If you spend time in the wilderness, you will have to cross or ford a river or stream. Hiking, hunting, fishing, or camping may put you somewhere that requires an aquatic crossing, here are a few ways to do it, including the hard way-- thru it:

• Bridge
• Boat
• Jump
• Fallen log
• Rock hop
• Swim
• Walk

Let's consider that last one, the one I consider the "hard way". This is probably the most common way, but the most challenging one. Here is how to do it:

• Find a narrow crossing point
• Look for shallow depth
• Avoid rocky, whitewater spots
• Cross on a diagonal of 30-45 degrees
• Face upstream with the current coming at you
• Proceed slowly, but methodically
• Feel your steps out
• Use sticks as staffs to test ahead and for balance
• Run a line after the first person (Assumes multiple person party) has crossed

Like anything else one goes in the remote wilderness, exercise care-- injury far from medical help is not a good thing.

Good luck!

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DDFD believes that self reliance and self sufficiency are the roads to individual freedom.  He is dedicated to living a quality life through frugality, personal growth and productivity, and defensive entrepreneurship.  He also enjoys cooking from scratch and fishing.