suggestions on trying out kayaks....

[Micah]

Hi ladies and gents! It seems like forever since I've been on here.
Haven't been on the water much other than the Buffalo a little but may be real soon!
I know that there are at least a couple of y'all that I have paddled with but for the majority of you I use to have a Mohawk probe 12 that I attempted to play in but kind of got out of it, mainly because I was taking a little too much time from the wife and young son. Well, now my son is 13 and is interested in trying out a kayak. I'm thinking this is maybe something we can do together.
What I was wondering is if anyone had any suggestions on where to start with getting him in one to see how he likes it? He has been paddling a canoe a little and has been on one of those kayaks that you pretty much sit on top of. I would like to get him and myself into a little running water in a decent kayak to see how he likes it. I've really only been in canoes myself as well.
I will be off Memorial Day week and would like to find somewhere to go with him during that time. Would you suggest renting one of the ones at the canoe rental places like on the Buffalo? Any suggestions is GREATLY appreciated!

[justanovice]

My sixteen year old, my eleven year old, and myself all own Liquid Logic's XP 9. They are a great crossover boat that will float flat water and up to Class III (so I'm told). We float a lot of Class I and Class II. Several years ago my daughter and I took Whitewater School on the Mulberry at six feet. The boats did great. They are stable yet maneuverable. My biggest obstacle so far is that I can't get my roll (probably more operator error than the boat's fault). Many people have stated that they are a more difficult boat to roll, but I have seen MANY people roll them with no problem. They are great boats. Jeremy at OOO (Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters) in Hot Springs can get you set up. Now my son is thinking he wants a playboat down the road...
Sandy

[paddledog]

June 28th we will have LOTS of boats to try at the grand opening of the
Whitewater park in Siloam Springs. We will have instructors and other
helpers there to give assistance. It will be a great time to try different
styles of boats on different types of water....
Keep an eye on this board for info coming soon.........

[okieboater]

it is a few months away but ACC Rendezvous almost always has boats down at the lake front or at the river play spots with folks who are willing to let others take a spin.

[AR-Nimrod]

Could probably try out some boats at the Central Chapter's Annual Surf'n'Turf event in July. Also, OOO will sometimes let you demo one on the Remmel to Rockport section.

[Micah]

Sweet! Thanks for all the relpies. Definitely should be able to make the one at the end of June. Not in a BIG rush to buy one now so it may give us a chance to try a few. Just a preliminary look around and it seems like the Jackson Rogue might be something that I might be interested in. I liked playing in the ww but also want something that will track pretty good as well for longer trips. If he likes it we will probably seriously start looking for a couple at the end of July after we get back from our mission trip.
Thanks again!

[paddledog]

The powers that be have moved "Media Day" AKA the soft opening
of the new WW park to June 2, Monday. No real ceremony or nuttin'.
But the media should be there and anyone who can turn out to
show our support of the park would probably be interviewed......
10 am to noon.......

The GRAND opening is still June 28th........