Newbie needs help!

[Gery]

Anyone in the Mountainburg area up for passing their knowlege to a newbie? I have a rec boat that I do pretty well in, at least I feel comfortable with it. Then there is the whitewater boat... I dont have any know how or experience in this arena and need help. I have played with it some (mostly swam under it!!) and just dont get it. My own wake will catch, turn, and try to capsize me. The only skill that I have aquired so far is the wet exit. Its not as much fun as you would think and you lose a lot of sunglasses in the process. Any help or advice is welcome and if you feel up to a remedial run or flatwater instruction let me know

[Susan Tinker]

Check out the event in Central AR next weekend, Rendevous. They have all kinds of classes and events. You will get assistance with it all and try out boats. It starts off with a cookout Friday night and paddling and classes all day Sat. and Sun. A really fun evening Saturday night, but you do need to bring a potluck dish.
You can camp, or stay free in the basement of the mess hall, on a bunk bed, but bring your own sleeping bed, or hotels in Marlvern.
It's the event of the year!
Then, you can be ready for WhiteWater School next May. I think you start registering next March and it fills up quickly. I've don the beginner class Twice and will be back this year for the 3rd year beginner class! But, I've met a lot of friends that I get to paddle with and they are teaching me new stuff all the time .... like getting across that river by ferrying upstream, and crossing over the Eddi line in the rapids, which I'm still learning and practicing.
Being in Mountainburg, you may also call Pack Rat and ask them for some assistance or someone that will help! I think the Jones Center offers roll classes ... but next weekend would be your best introduction into everything ... great beginner rivers to start on and lots of people to help you with whatever you want to try or learn. It's worth the trip!
See you on the river ....
st

[RomanLA]

We all have the same problem initially. It's due to something called spin momentum. Just be glad you're figuring it out on flatwater. The first time in my boat was on Cadron Creek and it made for a long day. Anyway, rather than me trying to explain everything here, it would probably be more beneficial for you to pick up this DVD...
http://www.outdoorplay.com/store/Produc ... =AVD_KTOOL

[Cowper]

If you're near LR, then Wednesday or Saturday pool sessions are another option. Yes, the WW boats are more likely to go upside down on you, but, once you learn to roll, you become a whole lot more like a Weeble - (Weebles wobble but they don't fall down...) and from that point forward the WW boat is a hoot to paddle, at least on the faster moving water streams.

Also, if you are near the "top end" of the weight range for your particular WW boat, then the tendency to go "belly up" will be even greater.

Another thing that can make the boat slightly more subject to unplanned turns is if your weight is too far forward. Boat seats can easily be adjusted an inch or two, forward or back, which can have a very noticeable impact on the way the boat handles. Because WW boats are highly rockered, a little bit of adjustment in your weight distribution makes a bigger difference in the boat handling than a similar adjustment in a touring boat.

The tendency to flip when just paddling across flatwater is a "kink" that typically gets worked out after only a few hours of experience in the boat.

[turboturtle]

Welcome, and get you some Crokies eye glass retainer cords for your glasses. I wear script lenses and have as of yet to have a pair ripped from my face. Whitewater boats will always spin out on you as is inherent in their design. You want to be able to turn rapidly when these boats are in their element, so as to rapidly escape the impending DOOM of what lies before you. Come to Malvern for a day at least just to feel out the location and the people involved. Saturday is the single busiest and best for newbe skulkers. Lots of activities and many of the friendliest people in Arkansas.

[Gery]

Thanks for the advice guys. I hope to make it to malvern but I am not sure if I trust my truck that far. I did manage to take the 3d out for about an hour and go home dry so I feel encouraged. It does keep you on your toes though. I cant wait to get into some moving water with it!

[turboturtle]

If you can make it. It's a good bet your learning curve will change dramatically afterwards. If I had had these kinda opportunities years ago I'd probably be a better paddler. ?

[iYak]

Good advice so far.

Another thing to watch out for is trying to paddle too fast before you understand the handling of your boat. Try paddling in a straight line at slow speed, when you stop paddling you will notice that it will try to turn one way or the other. To prevent this, take your paddle and place it in the water like a rudder towards the back end of the boat on either side. You can use this technique to keep it from turning or to actually make a turn.

Now that you have the rudder figured out, as you are paddling you can sneak a few rudder strokes in between your paddle strokes to keep yourself going straight. Just make sure the transition from rudder to forward paddle stroke is quick. You can even do a little rudder as you are finishing one of your forward paddle strokes.

To keep yourself from tumping over if you do spin out, lean into the turn. For example, if you are paddling straight and then it looks like you will spin to the left, then lean left and try to brace with your paddle on the left side. This should keep your momentum from turning you over as you spin around.