Mike Clark — aka Muddy Mike — is Big Muddy Adventures’ founder and senior guide. He answers your questions about paddling and beyond.

Hey Mike, let’s say I’m paddling in a canoe and I accidentally drop my paddle into the water. Am I up a creek, so to speak, or is there something I can do to salvage the situation?

STEVE, FLORISSANT, MO

You’re not up a creek, Steve. The paddle will float. So, the first thing you should do is slow the boat down. If you stop your boat’s forward moment, generally the paddle will catch up to you. If it doesn’t, turn around and go get it. And if you’re in your own boat, you should always bring a spare paddle. That way, even if you can’t track down the dropped paddle for some reason, you won’t be SOL.

Got a question for Muddy Mike? Send it to shawn@terrain-mag.com. Put “Muddy Mike” in the subject line.

Top image: Muddy Mike on dry land. (Reiss Wegman)