Any tips on stahying mud free?

[meopilite]

I live near the Minnesota River, which offers very nice canoeing. Problem is, the banks are very muddy. By the time I get my canoe launched, Im full of mud and the canoe is full of mud, inside and out. I wear rubber boots, but they get muddy, and get mud inside the canoe when i hop in.

Any tips on how not to get so muddy?

 

[Canotrouge]

I some time when put in permit, I will but on the seat with my both feet(boots) on either side of the canoe( like on a horse) and have my muddy boots dangling in the water, and get some of the mud off that way even helping using my paddle as a scraper....

 

[Philtrum]

meopilite, I feel your pain. I hate having a dirty boat. I've had some success laying down some branches and grasses to take my weight. Once I even brought a 1x8 board and laid it on the mud. Mostly I find grassy or rocky spots to launch. If all else fails, I use Canotrouge's method.

 

[latremorej]

Canotrouge method here too

 

[ppine]

Keep an eye out for shorelines with gravel, sand, driftwood, etc. I like to wash off my shoes before putting them in the canoe. A big sponge is great for getting the mud out. I am more careful with removing mud from canvas and wood canoes because it works its way under the ribs, and into the canvas.

 

[Alan Gage]

I'd just put in and take out at a boat access. They seem to be fairly regular along the Minnesota.
Either that or choose the bank access carefully, looking for something that's sloped and vegetated or a gravel bar you can use.

Alan

 

[Guest]

I some time when put in permit, I will but on the seat with my both feet(boots) on either side of the canoe( like on a horse) and have my muddy boots dangling in the water, and get some of the mud off that way even helping using my paddle as a scraper....

Another vote for the saddle straddle rinse off. It helps to use the sponge on the tops and sides of the shoes while performing the side rinse.

If your boots have aggressive treads there isn’t much you can do there, especially in really tenacious mud. Just use the sponge to clean up the inevitable mess in the canoe.

If you find a nice gravel bar or rock further downstream you can hop out and dislodge the remaining gunk there.

 

[sweeper]

Here's one way @ 12:28

http://video.nhptv.org/video/2365361940/