Splash. Thud. Four letter word. I didn't need to turn around to know what just happened. There had been a fall. Probably not a bad one, but enough to cause a sore bum and bruised ego. I hope the fly rod's okay...

Picking out friends to fish wild water with is a bit like choosing your Survivor "tribe." These are people you know won't crack a joke when you slip off a rock or criticize your casting when you get hung in a laurel. They might even lend you a hand when bouldering up a waterfall. You know this because they will also slip, get stuck, and need a hand, as most of us do. Your friends will get to see you in all your embarrassing glory, from the funny dances you perform to try and stay in the upright position to your squatting positions, usually behind a large rock or tree.
They'll see every misstep up close. You'll share snacks and bourbon, stories and runs, and all the embarrassing moments in between.

The fly rod survived that particular fall and a few others. It didn't take long until the spill was forgotten, thanks to a few risers.