Story Created: May 6, 2009 at 9:04 PM MDT
Story Updated: May 7, 2009 at 10:31 AM MDT
With temperatures warming and water levels rising, it's a tempting time for rafters and kayakers but experts say before you hit Idaho's rivers there's some tips you should follow.
Some call it crazy but Denny Mooney, with Alpenglow Mountain Sports says it's all about: "The thrills, the adrenaline, being in the water, outside."
At McU Sports in Boise it's not hard to tell what floats their customer's boat.
"This time of year we get a lot of the experienced people coming in and purchasing boats - getting ready for the high water," said Mooney.
But it's that high water, especially during spring, experts say can also be dangerous.
"This time of year you have some really variable conditions, you can have a rain storm that creates a rise in the river, nasty weather, sunshine, it's all par for the course out there," said Ted Day, with the Idaho Whitewater Association.
Day is getting ready to hit the East Fork of the Owyhee River this weekend.
It's the same area where Tuesday night officials say a rafter was rescued after getting stuck.
"When you hear news of an accident right where you're planning to go it's really disconcerting," he said.
Day says with water levels and flows changing so much right now it's a good idea to research the rivers, scout your path, look for any new hazards, and always tell someone exactly where you're headed.
"If that's something you want to go do you should go do it but you just have to take the right steps, know your limits and don't get in over your head," he said.
Both Day and Mooney recommend taking kayaking or rafting lessons for new folks. They also advise, especially during the spring, to remember to dress for the temperature of the water and not the air.
To track current river flows throughout the state CLICK HERE
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