One thing I should add, as a paddler I've taken more than one swiftwater rescue class, and while I do tend to walk thru rather than rock hop, I'm all about bushwhacking when needed to find a suitable crossing, and know my personal limits with current and depth and won't exceed them even if I have to turn back..usually, at least in the limited areas I've hiked, I can find a crossing. One thing that hampers me is my size and weight 5'5" and 130 lbs. What some of the big guys I hike with can cross, I'd get swept away even with my Pacer Poles.