Arkansas River Trip questions.

[uncoverarkansas]

Hello my name is David. I have a friend who keeps bugging me about going canoeing on the Arkansas River. I was wondering if any of you all have done this. What advice should I know before going on the Arkansas River. We are talking about going from near pinnacle mountain into the Arkansas River and then back. I plain to take a kayak and a canoe and supplies.

[calers_]

I am trying to figure out the same thing. I was curious if anyone had ever put in a yak or canoe on the Arkansas River downtown. It seems like it could be a little bit rough depending on the boat, but if I could get my boat wet 3 miles from my house versus 40 or more then I will give it a shot.

[hilbili]

there is possibility of trip on river going thru the lock. sounds exciting.

[calers_]

Is this your way of saying don't do it?

[sig]

I think he meant that, at last nights central chapter meeting, it was mentioned that there may be a float trip on the Arkansas for Arkansas Trails Day (end of May?) and the trip will pass through the Murray lock and dam.

Debo was the one who mentioned it I think.

So that may be a trip you'd be interested in whether you get any other info before then.

I haven't paddled on the Arkansas so don't have any specific advice.

[calers_]

Thanks for the context. That sounds like it would be a pretty good time.

I think I am going to give it a try this afternoon. I am going to put in underneath the I-30 overpass. I figure I will learn pretty quick wether or not it was a good idea. I plan on just paddeling around and staying close to the put in so I can get a feel for it. Of course, if someone were to tell me to avoid doing any of this then I would likely think twice.

[sig]

Generic advice:

Remember to wear your life jacket, let someone know where you are going and when you will be back, tell that person what to do if you don't return/call on time.

Let us know how it went!

[calers_]

Will do. Excited to try something new.

For OP, I found this:
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1232849" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Ouachitoff]

Have been around the bridge piers in a motor boat, be mindful of the current around the piers, the eddylines/boils could flip you pretty easily, I would imagine.

[Rotifer Thalweg]

What time are putting in?

[Deuce]

Lots of people paddle on the river. I often shuttle a buddy after work so he can paddle his SUP from Burns Park to the NLR ramp. As has been said, wear your lifejacket, be mindful of potential trouble spots and don't be an ijit and you won't end up on the ten o'clock news. Also be prepared for rescue personnel and concerned citizens to inquire after your well being.

[Deuce]

P.S. I wouldn't go late on a Tuesday afternoon right now. They have Tuesday night bass tournaments and all the bass rockets launch in the NLR park around between 4:00 and 5:00. That doesn't seem like a situation that a paddler would particularly enjoy.

[calers_]

I survived!!!

Honestly being out there was really nice. I put in at the NLR ramp under I30 at 330 and stayed out until about 515. I paddled down to train bridge and back. I had the wind at my back upstream. I never felt like i was fighing the current, only the wind trying to turn me around on my way back. It was very odd being out on the river. It just was a weird feeling being the only person out on such a wide body of water. I can see why some would be intimidated by it. I made sure to stick close to the NLR side of the river, out of the main chanel. I was only passed by two motor boats while out there. The first one snuck up behind me while I was paddeling back, he was fairly close (jerk move imo) and i had to prepare for his wake. The other boat was in the main chanel and i never even noticed the wake. I also passed the Arkansas Boathouse Club in their sculling boats. Overall the experience was enjoyable, just a bit odd. I will definitely go out again. Its a short drive from home and would make for an enjoyble day with the right company.

I did notice lots of gawkers, probably wondering what kind of wacko is out there in a yak. Only one person (a homeless guy close to the train bridge) hollered at me asking if i knew how deep it was out there. I don't think he knew, but he sure thought he did.