{"id":11505,"date":"2016-12-24T12:00:38","date_gmt":"2016-12-24T20:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/community.nrs.com\/?p=11505"},"modified":"2024-02-28T09:34:57","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T17:34:57","slug":"audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/","title":{"rendered":"The Audubon Field Guide to Native Ramp \u00adLife"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Rivers. They sustain life, create beauty, carve the densest rocks into fantastic canyons and attract a tremendous amount of bio\u00addiversity. Flowing waters play an essential part in almost all terrestrial ecosystems, providing a backdrop for infinitely complex demonstrations of interrelationships, symbiosis, and adaptation. But within the wider riparian studies, one of the most fascinating niches to be found is that of the so\u00ad called Boat Ramp.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_11534\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11534\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11534 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184057\/MF-Boat-Ramp.jpg\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184057\/MF-Boat-Ramp.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184057\/MF-Boat-Ramp-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184057\/MF-Boat-Ramp-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184057\/MF-Boat-Ramp-1000x667.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-11534\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Ashley Peel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Boat Ramps can vary tremendously in appearance and are rarely hard to find. Some, barely a muddy, rutted surface cutting through willows, while others are wide swathes of concrete accommodating six school buses and towering stacks of hypalon. In recent decades, these incredible examples of unique eco-geography have increased in number and use, and can yield, to the patient observer, a captivating look into the habits and life span of a surprising variety of user species.<\/p>\n<p>This field guide serves as an introductory reference for the novice ramp\u00adwatcher.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-11505 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/opening\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184053\/Opening--100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/opening-paragraph-2\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184051\/Opening-Paragraph-2-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/opening-paragraph-3\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184051\/Opening-Paragraph-3-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><em><br \/>\nWhen to Watch:\u00a0<\/em>Seasonal activity is highest in the summer months, with diverse user species congregating from all parts of the North American continent to demonstrate brilliant displays of plumage, fascinating launch habits, and complex social interactions. Spring and fall offer consistent observational opportunities, but the user species present at this time often lack some of the unique variations to offer a truly rewarding experience. And although activity is present almost year round, when snow and ice hinder the ease of water access, there only a few hardy species to be found.<\/p>\n<p><em>Where to Watch:\u00a0<\/em>Although nearly every river has some version of the Boat\u00ad Ramp, the most diverse populations center around ramps embedded deep in the mountains of the East Coast, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Northwest.<\/p>\n<p>This guide focuses largely on ramps known for their day use appeal, but most of these species are also observable on ramps that provide access to multi\u00adday trips.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11561\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184042\/put-in-again.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184042\/put-in-again.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184042\/put-in-again-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184042\/put-in-again-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184042\/put-in-again-1000x667.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Ramp User Species<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/em>The phylum \u2018ramp users\u2019 is divided into three main genuses: <strong>kayakers<\/strong>, <strong>rafters<\/strong>, and <strong>flotsam &amp; jetsam<\/strong>. Within each of these genuses there are myriad varieties of species.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rafters\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Type A (<em>rafteron obsessus<\/em>)<br \/>\nUsually a solitary rigger, the Type A can be identified by the thin line of their mouth, the precision of their knots, and their laughing group of friends drinking beer a safe distance away. Type A\u2019s are alphas, and both male and female can demonstrate these traits. They pass hours arranging seeming chaos into perfection, tying and re\u00adtying knots, balancing bow and stern weight, and will sacrifice neither efficiency, safety or svelteness, even for a day float on class II. Their friends, safely outside the radiation of their anal retentiveness await the all clear, trained not to approach until the Type A signals them with a \u2018snap\u00adhiss\u2019 and the first smile of the morning.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_11549\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11549\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11549 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184045\/Type-A-.jpg\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184045\/Type-A-.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184045\/Type-A--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184045\/Type-A--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184045\/Type-A--1000x667.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-11549\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Forest Woodward<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Credit Card Boater (<em>compensatum fursumthin<\/em>)<br \/>\nEasily identified by the glare created by brand new gear, Credit Card Boaters may be seen ripping tags off of PFDs, drop bags, frames and girlfriends as they use an automatic winch to lower their shiny boat directly into the water from its carpeted perch.<\/p>\n<p>Abandoned (<em>rafteron solus<\/em>)<br \/>\nSitting alone, on a fully rigged raft, the Abandoned is the sole member of the group not taking part in an eternal shuttle run. Depending on the communication and direction\u00ad-giving ability of their absent co\u00adhorts, the Abandoned may be drinking alone upwards of three hours, totally confused as to how it could possibly take this long. Often, their party will return with fantastic stories of unplanned escapades including but not limited to, flat tires, speeding tickets, mis\u00addirections, celebrity appearances and fist fights. On the other hand, the Abandoned may experience a similar, hilarious coincidence or celebrity sighting, and share it, laughing, on the return of their sweaty, frustrated peers.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-11505 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/abandoned-2\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184108\/Abandoned-2-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/abandoned\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184106\/Abandoned-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/abandoned_forrest-woodward\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184107\/Abandoned_Forrest-Woodward-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>False Trailer Backer (<em>homo testoferus<\/em>)<br \/>\nThis common species is attracted to the warm, sunny skies of mid\u00adsummer, and is well known for its large territorial display. This display involves a series of complex motions, forward, back, back, back slowly, rush forward, turn sideways backwards, repeat an indefinite number of times, often with accompanying verbal expletives. The False Trailer Backer uses this display to scare off other, less dominant natives, from the prime real estate of the center of the ramp, regardless of the presence of marked lanes. This display may last anywhere from five to 25 minutes.<br \/>\n<em>Caution<\/em>: May become very aggressive if approached with any offer of assistance.<\/p>\n<p>Rafting Family (<em>homo exhausticus)<br \/>\n<\/em>Both pitied and shunned, standing in dire warning to the childless, the boating family appears to be in constant motion, but accomplishing very little. They corral gear, children, and pets, all the while pasting an almost believable \u2018We\u2019re having fun, dammit\u2019 expression on their faces. This exciting user species is also identifiable by their frequent wistful looks toward groups of childless adults, unusual alternate curse words, such as, \u2018fudge monkeys,\u2019 or \u2018cacklepants,\u2019 and the constant presence of snacks and juice. They&#8217;re surrounded by large, bobbing sun\u00adhats of perpetual motion.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11525\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184104\/Family-boaters.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1069\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184104\/Family-boaters.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184104\/Family-boaters-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184104\/Family-boaters-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184104\/Family-boaters-1000x668.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Shitshow (<em>crapis aloverit<\/em>)<br \/>\nAnother species which requires a large territory, often to the detriment of other users, the Shitshow must, much like a miner bird, display every piece of gear it has collected across the entire ramp for an indefinite amount of time. Without this thorough disbursement, however, the Shitshow seems incapable of moving forward, but often appears oblivious to this defining tendency.<\/p>\n<p>Mid\u00addayer (<em>inebris brosus<\/em>)<br \/>\nNamed for the time of their appearance on the ramp, the sun is always high in the sky before the members of these squinting, initially slow\u00ad moving species emerge. The determination to get on the water is admirable, as is their ability to somehow rig their boat without spilling their coozy\u00adcovered\u00adcocktail.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-11505 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/mid-dayer\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184055\/Mid-Dayer-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/shit-show\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184046\/Shit-Show-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/out-of-wayer\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184050\/Out-of-Wayer-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Commercial Guide (<em>todos expertis)<br \/>\n<\/em>The most common species found, commercial guides may vary greatly in temperament. Although another largely territorial species, usually requiring the entirety of any ramp to perform their launch habits, some guides may offer assistance when requesting the removal of other species from their stomping grounds, while others will simply trample them without pause. They are devastating to an otherwise serene environment, briefly flooding the entire ramp with boats of red, yellow or blue, along with the accompanying flock of stumbling, helmeted tourists. Yet the extreme efficiency with which they move, along with their highly evolved communication skills make them a powerful and fascinating species that does often play an essential role in the long\u00adterm sustainability of the ramp eco\u00adsystem.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11557\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184043\/Commercial-.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184043\/Commercial-.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184043\/Commercial--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184043\/Commercial--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184043\/Commercial--1000x667.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Off\u00ad-duty Commercial Guide (<em>drunkas skunkas<\/em>)<br \/>\nOften demonstrating traits of both the Mid\u00adDayer and the Commercial Guide, they group with their own kind, and may be heard to mention their profession multiple times before cramming six people into a mini\u00adsized raft. All carry customized fiber\u00adglass paddles.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-11505 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/off-duty-guide\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184054\/Off-Duty-Guide--100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/rescue-bait-or-off-duty_pc-ben-herndon\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184049\/Rescue-Bait-or-OfF-Duty_PC-Ben-Herndon-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/off-duty-guide-2\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184053\/Off-Duty-Guide-2-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>River Dog (<em>washere firstus<\/em>)<br \/>\nFrayed on most edges, with skin etched by the tools of dry wind and a lifetime of sunshine, River Dogs are a rare, but crucial bio\u00adindicator of the health of any ramp\u2019s ecosystem. They move smoothly, unhurried, usually with a like\u00adminded contingent of users, some younger proteges attached. Their gear, like their personality, is well\u00ad-worn, unassuming, but strong and full of stories.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_11547\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11547\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11547 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184047\/River-Dog_Forest-Woodward.jpg\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184047\/River-Dog_Forest-Woodward.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184047\/River-Dog_Forest-Woodward-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184047\/River-Dog_Forest-Woodward-768x536.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184047\/River-Dog_Forest-Woodward-1000x698.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-11547\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Forest Woodward<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Kayakers<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Professional Kayaker (<em>badassus brokashis)<br \/>\n<\/em>As any dedicated ramp\u00adwatcher knows, this rare species is difficult to spot due to the extreme efficiency and rapidity with which they move. No one has fully established how he or she gets their PFDs on, because they are perpetually wearing them, and the actual event has yet to be witnessed by a human being. The best way to identify them is usually by the glint from the scarred surface of the most impressive creek boat you have ever seen.<\/p>\n<p>Amateur Kayaker (<em>boatitus weekendus<\/em>)<br \/>\nMuch more common than his professional cousin, the amateur is generally good\u00adnatured, and very social. Size and shape are widely variable. Frequently identifiable by the repetition of very domain specific words such as \u2018boof,\u2019 \u2018blunt\u2019 and \u2018windowshade,\u2019 as well as the near constant presence of PBR cans. Will often loudly query others of its species about various wave features and how they are \u2018playing.\u2019<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-11505 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/kayaker\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184101\/Kayaker-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/pro-kayaker\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184049\/Pro-Kayaker--100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/kayakers-3\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184100\/Kayakers-3-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/kayaker_pc-ben-herndon\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184102\/Kayaker_PC-Ben-Herndon-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2016\/12\/24\/audubon-field-guide-native-ramp-life\/kayaker-2\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184103\/Kayaker-2-100x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Kayaker on a Date (<em>potentialus coitus)<br \/>\n<\/em>A kayaker involved in a courtship ritual is a rare and fascinating subject and a completely different species. Solicitous to the extreme of its potential mate, it may have coaxed him\/her out to the river for the first time. This is a very delicate moment in the relationship. One may observe cautiously, from a safe distance, as he or she repeatedly explains the purpose of the handle on the front of their skirt. The likelihood of successful coupling may be extrapolated by the level of excitement (or frustration) displayed by the potential mate.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11531\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184059\/Kayakers-on-a-Date.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184059\/Kayakers-on-a-Date.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184059\/Kayakers-on-a-Date-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184059\/Kayakers-on-a-Date-768x526.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184059\/Kayakers-on-a-Date-1000x685.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Lapper (<em>repetitus brofus<\/em>)<br \/>\nCommon at the take out for a short, splashy run, the Lapper will approach species of all variety, assuming they have a working vehicle, and, in all varying techniques of persuasion, offer beer, weed, stories, or cash to get a ride back to the put in. You can determine the approximate number of laps completed by the number of beers left in their twelve pack. By the last lap, they will be relying entirely on their winning personality, which is at odds with the increased funkiness of their neoprene.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11533 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184058\/Lapper.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184058\/Lapper.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184058\/Lapper-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184058\/Lapper-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184058\/Lapper-1000x667.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Flotsam &amp; Jetsam<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Note<\/em>: <\/strong>Much like the random gear sometimes found downriver from a flipped raft, none of the species within genus Flotsam &amp; Jetsam share many common traits with each other. The hodge\u00adpodge of specie is grouped together largely because they are an essential part of any ramp eco\u00adsystem, and yet fall completely outside the Rafter and Kayaker dichotomy.<\/p>\n<p>The Ranger (<em>exhasperus usfs)<br \/>\n<\/em>Identified by their unflattering brown or green plumage and look of constant irritation, the ranger is a species often overlooked, but vital for maintaining the health and vitality of large boat ramp niches. When lacking the experience of other user species, however, the ranger is frequently ignored and potentially abused, despite his supposed alpha status. Most likely to come into conflict with Commercial Guide and Mid\u00addayer species.<br \/>\n<em>Caution:<\/em> Can cause painful fines or prevent river.<\/p>\n<p>Fly Fisherman <em>(hukem enlippus)<br \/>\n<\/em>Whenever the water is clear, members of this khaki-colored species flock to the boat ramp, seeking out their prime habitat, eddies, where they will attempt\u00a0to outsmart some fish as gracefully as possible. Although they occasionally share traits with the False Trailer-Backer, they are rarely seen interacting with any other user species. In fact, their aloof launch habits make it quite clear that the ramp actually belongs to them, and they are graciously allowing all others to use it.\u00a0Fly Fishermen\u00a0may be observed quietly as they transfer their drift boats, or dories, from a padded trailer to the cradle of the river with the gentle, protective hands of a mother bathing her child.<br \/>\n<em>Caution:<\/em> Easily agitated by noise, this species may respond with a barbed sting.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11526\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184104\/Flyfisherman_PC-Ben-Herndon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184104\/Flyfisherman_PC-Ben-Herndon.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184104\/Flyfisherman_PC-Ben-Herndon-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184104\/Flyfisherman_PC-Ben-Herndon-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184104\/Flyfisherman_PC-Ben-Herndon-1000x667.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In the Wayer (<em>tourista confustis<\/em>)<br \/>\nThese users visit the boat ramp only briefly, and are obviously not in their natural environment. They first appear confused by this piece of concrete extending directly into the water and often assume it is built as an oversized parking spot for their rental car and\/or playground for their children. They will quickly become quite agitated as other species rush past them with huge, awkward pieces of plastic nonsense, and may appeal to the Ranger for retribution.<\/p>\n<p>Rescue Bait (<em>idiotus tuberons<\/em>)<br \/>\nQuickly identifiable by their inflatable alligators and lack of PFDs, Rescue Baits are often seen riding a variety of pool toys and Wal\u00admart quality rafts. They are always in close proximity to floating receptacles of cold beverages and will change their skin color throughout the day to a shade of deep red.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_11545\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11545\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11545\" src=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184048\/Rescue-Bait_PC-Nate-Wilson-.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184048\/Rescue-Bait_PC-Nate-Wilson-.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184048\/Rescue-Bait_PC-Nate-Wilson--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184048\/Rescue-Bait_PC-Nate-Wilson--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d2kl15j267vxtq.cloudfront.net\/duct-tape\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/31184048\/Rescue-Bait_PC-Nate-Wilson--1000x667.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-11545\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Nate Wilson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>Author&#8217;s Note:<\/em> After over a decade of submersive research, the author of this guide was thrilled to identify a common ancestor with these beautiful creatures. She has discovered common traits with both <em>rafteron obsessus <\/em>and <em>homo exhausticus <\/em>which make her a deeply conflicted hybrid living in near constant state of panic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rivers. They sustain life, create beauty, carve the densest rocks into fantastic canyons and attract a tremendous amount of bio\u00addiversity. Flowing waters play an essential part in almost all terrestrial ecosystems, providing a backdrop for infinitely complex demonstrations of interrelationships, symbiosis, and adaptation. But within the wider riparian studies, one of the most fascinating niches to be found is that of the so\u00ad called Boat Ramp.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45800,"featured_media":11551,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[339],"tags":[314,316,33],"class_list":["post-11505","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nrs-culture","tag-guidevibes","tag-rafting","tag-whitewater-kayaking","post-grid"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Audubon Field Guide to Native Ramp \u00adLife | Duct Tape Diaries | NRS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Lindsay&#039;s Audubon Field Guide to Native Ramp \u00adLife humorously delves into the finer attributes and personality traits of each &#039;species&#039; of boat ramp user.\" 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