A human incarnation is a gift

We're going to be blunt.

As hippos, our lot is to be blubbery bowling balls that walk along the bottoms of rivers rather than float regally like you folks. Meanwhile, you've got legs that work. Hands that grip. Opposable thumbs! You can paddle boats, climb canyons, sleep on beaches, and explore some of the wildest rivers on the continent.

Frankly, we're jealous. Please make good use of this arrangement.

Go run rivers. Sleep under the stars. Listen to canyon wrens. Stand up for the places you love. And, while you're at it, quit bringing such boring gear with you. This isn't about spiritual bypassing, but we suggest that you...

start with a Boatburger Throw Rope. Nothing says "I'm ready for adventure" quite like a cheeseburger containing 75 feet of rescue rope.

Pair it with a Razorback Sucker Drag Bag to keep your engine coolants cold. Or invite a Shark or Hippo along to drag your beverages through the river like nature intended. And don't forget the Bat and Squid Flip Lines—because staying right-side-up is generally preferable, and we need to be able to see how cute you look out there.

This isn't stuff for stuff's sake. Good river gear helps us spend more time in wild places, take care of ourselves and each other while we're there, and hopefully come home loving those places enough to protect them.

So live a little, humans! Use those remarkable appendages. Go somewhere beautiful. Take care of it. Take care of each other.

We'll be down here walking along the bottom, wondering why evolution gave you all the fun.

Love,

Larry, Barry & Hannah the Hippos