it to a lake and spend a 1/2 hr. and do the same...get used to your boat, then head for an easy drift to start out on.

If you can't find someone to go with you when you get your boat, drop me a note and feel free to come up to the Skagit. I'll be happy to give you the basics I know, and for more waters requiring more experience, you always want to hit them first with someone who knows them. Going blindly down ANY river is never advised, I don't care how easy it looks.

Learn to know your limitations, and do not exceed them.

BUY a good PFD and wear the SOB every time you get in the boat. Even the most experienced can get into trouble on rivers they have rowed for 40 years or more. (See the story of Jim Erickson on Ifish)

Mis Dos Centavos...

Mike

Do the Snoqualmie from Plumb to Fall City. Fairly easy water to learn how.

Good advice from all. Get used to your boat first. When I was a kid I saw the bow of a drift boat sticking out of the gravel in a new channel about 15 feet above the river on the Queets.

There is a passage close to you. Try launching at the Fox Island bridge(rough ramp) and row along the shoreline. You can fish for the little coho and practice rowing at the same time.