I sank a Duh!k

Trying for one last paddle before things get way too cold. Loaded in at a Bridge to Nowhere and headed downstream for home. River may have been up by the NWGS readings, but I knew by the first set of rapids that the resealing I had just done was taking a beating. “To hell with it, go have fun” I said to myself. 6 1/2 miles later, Duh!k not leaking, doing just fine, we head through some gnarly looking rocks to calmer waters on the other side; make the first chute, no issues, cut into the second chute and about mid-way, Duh!k squeals. And I am not joking, she literally squealed! Clear the rocks and suddenly, my ass is getting WET! I yell to the guy behind me “SINKING! MEET ME AT SHORE!” Get to shore and pop the skirt, and I am waist deep in water. Get out and start dunping water about the the time J pulls up. We flip Duh!k over and see

I have no idea what did it, but it was sharp and locked in place enough to do that to the skin. Thats 850 denier nylon and it cut right through it. The gouge is over half Duh!k’s length but it broke through those 9 inches. 9 inches enough that we were half full of water before I made it to shore 20′ away.

So, repair, again, but this one is surgery, not cosmetic. She’s gonna get stitches and some new skin in that area. I’ll sew her up, and add the skin on the inside and coat both sides with Polyurethane to seal it up. I’m also considering adding something extra to the keelson as it always takes a beating. It didn’t leak, but its only a matter of time.

You can’t say I don’t use my toys. Not with all the dings and boo-boos they get.