Good Times at WW park

[paddledog]

I knew the title would get you to read this thread

As of now we have 9 people who will be attending the after party for the park.
If that is all, we will just meet at Wendys for frosties and call it good.
I thought maybe this was buried in a thread that wasn't being followed much
so I though I would repost

Grand Opening of Whitewater park

Ok, so the time is fast approaching to give a big kick off to the new facility.

The North West chapter of the ACC is going to host a big party for the grand opening.

This will be the time for the paddling community to show the public what we are all about.

I have spent more than the average persons amount of time at the park.

While there, I get approached often with questions.

These are some of the most common ones:
What type of boat do I need?
Where do I get them?
How can I learn to do this?
Did he mean to turn over?

In an effort to answer these and other questions, we are planning to host a "learn with an expert" booth at the grand opening.

This will be happen from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I need commitments from folks for times they can help.

First we need booth personnel.
Greeters – someone who will greet folks and give them information on the ACC, ACA and the happening at the park. Additional duties will be to help people sign up for the ACC with
a laptop that will be there.
Outfitters – We need people to help the newbies get outfitted with boat, skirt, pfd and boat.

Next we need the help of certified paddling instructors.
We will assign 2 or 3 "students" to each instructor. Take the students out in the flat water above the waves and show them the basics. Just let them paddle around and get comfortable. I would assume these lessons to last from 15 to 20 min. each. IF the instructor decides the students can handle the waves, you may run them down through the park for the final. Grab up the boats and bring them back up for the next set of students. I hope we can have enough instructors turn out that each instructor would only have to do this for an hour or so.

Also we will need "safety" posted throughout the park.
We are NOT lifeguards for the park. But with the actives planned it would be a good idea to have a few strong swimmers posted throughout the park while the instructors are giving lessons.

If you volunteer and something comes up where you can't be there, please let us know asap as I am presenting this to the park officials and it will be advertised to the public.

NOW FOR THE GOOD PART...................

Because so many people will be coming from all over the state and surrounding areas I am opening up my field for camping. I have about an acre mowed and if more is needed I can mow more. This is a low lying field that is always 4-5 degrees cooler than the surrounding area. I will open this for camping on Friday and Saturday. I am about 25 min from the park and we can group up and carpool to the park on Saturday.
When the festivities conclude on Saturday at the park, the Northwest chapter would like to invite all members and friends to a cook out for Saturday night. We will have a few folks take off early from the park and get everything ready to feed the paddlers . Even if you don't want to stay the night, please come eat with us. However, bring a tent and bag with you as nobody needs to leave after partaking of adult beverages.
I am working on getting a "log of interest" but because I do have a couple neighbors, propane and fireworks will be prohibited.

Anyone volunteering to help at the booth or with the newbies at the park will move to the head of the line at chow time.

Because we need to match the food purchases with attendance we are asking that you let us know if you plan to camp/eat.
I have set up a "poll" at this address –
http://forums.arkansascanoeclub.com/vie ... =1&t=26032" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

please click on yes if you plan on camping/eating.

We can all get together and rally back over to the park on Sunday for those who just didn't get enough.


This is a new style function for us so let us know your thoughts.
Post back here if you have any questions or comments.

This post is long enough so I will start a new one with the schedule for the celebration.

[wiredforsound]

Steve

First just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work on behalf of the paddling community for the whitewater park.

I will be happy to assist wherever needed. At info. booth, assisting in outfitting, safety, etc. Would also be glad to loan my equipment to the cause, if needed: boat, paddle, spray skirts (got a couple of different sizes), life jacket etc.

[paddledog]

Steve

First just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work on behalf of the paddling community for the whitewater park.

I will be happy to assist wherever needed. At info. booth, assisting in outfitting, safety, etc. Would also be glad to loan my equipment to the cause, if needed: boat, paddle, spray skirts (got a couple of different sizes), life jacket etc.

Great, thanks.
Check in at the ACC booth when you get there.
I will have the stuff to mark your gear.
Steve

[GN YAKN]

Will have to miss the Grand Opening due to vacation that weekend. Hate to miss but hope lots of folks will step up and help out.

Dave

[kayakdoc]

I'll be there at the WWP but can't stay late for the food/party later due to work getting up at 0430 on Sunday morning. Will be happy to help around during the day.

[tomOzarkVideo]

We hope to camp! That'll be 3.

[MoWantsToGo]

I should be able to make it out

[mgood]

Tell the party in charge of the field that good karma comes to those who help paddlers.

But the title of this thread is just... rethink the important aspects of this park. It will introduce a lot of people to paddling. It will (hopefully) increase important paddling skills for those who are continuing to build (most/all of us). But there is NO POINT in focusing on the negative aspects of this park. The thread got my attention- great- but it does nothing else besides that.

I love Dan's approach to the issue. Think positive. Act positive. Help those without knowledge to learn. Steve- i appreciate your help with this project- but let's focus on the reasons that this park is good, not on anything negative. I would have read this thread without gloom and doom in the title. This thread is open to public viewing- let's keep that in mind, huh?

[paddledog]

We hope to camp! That'll be 3.

I should be able to make it out

Maybe I am not using the "poll" correctly.
Have the ones posting up also voted in the poll?
There is no reason to post here unless you have a comment or question.
Just go to the poll and vote.

[Dr. Steve Yaney]

Your instructions are way to complicated.......could you splain one more time!!!