newbie Q

[eingedi]

Hi,
I was wondering if and when (and where) there is some sort of group class on kayaking basics (especially rolling) anytime in the near future. I recently bought a boat, got the gear, just need to know how to keep my head toward the sunshine...and probably some other stuff, as well.

The SWR class toward the end of the month sounds a bit more advanced than what I need?

Thanks for any help/info/insight.

Michael

[Roger]

Check the stickies at the top of the forum and see when the roll sessions at the various sites take place. Depends on your location. Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville have them at some time.

At time, there have been some in Magnolia.

[wdwlodge]

From one newbie to another....WELCOME!!
If u r in LR there is usually a pool session at UALR on Wednesday night. Watch this message board on Tuesday PM or Wed AM for confirmation. Schedule will probably change in fall.
Almost always someone there who can give you some instruction.

One thing I learned quickly is that learning to properly brace (so that u do not tip over to begin with:) is almost as important as learning to roll. Ask someone to show you good brace technique as well.

Another great place to work on your skills and get some advise is the Whitewater Park in Rockport off I-30 at Malvern exit.

Hopefully I will see you on the water.....

[Cowper]

Hi,
The SWR class toward the end of the month sounds a bit more advanced than what I need?

Probably not. What you learn will help keep you safe, and all "on the water" drills follow the principle of "challenge by choice". Very few of the practice scenerios even use a boat at all, and those that do typically call for only one or two students to use a boat while others support from shore, via wading, or swimming.

Touch base with one of the instructors to be sure I'm not misrepresenting their plans for this specific offering, but even if you decide to sit out one or two of the specific drills, I'll bet you'd still learn tons.

[Eric Esche]

Tell us where you live. We've got folks all over the state who might get in touch with you if they knew you were close to them.

Eric Esche

[turboturtle]

Yes, if your in or near Little Rock, the UALR pool is a great place to get your roll on. Theirs no doubt that their will be somebody there. If you need instruction on where and how to go, PM me here for a number and more concise directions.

Oh, and Welcome to the dark side!


Bob

[suckhole]

I have a feeling you will learn tons in SWR. Billy and Ray are good. I think you'd be hard pressed to find anybody who'd argue that. I haven't had it,but should. My budget always dictates the degree of my boating addiction, but SWR is becoming more a priority 'cause I keep gettin' in jams and hearing about others who do to. My only saving grace is that I have always stepped up to the big stuff with guys who knew how to save my butt.

[JessNClen]

Hey Michael,

In response to your question re: the swift water class and being a newbie - I say take the SWR class! I am a newbie too and just did the class this past weekend. I have been in a boat maybe 5 times (less than a month)...I don't have my roll down yet...but I was fine in the class. SWR focuses more on how you first protect yourself and then goes on to other types of rescues. There is a lot of defensive and aggressive swimming techniques and a lot of rope throwing. It's really good stuff to know and will most likely make you feel more comfortable on the water. I really recommend it...it's better to have more knowledge than less. As Cowper said - it's challenge by choice. If you don't feel up for an activity you don't have to participate but can watch/listen. I had no problems - I'm not the strongest swimmer but I could do all of the exercises. And the best part is you have great instructors and it's a ton of fun!

- Jessica

[David Mac]

I think SWR is the class to take as a newbie. What better skill could you have as an inexperienced paddler than how to rescue yourself when you get in a jam, something new paddlers are even more prone to than the experienced ones.

Not that the old hands don't get into plenty of jams, they are just more likely to have learned a little SWR the hard way by the time they get that experienced.

[Crane]

Hmmm... You've raised an interesting question... Is it better to know how to react and what to do once you swim, or to know how to manuver your boat better to avoid tough situations and swims in the first place? I submit that the two classes (SWR and Intro to Kayak/Canoe) go hand-in-hand towards making paddling a more fun, safe adventure-sport for beginners!

For the last eight or ten years, the ACC Central Chapter has organized a Flat Water Clinic sometime in August for beginners... This has been a one-day clinic and its goal was to acquaint new paddlers with the sport in a safe, non-threatening environment on a lake, giving plenty of good, basic information and teaching basic strokes and how to recover from spills. The clinic always had 30-40 new students enroll. This year, no one stepped up to organize the event... It takes work and some time and volunteer instructors willing to travel and teach...

Maybe someone would step up to organize a clinic (even a small one) on Lake Catherine on the Saturday of Rendezvous? Even a half-day clinic could help newbies get a good, safe start!

[arkayaker326]

I'm a newbie in the Fayetteville area. What are some options for me to get and start rocking and rolling!
-Greg

[Victor Caballeros]

GREG.. We have boatball every wednesday at lake weddington about 6:30. You can improve on your skills while having fun. I'm sure if you showed up earlier than 6:30 I'm sure someone will be willing to help with Questions, paddling, or rolling..Great place to work on your skills and have fun during the summer heat!!! Until it rains!!!!