*Trip Canceled* Raft Trip for Inner-City Kids! This Sat.

[Jetlab67]

April 16

Hey Folks,

With great disappointment I’m announcing that Saturday’s trip has been canceled. Above all, we want the kids to have a positive experience which simply isn’t possible if Saturday’s weather forecast holds. STEP has asked us to consider doing the trip in the fall so expect to hear from me or Luke then. I want to thank you for your heart and the generosity you’ve displayed toward these kids.

SYOTR,
Paul Smith


///FINAL UPDATE April 14///

A great big thanks to all who've committed their time and equipment to this worthy event! I believe we've got everything covered and the river seems to be cooperating.


Paul Smith at 479-283-8799 or Luke Coop at 501-951-8635







///UPDATE April 7///

April 18 is just around the corner and it looks like this trip is really coming together! Thanks to all who have committed their time, boats and equipment! If you haven't already, you should be hearing from Luke or myself. We can still use a few more hands and maybe a raft just in case. We're targeting the Middle Buffalo, Baker Ford to Gilbert, which is nearly 10-miles. Kevin Cheri, NPS BNR Superintendent, will be joining us. If you're interested please don't hesitate to call.

Paul Smith at 479-283-8799 or Luke Coop at 501-951-8635



Changed date to Saturday, April 18 to alleviate conflict with Bayou floats, etc.

We need your help to take a group of inner-city kids from Little Rock rafting! On Saturday, April 18 we’d like to get 10-15 boys and girls, ages 12-18, and their adult mentors on the river for a day. Depending on river levels likely destinations could be the upper/middle Buffalo River, Mulberry River or Big Piney Creek. I need folks to volunteer their time and equipment to help provide an experience these young people (or us) will not soon forget. I’m looking for 10-12 rafts with rowers or paddle captains, as many safety boaters and a shuttle crew. The mentoring program will get the kids and their mentors to the river and will also cover the event with liability insurance. Additionally, we’re going to need PFDs, helmets, river clothing and the like. If you’d like to participate in this very worthwhile event please contact either myself, Paul Smith at 479-283-8799 or Luke Coop at 501-951-8635.

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[Crane]

Paul, I will be happy to help. In addition to my Super Puma, which I will probably row, we have two small rafts which we would be pleased to lend as paddle-rafts assuming some experienced person was willing to volunteer as Raft Captain and assuming we could gather up necessary PFDs and a few single-bladed paddles. Let me know...

[Jetlab67]

Thanks so much Larry!

[PBI]

We're proud to be an official sponsor of this event!

[boba]

I'm in. I have a 14 ft maravia, I can oar it or do it as a paddle raft, as needed.

[PBI]

Y'all are the best! This will be a hoot and like nothing you've ever experienced. Thanks for helping out.

[Jetlab67]

So far we have:

4-Aire Super Pumas, row (3 committed, one maybe)
1-Smaller STAR, paddle
1-Smaller Aire Tributary, paddle
1-14' Odyssey, row
1-14' Maravia, row

We need a few more rafts and many safety boaters! Many thanks for considering this very worthwhile cause!

Paul

[Roger]

I'm in for the Hyside (oared/paddle as needed) and I can bring the Shredder so that a couple of the younger ones can captain their own craft at times. Might need some help with paddles if it is paddle raft.

Paul, not sure what you have planned for meals for our paddling partners but do we need any kitchen gear for lunch time? Table, stove, discada, etc.? Will be happy to bring any of what I have.

[Clif]

I have a 13 ft trib, paddle. My oar rig isn't really passenger friendly.

Or can safety boat?

[Jetlab67]

Roger and Clif a big thanks! Please PM me your contact info. Roger - oar boat is fine and we'll probably give kids paddles too. The Shredder will be awesome if you can get it away from me and Luke. I'm considering a shore lunch so yes, table(s) and kitchen gear will be useful.

Clif - paddle boat is great.

Paul

[mohawklady]

i have a 12 ft raft also I have only had it out once so would prefer older teens. I have jackets and paddles for 4 to six paddlers adult sizes. It would be a good opportunity to use my new found skill...Pam Ellwood.

[Paddlinggoddess2015]

I will safety boat and have some gear that will fit kids. Have 2 helmets a 2 PFDs and a drytop. Let me know. Thanks Sabrina

[Paddlinggoddess2015]

I can also paddle a raft down. I just don't own one.

[cate the rafter]

I mentioned to Coop that I'm in for guiding a raft down. As well as bringing a couple of paddles and a couple of helmets.
Thanks,
Cate Davis

[cate the rafter]

I mentioned to Coop that I'm in for guiding a raft down. As well as bringing a couple of paddles and a couple of helmets.
Thanks,
Cate Davis