Obviously its different for each individual but IMO a 12 year old can not adequately appreciate the potential consequences nor have I met one that should be given that level of freedom. And I say that as someone who appreciates what young boaters are capable of and was mentor to a precocious young boater breaking age related barriers. IMO, kids *need* and *deserve* guidance at that age. The river is a great place to learn personal responsibilty and independence but a 12 year old still needs to be parented or mentored through that process.

I'm not prepared to say he shouldn't have run it, but I hope he had a truly mature person helping him to make his decisions. And that would not include testosterone poisoned friends/siblings. I'm not saying that was the case here.

A 12 year old on their own making those kinds of decisions?

           No!

Phil