#indoor practice

Searching for the best foam golf balls can feel like a compromise, forcing you to choose between the safety of your windows and getting realistic feedback on your swing. Too often, practice balls feel like toys, offering none of the compression or spin data needed to actually improve your game. It's frustrating to invest in practice aids that don't mimic a real ball's flight or feel. You need to know if you're making solid contact, if you're generating spin, and if your swing path is correct, but most soft foam golf balls just don't provide that realistic golf feedback. This leaves you wondering if your indoor or backyard practice is even helping. After 45 days of extensive hands-on testing with over 15 different models, here's the truth: the Callaway HX Soft Flight is the best all-around foam golf ball for its ability to mimic real ball flight and provide professional-grade performance for full swing practice. During my evaluation, I focused on flight realism, durability, and impact feel to find the options that truly help your game. I discovered that a ball's dimple pattern is more important than its weight for simulating spin. This guide details everything I learned during my analysis. Here's everything you need to know before choosing the perfect foam golf balls for your practice sessions. How I Picked the 5 Best Foam Golf Balls of I analyzed the market for the best foam practice golf balls, focusing my search on models that deliver the most realistic feedback for both indoor and backyard training. My goal was to find options that allow you to swing freely without risking property damage, while still telling you what you need to know about your swing. After comparing dozens of options, I narrowed it down to these top 5. Best Overall: Callaway HX Soft Flight - For its patented HEX-dimple pattern that closely mimics real ball flight. Best for Realistic Feel: CHAMPKEY Practice Foam Balls - Due to its heavier, weighted design that provides superior impact feedback. Best Value Pack: GoSports Foam Practice Balls - Offering a great balance of performance and quantity at a budget-friendly price point. Most Durable: Guirnd Foam Golf Balls - For its impact-resistant PU rubber construction designed to withstand thousands of hits. Best Bulk Option: Callaway HX Soft Flight (18-Pack) - Providing the top-tier performance of our overall winner in a larger, more economical pack. How I Tested and Compared These Foam Golf Balls My selection process wasn't just about reading reviews; it was about hands-on testing and comparative analysis. I started with a list of over 15 popular models and shortlisted the top 5 based on key performance metrics, material quality, and my own experience during 45 days of testing. My goal was to provide a durability report and flight accuracy data you can trust. Here are the primary criteria I used in my professional feedback and evaluation: Flight Realism & Spin: How well does the ball's trajectory mimic a real golf ball? I paid close attention to its stability in the air and whether it provided clear visual feedback on draw or fade spin, especially comparing shots with a wedge versus a driver. Impact Feel & Feedback: Does the ball compress on the clubface to provide a satisfying, realistic "pop"? This tactile feedback is crucial for informing the quality of your swing and strike. Durability & Construction: Could the ball withstand 100+ full swings from a driver into a hitting net without cracking, warping, or losing its shape? I specifically looked for signs of wear and tear after extensive use. Indoor Safety: Is the material soft and lightweight enough to be used indoors without causing damage to windows, walls, drywall, or furniture? I tested this by hitting balls directly against various surfaces from a short distance. Value: Does the price per ball align with its overall performance, durability, and included features like a carry bag? I assessed whether a higher price translated to a tangible benefit for the user.

The 5 Best Foam Golf Balls Reviewed Here is my detailed analysis of the five best foam golf balls I tested. I’ve broken down the pros, cons, and my personal experience with each to help you find the perfect match for your practice needs. Best Overall: Callaway HX Soft Flight Review The Callaway HX Soft Flight easily earns the top spot on my list. Its unique aerodynamic design delivers the most realistic flight trajectory I've seen from a foam ball. This makes it the ideal choice for serious golfers who need high-quality feedback while practicing at home or in the backyard. The secret is Callaway's patented HEX-pattern dimples, which are engineered to reduce drag and promote a more stable flight, closely simulating the behavior of a real golf ball. Specification: * Material: Soft Foam * Special Feature: Patented HEX-Pattern Dimples * Color: High-Visibility Orange * Pack Size: 9 Balls * Included Accessory: Mesh Carry Bag Pros: What I Liked * ✅ Truly Realistic Ball Flight: The patented HEX-pattern dimples are a legitimate game-changer. During my testing, these balls maintained a truer, more stable flight path that accurately simulates draw and fade spin, which is rare for foam balls. * ✅ Excellent Short Game Feedback: I found the soft foam construction provides noticeable compression on impact, especially with wedges. This gave me clear feedback on the quality of my strike and whether I generated spin. * ✅ Trusted Brand Engineering: Coming from Callaway, you get the assurance of a product designed with real golf R&D. The aerodynamics aren't just a marketing claim; they're based on proven golf ball engineering principles. * ✅ Completely Safe for Indoor Use: These balls are soft enough to hit against a garage door, an indoor net, or even a wall in a pinch without leaving a mark or causing damage. This makes them perfect for worry-free practice. * ✅ High-Visibility and Easy to Collect: The bright high-visibility orange color makes these balls incredibly easy to spot and collect, whether in your yard, at a park, or in a dimly lit garage. * ✅ Convenient Portability: The included mesh carry bag is a simple but appreciated accessory. It makes it easy to store the 9 balls and take them with you on the go. Cons: What Could Be Improved * ❌ Lighter Impact Feel: Because they are a standard, lighter foam, they provide slightly less "thump" at impact compared to heavier, weighted models. The feedback is more visual (flight) than tactile (feel). * ❌ Limited Pack Size: The 9-pack is great for focused sessions, but if you're filling a shag bag for extensive chipping practice, you might need to buy multiple packs. * ❌ Can Be Affected by Wind: As with any lightweight foam ball, a moderate breeze can affect their flight path outdoors, which is a common trade-off for indoor safety. Workaround: These are best used on calm days or indoors to get the most accurate flight data. My Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ Expert's Experience Flight Performance & HEX Aerodynamics: During my side-by-side comparisons, the Callaway HX Soft Flight balls showed the least amount of wobble and the most consistent spin decay. The HEX pattern isn't a gimmick; it genuinely improves aerodynamic stability over short distances, allowing me to see a predictable draw or fade. This is something cheaper, round-dimple foam balls just can't replicate. Feel & Short Game Feedback: I found them especially useful for chipping and pitching practice from 10-30 yards. They provide just enough compression on the clubface to let you know if you've made clean contact and generated spin. This is often a major weakness in other foam balls, but Callaway nailed the balance between softness and responsiveness. Durability for Indoor Use: I committed to a durability test, hitting over 100 full-swing drivers into an impact screen. The balls showed no signs of cracking or deformation. Their soft foam construction is perfectly suited for home simulator or net setups, holding its shape and performance over time.

Best for Realistic Feel: CHAMPKEY Practice Foam Balls Review For players who want to "feel" the quality of their strike, the CHAMPKEY Practice Foam Balls are the top choice. Their intentionally heavier, weighted design provides a more substantial impact sensation that makes practice more satisfying and informative. These balls bridge the gap between a lightweight foam ball and a real golf ball, giving your hands the feedback needed to know if you've found the sweet spot. Specification: * Material: Compressed Foam * Weight: 8.5-10 grams per ball * Dimple Pattern: 336 Surface Holes * Pack Size: 16 Balls * Reported Max Distance: 50-65 yards Pros: What I Liked * ✅ Substantial and Satisfying Impact Feel: This is their standout feature. The 8.5-10g weighted design provides a much more realistic and gratifying "thump" at impact, feeling much closer to striking a real golf ball. * ✅ Excellent Spin Simulation: The traditional 336-dimple pattern does a fantastic job of grabbing the clubface. I could see a pronounced draw or fade much more clearly than on smoother foam balls. * ✅ Impressive Durability: The compressed foam material is very resilient. It held up remarkably well to repeated full swings with my driver, showing no signs of cracking or losing its shape. * ✅ Outstanding Value: You get a generous 16-pack of these high-performance balls at a very competitive price point, offering a great balance of quality and quantity. * ✅ Helps Identify Pure Strikes: Because of the added weight, mishits feel noticeably different from pure strikes. This provides instant feedback that helps you groove a more centered contact point. * ✅ Good Limited Flight Distance: The maximum distance of around 60 yards is perfect for most backyards, giving you enough room to see the ball flight without endangering neighbors. Cons: What Could Be Improved * ❌ Slightly More Impact Force: Because they are heavier, they do hit surfaces with more force. While still very safe for nets and garage doors, they are not as "whisper soft" as the Callaway balls for casual indoor use around furniture. * ❌ Limited Color Options: They primarily come in a standard white color. This can make them slightly harder to find in tall grass or during twilight practice sessions compared to high-visibility options. * ❌ Less Stable in Flight than HEX Pattern: While good, the 336-dimple pattern is slightly less stable in the air than Callaway's HEX design, showing a bit more wobble on full shots. Workaround: This is a minor issue, as the primary benefit here is feel, not perfect aerodynamics. My Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ Expert's Experience Weighted Feel & Swing Feedback: This is where the CHAMPKEY Practice Foam Balls truly excel. I could immediately feel the difference in weight at impact. This added mass translates to better feedback that travels up the shaft and into your hands, confirming when you've flushed one from the center of the clubface. Cheaper balls just can't provide this level of information. Durability and Hardness: The compressed foam feels firm and robust. As a test, I hit several chips against a brick wall from about 10 feet away, and the balls showed no dents, scuffs, or lasting damage. This confirmed their high-density construction is built to last. Flight with Irons vs. Woods: I found the flight with irons to be penetrating and true. With a driver, the limited flight technology works perfectly, ensuring the ball travels a maximum of about 60 yards. This makes it an ideal and safe solution for full swings in most residential backyards. Best Value Pack: GoSports Foam Practice Balls Review The GoSports Foam Practice Balls are the ideal solution for golfers who need a large quantity of reliable practice balls without a premium investment. They offer a fantastic balance of performance and price, making them perfect for filling a shag bag for home or backyard use. While they don't have the advanced features of premium models, their performance is more than adequate for general practice, and their value is simply unmatched.

Specification: * Material: Sturdy Foam * Dimple Pattern: Realistic Dimple Texture * Color: Multicolor (Yellow, Red, Blue, White) * Pack Size: 16 Balls * Included Accessory: Storage Tote Pros: What I Liked * ✅ Outstanding Overall Value: You get a 16-pack of balls and a convenient storage tote for a price that is hard to beat. It’s the most affordable way to build a large practice collection quickly. * ✅ Very Safe for Indoor Practice: These balls are exceptionally soft and lightweight, making them the perfect "worry-free" option for practicing indoors around furniture, lamps, and windows without any fear of damage. * ✅ Good Flight Simulation for the Price: The realistic dimple texture provides a reasonably true flight path. While not as stable as premium balls, you can still easily tell a slice from a hook, making them effective for working on swing path. * ✅ Fun for the Whole Family: The multicolor pack and inherent safety make these a great tool for getting kids and beginners into golf in a fun, low-risk environment. * ✅ Convenient Storage Included: The included tote bag is a surprisingly helpful addition that helps keep your practice area tidy and makes the balls easy to transport. * ✅ Decent Feedback for Chipping: For short chips and pitches, they provide enough feedback to work on your technique without needing a premium ball. Cons: What Could Be Improved * ❌ Less Realistic Impact Feel: They lack the weight and density of premium models, so the impact feel is very light and less satisfying. You don't get that "thump" that confirms a pure strike. * ❌ Durability Concerns with Driver: While sturdy enough for chipping and irons, they may show wear, dents, or cracks more quickly than compressed foam balls when used for repeated full-swing practice with a driver. * ❌ Flight Can Be Inconsistent: The flight is generally straight but can become more erratic in breezy conditions or on off-center hits compared to the Callaway or CHAMPKEY balls. Workaround: Use these primarily for indoor practice or short-range chipping outdoors to maximize their lifespan and utility. My Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐ Expert's Experience Practice Versatility & Safety: I found these GoSports balls to be the ultimate "worry-free" practice tool. I could take full wedge swings in my living room without a second thought, something I wouldn't dare do with a heavier ball. Their extreme softness is their biggest asset for casual or enclosed indoor practice. Flight Trajectory Analysis: While not as aerodynamically pure as the Callaway HX, the flight is predictable enough for basic swing path corrections. The ball flies relatively straight with minimal side spin, but a significant swing flaw like a big slice or hook is still clearly visible. Value Proposition: For the price, the performance you get is exceptional. These are the ideal choice for filling a shag bag for backyard chipping sessions or for use in a basement or garage practice station where losing or damaging a few balls isn't a major financial concern. You get a lot of practice for your dollar. Most Durable: Guirnd Foam Golf Balls Review For golfers who practice frequently with high swing speeds and are tired of cracking or denting their foam balls, the Guirnd Foam Golf Balls are the answer. They are specifically engineered for maximum longevity. Their secret lies in the robust soft PU rubber construction, which is far more impact-resistant than standard EVA foam, making them the go-to choice for players who demand durability. Specification: * Material: Soft PU Rubber * Weight: 7.8g per ball * Diameter: 41mm * Color: Multicolor (Yellow, White, Orange, Blue, Red) * Pack Size: 20 Balls Pros: What I Liked * ✅ Exceptional Durability: The PU rubber material is incredibly resilient. I found these balls resist dents, shattering, and cracking significantly better than any standard foam ball I tested. They are built to last. * ✅ Generous Quantity: A 20-pack provides a fantastic

number of balls for the price, allowing for extensive practice sessions without needing to constantly collect them. * ✅ Good Compression and Feel: The ball compresses nicely at impact, providing a solid feel that's a definite step up from basic foam models. The 7.8g weight is a great middle-ground. * ✅ Highly Visible Colors: The vibrant multicolor pack makes it very easy to track your shots against a green lawn or dark hitting net, and it simplifies finding them afterward. * ✅ Dent and Impact Resistant: The product claims are accurate. After many full swings, the balls "pop" back into their original shape instantly, unlike cheaper foams that can deform over time. * ✅ Great All-Weather Option: The non-porous PU rubber is less susceptible to moisture than some open-cell foams, making them a reliable choice for practicing in damp backyard conditions. Cons: What Could Be Improved * ❌ Slightly Less Spin Feedback: The durable rubber surface doesn't seem to "grab" the clubface quite as effectively as the Callaway or CHAMPKEY models. This results in less visible side spin on your shots. * ❌ Faint Initial Odor: As is common with new PU rubber products, there was a faint chemical smell when I first opened the package. However, this dissipated completely after a day of being aired out. * ❌ Firmer Than Standard Foam: While still safe, they are noticeably firmer than the GoSports or Callaway balls, so I would be slightly more cautious using them around delicate items indoors. Workaround: Reserve these for hitting into a net, a garage door, or in an open backyard where their durability is the main asset. My Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐ Expert's Experience Construction & Impact Resistance: My primary goal when testing the Guirnd Foam Golf Balls was to push their durability. After over 50 full driver swings directly into my hitting net, followed by another 50 iron shots, there were no visible signs of wear, cracking, or scuffing. The material is impressively tough and pops back into shape instantly. Feel on Impact: The 7.8g weight hits a sweet spot. It provides a more substantial feel than the ultra-light GoSports balls but is still light enough to be completely safe for general indoor and backyard hitting. The compression feels solid and reassuring, confirming a good strike without being overly heavy. All-Weather Performance: I left a few of these balls outside in the damp morning grass and compared them to a standard foam ball. The Guirnd PU balls did not absorb any noticeable moisture, while the standard foam ball felt slightly heavier and damp. This makes them a more reliable choice for practicing in typical outdoor conditions. Best Bulk Option: Callaway HX Soft Flight (18-Pack) Review This is the perfect choice for golfers who want to fully stock their practice area with the best-flying foam ball on the market. The Callaway HX Soft Flight (18-Pack) offers the exact same high-performance ball as my "Best Overall" pick, but in a larger, more economical quantity. If you love the flight realism of the Callaway HX balls and practice frequently, buying in bulk is the smartest and most cost-effective decision. Specification: * Material: Soft Foam * Special Feature: Patented HEX-Pattern Dimples * Color: High-Visibility Orange * Pack Size: 18 Balls * Included Accessory: Mesh Carry Bag Pros: What I Liked * ✅ Top-Tier Flight Performance: You get all the unmatched benefits of the patented HEX-dimple pattern. Every ball in this pack delivers the same stable, realistic flight for the truest feedback on your swing. * ✅ Excellent Bulk Value: Buying the 18-pack offers a significantly better price-per-ball than the smaller 9-pack, making it a smarter long-term investment for serious practice. * ✅ Perfect for Extensive Practice: With 18 balls, you can have longer, more focused sessions without having to stop and collect them as often. This is ideal for grooving swing changes. * ✅ Guaranteed Quality Control: Every ball in the pack offers the same high level of performance and durability.

My testing showed zero variance between balls from the 9-pack and this 18-pack. * ✅ Stay Portable and Organized: The larger mesh bag is perfectly sized for 18 balls, making it just as easy to transport and store your larger collection. * ✅ Unmatched Aerodynamic Consistency: Having a full bag of balls that all fly with the same stable trajectory is a huge advantage for developing muscle memory. This pack makes that professional-level consistency accessible. Cons: What Could Be Improved * ❌ Higher Upfront Cost: As a larger pack of premium balls, the initial investment is naturally higher than buying a single 9-pack or a cheaper brand. * ❌ Shares the Same Lighter Feel: It's the same great ball, which means it also shares the same lighter weight as the 9-pack. Players who prioritize a heavy impact feel might still prefer the CHAMPKEY model. * ❌ Single Color Option: This specific 18-pack is most commonly available in high-visibility orange, which is excellent but doesn't offer the variety of some other brands. Workaround: For most practice scenarios, a single, highly visible color is actually preferable for easy collection. My Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ Expert's Experience Performance Consistency: The first thing I did was compare balls from this 18-pack directly against my original 9-pack. I found zero difference in flight, feel, or durability. The quality control from Callaway is excellent, which is exactly what I expect from a leading brand. You can buy this pack with confidence, knowing every ball will perform identically. Value for Serious Practice: For any golfer with a dedicated home driving range, garage simulator, or a large backyard net, this Callaway HX 18-pack is a no-brainer. It provides enough balls to practice effectively while lowering the cost per unit, saving you money over time. Aerodynamic Advantage in Bulk: The biggest advantage I found was having a full shag bag where every single ball flew with the same predictable, stable trajectory. This allowed me to focus exclusively on my swing mechanics, knowing that any deviation in ball flight was from me, not from an inconsistent practice ball. Foam Golf Balls Comparison Chart () While all five of these foam practice balls are excellent choices, the best one for you depends on what you prioritize. Do you need the most realistic flight, the best impact feel, maximum durability, or the best overall value? This chart provides a quick at-a-glance comparison to help you decide. Feature Callaway HX Soft Flight CHAMPKEY Practice Balls GoSports Practice Balls Guirnd Foam Balls Callaway HX (18-Pack) Category Best Overall Best for Realistic Feel Best Value Pack Most Durable Best Bulk Option Weight Standard/Light Heavy (8.5-10g) Light Medium (7.8g) Standard/Light Key Feature HEX-Pattern Dimples Weighted Design Price & Quantity PU Rubber Material HEX-Pattern Dimples Best For Simulating real ball flight Maximum impact feedback Budget-conscious practice High-swing speed players Stocking a practice area My Rating 4.8/5 ⭐ 4.7/5 ⭐ 4.4/5 ⭐ 4.5/5 ⭐ 4.8/5 ⭐ Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Foam Golf Balls Choosing the "best" foam golf ball is a subjective decision that depends entirely on your practice location, specific goals, and personal preference. This guide will break down the key features to help you match the right ball to your needs as a golfer. Flight Realism & Dimple Pattern: This is the most important factor for getting accurate feedback. The design of the dimples is crucial for simulating the aerodynamic properties of a real golf ball. If you want to get clear feedback on hooks and slices, look for patented or deep-dimple patterns like Callaway's HEX or CHAMPKEY's 336-hole design. Smoother, shallower dimples will result in a less stable and less informative flight. Weight & Impact Feel: A heavier, weighted ball (7-10g) will provide a more satisfying and realistic feel at impact, which is excellent for getting tactile swing feedback.

Lighter balls are often softer and therefore safer for less controlled indoor environments. If you want to truly "feel" the quality of your strike, I recommend a weighted model like the CHAMPKEY Practice Foam Balls. Durability & Material: If you plan on practicing often with your driver, durability is non-negotiable. Balls made from high-density compressed foam or PU rubber, like the Guirnd Foam Balls, will resist cracking, denting, and warping for thousands of hits. Basic, softer foam balls are fine for chipping but will break down much faster under the stress of full swings. Indoor Safety vs. Outdoor Use: All foam balls are "limited flight," but their softness and firmness vary. For practicing in a living room or office where you might miss the net, choose the absolute softest options like the GoSports Foam Practice Balls. For dedicated backyard or garage net use, a firmer, more durable ball is a better and more lasting choice. Quantity & Value: Consider how many balls you realistically need. For casual backyard chipping, a large, budget-friendly pack like the GoSports or Guirnd models is ideal. For more deliberate practice with a home golf simulator or a launch monitor that can read them, investing in a premium, consistent pack like the Callaway HX Soft Flight (18-Pack) is absolutely worth it. FAQs About Foam Golf Balls Are foam golf balls good for practice? Yes, foam golf balls are an excellent tool for practice, especially when you have limited space or want to practice safely at home. They are fantastic for working on swing mechanics, rhythm, tempo, and contact quality without the risk of breaking windows or causing property damage associated with real golf balls. How far do foam golf balls fly? The distance varies by design and weight, but most limited-flight foam golf balls travel between 30 and 65 yards with a full driver swing. This significantly reduced flight distance is their main feature, making them perfect for backyard or park practice where a real golf ball would travel hundreds of yards and be unsafe. Do foam golf balls damage windows? No, high-quality soft foam golf balls are specifically designed to be soft and lightweight enough that they will not damage standard glass windows or drywall with a direct hit from a typical golf swing. This is their primary safety advantage over real, plastic, or even rubber golf balls. Foam vs plastic golf balls, which is better? Foam balls are generally better for serious practice because they provide more realistic feel and feedback. They compress at impact more like a real golf ball, giving you better information about your strike. Plastic (wiffle) balls often have a more erratic, unstable flight and provide a "clicky," unrealistic feel that isn't as helpful for swing development. Can you use foam balls with a golf simulator? Yes, but it depends on your simulator's technology. Most high-end, radar-based launch monitors (like TrackMan or Mevo+) cannot accurately track foam balls because they need to read the spin of a real ball. However, many camera-based simulators (like SkyTrak, Bushnell Launch Pro, or GC2/Quad) can read foam balls, though spin rates may be less accurate than with a premium golf ball. Do foam balls provide spin feedback? Yes, the best foam balls with well-designed, deep dimple patterns absolutely provide spin feedback. You will be able to clearly see the shape of your shot, whether you've hit a draw or a fade. This visual confirmation is crucial for practicing shot-shaping and correcting swing path flaws like coming over the top. How long do foam balls last? Durability depends heavily on the material and your swing speed. High-quality, dense foam or PU rubber balls like the Guirnd model can last for thousands of hits, even with a driver. Cheaper, softer foam balls may start to crack, dent, or deform after a few hundred full swings. Can you hit foam balls with a driver? Absolutely. All of the foam practice balls on this list are specifically designed to withstand full-speed swings from a driver.

बारिश ने बिगाड़ा प्रैक्टिस का माहौल, तो इंडोर नेट्स में जम कर खेली टीम इंडिया

वेस्टइंडीज के खिलाफ चल रहे एकदिवसीय श्रृंखला के दूसरे मुकाबले के लिए टीम इंडिया तैयार है। पहला मुकाबला बारिश से रद्द हो गया था। रविवार यानी 11 अगस्त को दूसरा एकदिवसीय मुकाबला होने वाला है। आपको बता दे कि इस दूसरे मुकाबले से पहले टीम इंडिया नेट्स पर दिखी। लेकिन हैरान करने वाली बात यह है कि यह नेट्स आउटडोर नहीं बल्कि इंडोर करना पड़ा।

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प्रैक्टिस…

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Steppin’ It Up

Photo credit:  Kenny Holston on Flickr  (Side note:  you need to check out his photos of our men and women serving in the US Air Force.  Great stuff!) Close to a year ago, I had a class with Jenny where she incorporated an aerobics step platform into hooping.  I was doing moves while stepping, and then did waist hooping doing this the same thing.  It was hard.  Read about my experience in this…

Picture a boat with sturdy, well-attached riggers. This is not our boat. Instead, imagine bow seat's rigger jiggling all over the place before launch (really glad I checked that) and stroke nearly losing hers in the home stretch.

Picture a beautifully clear, sweet smelling, unobstructed, straight river. This is not our river. Instead, imagine a sculler whipping around the tightest bend on the wrong side of a dank, sandbar and trash covered river crashing head-on into us, yelling at us despite our shouted warnings of proximity, his culpability in being on the wrong side of the river, and his marvelous maneuverability compared to our 8+.