You'd think that lightweight, nonabsorbent, floating slip-on shoes would be every kayaker's best friend, right? They're not, at least as far as I'm concerned. Here's why:

I wore my Nothinz (basically identical to Crocs, but not as bumpy inside) for a walk/wade yesterday in my local riparian corridor. I had my camera set up on its tripod out in the main current, which was about knee-deep,* and I was using the self-timer to get pics like this: 

As I was moving the tripod, my left shoe came off. I knew I could probably catch it, since the river isn't very deep or fast-flowing, but it had been the only thing protecting my foot from the stony river bottom. I hobbled after it for a few seconds, then realized I would have to leave behind anything I didn't want getting wet, because the shoe was floating into deeper water. 

I made it to the shore (pausing to snap a picture along the way), dropped my hoodie, camera, and pocket items, then looked down the river at the shoe. It was getting near the top of a broad pool that was probably almost waist-deep, and I didn't want to be stuck wearing wet clothes for the rest of the walk. I looked around, saw no one but the dog, and thought, "Well, I've got quick-dry underwear on, so . . . " 

Seconds later, I was charging through the water in my t-shirt and briefs, trying to move fast enough that I didn't have time to feel my foot getting bruised. I caught the shoe pretty easily, but as I was hurrying to shore to put my pants back on, the other shoe came off. Fortunately, I managed to grab that one before it got away.

Considering that experience, I don't see how anyone can like the idea of wearing Crocs (or any of their many imitations) on whitewater rivers. In the event of a swim, they're fairly likely to come off. If that happens, the only way to get them back, short of sheer luck, is to have a member of your group go after them for you. It's inconvenient and a bit of a time-waster. 

Of course, I have another reason for not wearing them: I'm going to be pretty much on my own for much of my time on the river this summer. If I lose my shoes, nobody's going after them but me, and it won't be as easy to catch them on the New as it was on the Olentangy.

River: Olentangy

Flow: 75 CFS

Section: Westview Island, downriver side

*The camera is under a no-fault warranty until November 2009. There's not much I'm scared to do with it.