Arkansas River Canoe and Kayak Race June 4th

[potterspoint434]

We are proud to announce 2011 Arkansas River Canoe and Kayak race will be Saturday, June 4th. Don't miss out on the States largest canoe and kayak race.

The 2010 race had some of the fastest racers in the South paddling this 6 mile down River course.

The race starts at Murray Park and on river left passes the cliffs of Emerald Park. As soon as you pass the park you will be able to see the Arkansas State Capital on river right. In the final stretch you will pass under 5 bridges and after the last bridge you will pass the finish line with the Bill Clinton Library on river right.

If you are racer and want to test your skill against former gold medal winner and some of the nations elites or just want to see the sights, this is the race for you.

Check and see what class your boat will be in and get out and start training!

Also, don't miss out on some of the great outdoor activities in Little Rock. Bring your running shoes or bicycle and try out our River trail that runs down both sides of the river or relax after the racer at one of the great restaurants in the Little Rock River Market.
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[ducktrooper]

I'm a newcomer to kayaking and mostly for fishing and some excursions. I have a Hobie Quest(paddle..not foot) that is a SOT, 28" wide, 13' long. I've been out on the Spring River and run 5-7 miles in fast water.

is this event safe for me to run for fun...not for time? I have a great PFD, a competitive swimmer, and fairly athletic....BUT...I've never done a big river before. I would assume that you stay fairly close to the side during the race, ie, Memphis Kayak race on the MS.

Thoughts...? John in Memphis

[potterspoint434]

There will be a small craft advisory out during the race. The water is high and swift. There should not be any barge traffic so not many waves.
We will have safety boats,
Once you get out in the current it should be pretty smooth , that being said you have to know what you can do if you look at it and think its to swift don`t do it.
There will be safety boats

[ducktrooper]

Thanks for the info...I still don't quite what you mean by "looking at it" and deciding what you can do. If the water is calm and I'm heading down stream then I shouldn't have to do any radical or sudden maneuvering other than correcting course....correct?

[potterspoint434]

At the start you will come out of calm water to a really fast current and until you get out of that and into the middle of the River it will be pretty rough water. Once you make it out of that it should be smooth that is if the wind is calm , all the way to the finish.
If you look at the Mississippi River and think you can do that then you should be able to do this. This water is moving about the same speed its just not as wide.
There is a small Boat advisory at 70 cfs and it should be around 90cfs at race time. I`m just trying to give you the facts,