INFORMAL POLL

[Deuce]

I'm gauging interest in float camping mini-workshops at Rendezvous this year. There would be one for canoes and one for kayaks. They would be very basic and would cover things like gear that should and shouldn't be taken, safety, securing gear, packing for trim, impact of gear on boat handling characteristics, that sort of thing.

I realize this is all old hat for most of us, but my understanding is that one objective of Rendezvous is to generate interest in paddling, and I think this would be a good way to do it. However, I don't want to waste the volunteers' time (I already have one lined up for kayaks and have reached out to one for canoes) on setting up if noone wants to take advantage of the opportunity. I know there's no way to guarantee participation, but I'd like to know if you or someone you know would appreciate something like this. As I said, just an informal poll. Thanks!

[cbarry]

Luke,

I would be very interested in info for river camping. I'm a city girl from Houston area (live near Hot Springs now) and don't really have a clue. Spent some time looking at tents in OOO but that is as far as I have gotten. Don't want to waste money on the WRONG gear. Want to do some overnights on the Buffalo in the next few years and would very much appreciate some advice. Hope you get enough interest. I kayak.

Much appreciated,

Cindy

[AR-Nimrod]

Pretty sure I know who your kayak volunteer is and I would be willing to participate; if to do nothing more than heckle .

Seriously, I think it might generate a good bit of interest from the newbies and even some paddling vets that haven't done much overnighting. Especially going over gear. I know Clan Crawford has gone thru trial and error with a good bit of our gear.

[Deuce]

Cool. Thanks for the input guys. Keep it coming. Uh, Chris, how do you know the "volunteer" isn't you?

[okieboater]

A river camping boat primer and opinions for what they are worth.

Raft. The most comfort and normally best food. Cold drinks, Dutch Oven, folding chairs, awesome kitchen gear. Very expensive gear, takes time to gain skill in rowing the boat. Need permits for many of the best rivers. Hard to transport.

Canoe. Good comfort. Giant step down in boat cost. Need proper planning for food, cold drinks, folding chairs etc light weight dutch ovens. A lot more rivers and streams to boat on. Tie on roof, truck bed or whatever.

Kayak. Comfort possible but takes much more planning. Boats generally half the cost of canoes (if purchased new), food takes a lot of planning IE home dried, dehydrated expensive, minimal cooking gear. Not a lot of volume for packing gear unless you have a specialized kayak. Little extra clothing or super thick paco type pads or tents. Benefits are opens up a lot more streams. Main difference between kayak camping and back packing is the boat carries the load not your back. My opinion easier to make more miles per day. Kayaks real easy to transport compared to the other boats.

Back Pack. Comfort is relative but possible. No cost for boat. Food planning is the issue since it all goes on your back. Many many places to go back pack. No boat transport hassle. Easier to get into due to you are walking not having to learn how to manage a boat.

Comments.

The good thing about back pack camping is the gear for the most part works great the further up the chain you go. Sets you up well for kayak and canoe camping. Gives you experience that makes moving up the chain much easier. Lower cost to get into. Example: Backpacking gear can be expensive or pretty cheap. Generally, the less weight the more cost.

Kayak camping opens up runs that might not be available to other boats. I have made kayak self support trips that gave me a ton of pleasure. Takes a bit of skill to pack and manage the low volume of space available in the kayak.

Canoe Camping. May be the all around most satisfying way to river trip. Gear is reasonable. Lots of places to float. Comfort can be really good. Food can be really good. Takes skill but most canoe river trips do not have a lot of the more difficult rapids to deal with.

Rafting Camping. Definitely has the possibility of the best comfort and food. By far the most expensive gear and if you raft you have to get it usually out west on a trailer with appropriate tow vehicle. There are exceptions but sooner or later that big powerful SUV or Truck is gonna happen. Then there is the permit issue. Plus side if you have a big raft, people with permits will be more likely to invite you on a trip. Rowing a raft is to me a lot of satisfaction. Getting a loaded raft down a rugged western big water river takes skill or a lot of luck. Unlike kayaks or to some extent canoes, in a raft the rower has to read and setup the rapid right with usually only one chance to hit the line - much harder to eddy out and rethink the run than in a kayak, inflatable or canoe. There are exceptions if the river spirits are smiling on you that day.

Bottom line, this kind of clinic is a great way to get folks interested in river camping or to share tips for those already out on the water or river trails. Another good idea from Mr Luke.

[tomOzarkVideo]

Great idea!

[MissEllie]

I would be interested.

[Moniker]

After reading okieboaters post I think my best option would be my 16' Buffalo and my buddy Bob who owns a raft.
Really I think this sounds like a good idea,I've bought a lot of gear with the thought of a multiday trip in mind but the work schedule has'nt coincided with suitable water levels in Arkansas.
I would really like to learn from more experienced paddlers in the community.

[okieboater]

Moniker,

Even here in Jenks OK I can hear the Buffalo River calling you and your canoe. Mena is one of my favorite spots to be in Arkansas (breakfast in that little local downtown cafe is one of my special treats!) but head North for a few hours drive and you are in canoe camping at it's best.

Your canoe is perfect for canoe camping in our area, in fact, on my last canoe float on the eleven point river in MO, there were several Blue Hole or Blue Hole Buffalo copies on the trip and they did great. I know of no better river to learn canoe camping and floating than the Buffalo River's many sections. As they say from mild to wild! Get your adrenalin fix up high on the stream unloaded, then stack in the gear to move down stream for less rapids but some of the best scenic views anywhere and gravel bar camping at it's best.

Get the procedures down on the Buffy, then move on to the MO Ozarks. Many of those MO Ozark float streams run most if not all of the year.

Welcome to the Canoe Camping Group!

Spent most of my river floating on kayaks and rafts. Now getting back to canoes and am finding out that canoe camping here in the AR / MO Ozarks has a ton of good things going for it.

[adaviss]

My theory is to pair up with someone in a canoe-i can no longer do the minimal camp-out thing. I like the rivers that have cabins the best!-Would like to know how to pack better etc. Great idea!-a davis

[Moniker]

Okieboater,I used to go up and camp for at least four or five days on the upper Buffalo every October.The water was usually too low for a heavily laden canoe but I have paddled parts of it.
You're right,it's been a few years,I'm way past due for a trip to Kyles Landing but I've always wanted to paddle and camp the wildreness area at the lower end.I think it would be easier to catch at a good level.
The Skyline Cafe has been in Mena since I was a kid(a long time),they've always had a good breakfast.

[Deuce]

Moniker, you definitely need to do Rush to the White soon. You won't regret it. I'll go ahead and plug Buffalo River Float Service now for shuttles, etc. on that part of the river. Aaron is a great guy and will take good care of you for a very reasonable price.

[Moniker]

Thanks Duece,that is very useful info. Glad to know who to use for shuttle etc.

[74broncogirl]

Great idea, Deuce!

[flatlander44]

I would attend such a clinic if I'm able to make the Rendezous. Great idea.