Newbie with new rec kayak needs ideas of where to start!

[luv2fly]

Just bought a recreational kayak, and it's never been wet! Please post ideas on close-by places to launch. (I'm in Little Rock) I want moving water, but no rapids yet.

I've heard about Pinnacle, but don't know the specifics, like where to put in and take out.

Thanks!

[Lifejacket]

The Caddo is always good easy lower end class II rapids in spots but plenty of moving water.

[Zakkt]

Lifejacket is right: The Caddo is 110% (in my opinion) the way to go. If I were you I would get a friend or two and go to the caddo. There is rentals all over the place, and for a few bucks they will even give you a shuttle. The average float I think is 7.2 miles and right now is a perfect time to do it. For more information on the river I would call one of the rental places on the river and they could tell you everything u wanted to know and a shuttle price for you. Good luck

[Susan Tinker]

You can go to Pinnacle Mtn., to the Visitor Center. Take the driveway to the left just before the visitor center. It will take you to the boat ramp for fishing boats. You can put in there and paddle West (left) and turn around any time and come back. This time of year it is kind of snakey so I would recommend going to Caddo in Arkadelphia as well.
Watch for the Canoe Club Surf & Turf in July and join us for a float down the Ouchita River, from Remmel Dam. It is perfect for beginners!

Susan T

[ONELUCKYDEVIL]

The Saline River at Benton might be good to avoid rapids for your first trip out. Perhaps the outfitter below will shuttle for you....I think he only operates on weekends.

http://www.salinerivercanoe.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Caddo (Narrows to Glenwood) around or just below 6 ft is good for beginners.....but it does have quite a few rapids.....I understand Glenwood to Amity is not as "fast".

I second the motion on Surf and Turf at Rockport. Lots of good people with the Canoe Club.

Enjoy,
Mike

[Cowper]

For close to Little Rock, Pinnacle. You can find a map here
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/image ... 08_web.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In addition to the ramp Susan mentioned, there is a nice short paddle starting from a ramp in the West parking area. You can go either upstream or downstream (left) from this ramp, but most go downstream and then paddle back up. After about 1/4 mile, there is one riffle that you will most likely have to wade when coming back upstream. Both ramps are shown on this map.

[Mike S]

I would be happy to turn you on to any thing from a short 1mile float to a all day float on the Saline in Benton. If you come by my office I would be glad to help any way possible.
If you were real sneeky when I was not looking you could probably put your boat on my racks jump in a van and get shutteled up river and no one would be the wiser.
There are directions on my site!

Michael

[tmake]

My wife and I canoed the Maumelle out of Pinnacle Mtn Park last weekend and it was a very easy paddle (hardly any current), but we saw plenty of snakes (dozen+) - none bothered us though.
Post if you find any other slow moving streams that you can paddle up and float back down (without a shuttling.)

Todd

[Paddlegal]

The Caddo is always good easy lower end class II rapids in spots but plenty of moving water.

She SAID the L.R. area. Are you deaf?!?

by the way, where's that pic of me and you on the log with my robinsoncrusoehat?

[Lifejacket]

That wasn't my camera.

[Paddlegal]

That wasn't my camera.

Yea but it was your log, wasn't it?

[Lifejacket]

What log are you talking about?

[luv2fly]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys!!! Much appreciated! Can't wait to get started!