Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

a few memphis guys are taking some newbs out Saturday. We'd love to avoid having to use the Spring if possible... we can get done what we need to do there but we'd sure like to have something else.

so... how low is Big Piney usable as a newb run? I see AW says down to 1.75' but before we haul out that far, we'd like to confirm it'd be suitable for teaching... you know, not still water and gorilla crawl.

secondly... how about Dierks as a newb run spot? (we hadn't been there yet) i'm guessing just keep running the horseshoe laps and have the newbs skirt the holes, catch eddies, do peels/ferries, etc. ??
and lastly at current water elevation, assuming no more rain, any guessing on how long it will run out?



thanks in advance.
phil

there is a longer run at Dierks...

Saline River at Dierks will probably not run Saturday - they are dropping the lake now, but by Friday afternoon (or sooner) it should be at the normal level and it will shut off. It does look like Rockport may be a go.

The Piney should still be at a decent level for teaching beginners this weekend, especially Saturday. There will be some slow long pools but no gorilla crawl or still water. But there will still be some really great places to work on ferries, eddy turns, peel-outs, and easy surfs and some of the rapids will still be plenty exciting for beginners. If you are thinking about the Helton's to Long Pool run, the only problem is that it is a long run for teaching so you need to get an early start and plan on a long day if you are going to spend significant time working on skills at various spots. The run from LP to the highway would also work and is shorter, but will have fewer teaching spots (still some) and not as much excitement. However, if you've got a fairly agressive group and have the time, the longer run will be more fun for them. You could also consider the Cadron if time is an issue.

(I'm assuming your aren't talking about never-ever type beginners -- the upper run could be awfully long if they aren't able to stay straight yet or decide after the first mile (or first swim) that boating isn't their thing.)

I'm not an instructor, but what about the Dragover? It should be good to go.

I'm not an instructor either, but Dragover will be do able Sat. Not a whole lot of plat at that level but the house Rapid will be there. The Caddo will be at a good level for a first float Saturday, there is one small play wave on the Hwy 182 to Hwy 84 section.

Phil,
Consider the Cadron, the level will be good for newbs. It's a lot closer than either the Piney or Dierks.
Thanks,
JeffH

guys, thanks for the input. we're going to head east and catch the Locust Fork in AL.

the blessing and curse of memphis... lots in range... but none of it convenient.