Good place to start?

[EODBrand]

I'm new to kayaking and very excited to start ASAP. I dont know of anywhere good to go. I live in Ft Smith and would like a place with some good whitewater but not too tough on a beginner.

Also, how do I get back to my truck when I'm done? I've been rafting with friends and we usually just park cars at the beginning and the end. I'll be alone....

Sorry if I sound dumb but I really have no clue.

Thanks for your help

[Jody]

the Mulberry would be a good place to start (after it rains again) and is the closest place to buy a shuttle if needed. and going alone is not recommended.

[Cowper]

Ditto on the going alone. It's a rule that sometimes gets broken, but especially when you're just starting out, can be a recipe for some real problems. Even a simple "tump" can become a big deal - sometimes you get trapped in a way that requires the efforts of a second person to get you out of trouble; but more frequently it is something simple like your paddle or other gear simply floating away and getting lost before you can collect all your gear.

However, that DOESN'T mean you have to stay on the couch until you find a regular set of paddling buddies - use this board to figure out what is running. Other ACC members and non-member board users will welcome newcomers on most of their trips. On weekends, you can almost always simply go to the river of your choice (if it is runnning, of course) and find others there to go down the river with.

[Richard]

The best place to start is exactly what you did. Going to this message board.

[Gery]

I have been told that canoe school is a good idea for us newbies. I will be there, learning the sport and "making contacts". We also have one more roll session at Mercy Fitness center on the 25th where you can work on a roll, meet the people, and generally have a good time since thats what this sport is all about.

[turboturtle]

I can tell you registration for the event is a frenzy. If you don't get registered quick you will miss out. Heck, even if you don't get in, go anyway and meet some wonderful waterheads. You could probably hook up with someone who is there just to paddle the Mulberry. I may do that just for the party and camaraderie.

Bob

[RomanLA]

I'd definitely spend some time paddling on flatwater first. You can learn the basic strokes, learn to paddle in a straight line, learn to control your turns, etc. This DVD is the next best thing to a private instructor and it made all of the difference in the world for me...
http://www.outdoorplay.com/store/Produc ... =AVD_KTOOL

[smcurtis]

A good place to meet some Fort Smith boaters is at the roll session. Fort Smith's last roll session of the season is Wednesday, March 25th at St. Edward's Mercy Fitness Poll. Roll practice starts at 6:30 and runs until 8:30 and costs $5 for non-fitness center members. There should be a number of people on hand to help you with your boat skills. After that keep your eyes on the message board for an announcement about boat ball in Fort Smith.

Sean