you're using, the mississippi is somewhere between the tenth and the fourth largest river in the world. one thing for sure, it's big. and it's freaking strong. also, you've really got to put your back into it if you're crazy enough to want to paddle a canoe around in its fast-moving waters. what's the source of the mississippi? >> well, anywhere a raindrop falls in 44% of america. if you follow the volume of water, two-thirds comes down the ohio river, but most people will say lake tascam in minnesota. >> john rutski is i guess what you would call a river rat. in 1998 he started the quapaw canoe company, a custom outfit that leads guided expeditions on the mississippi river and its tributaries. as a central part of his operations, he trains local kids from mississippi and across the river in neighboring arkansas under an apprentice program, teaching skills like hand carving canoes, outdoor survival and the ins and outs of guiding