Introductory Canoeing Classes

[mjamja]

Are there any symposiums/events closer to Texas than the Midwest Freestyle Symposium in Ohio where I could take some basic canoeing classes. I am interested in beginners classes for soloing on flatwater and Class I/II rivers. I have done about 20 days of flatwater and 12 days of class I/II river trips in my Wenonah Royalex Argosy (unbagged) so far. Maybe that will help you understand what kind of classes might be suitable for me.

Thanks for any information you might be able to give me.

Mark

[Roger]

Mark, we have a school for whitewater paddling (canoes/kayaks) in May on the Mulberry River.

And then for the last few years, we have a flatwater clinic on the Spring River (NE Arkansas).

Ocassionally, we'll have an introduction clinic (1 day) at Lake Ouachita).

Here's a link to the events page on our website (will be updated at appropiate time).

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

[KAYAKN]

Mark
If you are close to the Shreveport/Bossier area we(Ozark Society Bayou Chapter) have many intro clinic's for 2009 on the schedule. You can give me a shout at
318-423-1690
Adam

[Cowper]

I have done about 20 days of flatwater and 12 days of class I/II river trips in my Wenonah Royalex Argosy (unbagged) so far. Maybe that will help you understand what kind of classes might be suitable for me.

Love that boat; almost got one.
Based on what you've said (including boat model), I think the Recreational School on the Spring would be the best match of the courses that ACC sponsors. You've been on the water enough that you don't need the one-day lake intro to paddling course; the boat is optimum for the conditions you'll find at the Rec school (mild whitewater).
If the school dates don't work for you, just join any of the posted trips on easier water, and make it known you want someone to teach you a few "tricks". Most of the trip leaders will get almost goofy-happy if someone actually lets them practice their teaching skills...

[mjamja]

Thanks for the information. I will keep checking in on the Arkansas Canoe Club website as time gets closer for that spring mild-witewater class. I will also check out the Ozark Society site. I am pretty far away in Corpus Christi. However, I could combine a trip to Shreveport with some time at Caddo Lake and on Village Creek to make it worth the drive.

Thanks again.

Mark

[Richard]

You might also try one of these. If they don't have the classes they might know of one closer to Corpus Christi.
TEXAS
Aggieland Paddle Club, College Station, TX 78703
http://www.aggielandpaddlingclub.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Austin Paddling Club, PO Box 300388, Austin, TX 78703
http://www.austinpaddling.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Dallas Downriver Club, PO Box 820246, Dallas, TX 75382-0246
http://www.down-river.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Hill Country Paddlers Canoe Club, PO Box 3951, Kerrville, TX 78029-3951, http://www.quintanna.com/mtnsports/hcpaddlers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Houston Canoe Club, PO Box 925516, Houston, TX 77292, (713) 467-8857, http://www.houstoncanoeclub.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
North Texas River Runners, Ft. Worth, TX
http://www.river-runners.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cowper, you had your chance. The Argosy is all mine now. Speaking of the Argosy. Be prepared to do a little swimming until you get use to it. Once you do you will love it. Also, I would not recommend taking it to the Spring River. I am told the Spring can be brutal on boats. BTW, the Argosy is one of the four boats in my shadow avatar.
What do you mean you can't see it?