Yaks on the Arkansas

[robcmullins]

Has anyone done any kayaking on the Arkansas. I have been thinking about doing a trip from Ozark Dam, down to Clarksville. Someone told me if I took my yak out on the Arkansas Game and Fish would pick me up and fine me.

[Michele Jackson]

Last fall the RV chapter had a trip on the Arkansas in Fort Smith. Last I heard we're going to have an event where we go thru the lock and dam escorted by someone, either Game and Fish or Coast Guard, not sure. Hopefully Dave Thomas will chime in.

[Roger]

They have the Paddle for the Cure on the Arkansas in conjunction with Race for the Cure in LR and they get no grief.

Wear your lifejacket, do not pose any hazard to other boats (good luck with the power boats respecting your presence), and practice safety to the Nth degree.

What would make the Arkansas River different from the Ouachita or any other river in our state?

Go out, enjoy, and be safe.

Paddling at night is a whole different ballgame. Think you need lights and some sort of warning system (horn).

My $.02!

[Wildwood]

I paddled 6.5 miles on the Arkansas at Little Rock last year in a race that took us under all 5 bridges. Observe marker bouys! Have fun. Be very careful.
Jan

[Trail Monkey]

Hey Jan was that you in the Tie Dyed shirt and stickers on your boat and blowing bubbles? lol

[robcmullins]

Thanks for the input guys. Being a newb I wasn't sure if there were special rules on the Arkansas or something. The guy in question painted a pretty bleak picture of death if I went down the Arkansas.

[fryingsquirrel]

I think the biggest thing to watch out for is what the levels are. If there is a small craft warning or advisory, then stay off the river. We had a couple of drownings last year near Little Rock when the river was way up. Carry a air horn as well, and be easily seen (bright colors help)
My $.02
Jon Ellwood
Conway

[US Coast Guard Auxiliary]

Someone told me if I took my yak out on the Arkansas Game and Fish would pick me up and fine me.

Rob, utilizing a paddle craft on the Arkansas River is actually encouraged. In fact, there is an Arkansas River access point, specifically for paddle craft, being developed near downtown Fort Smith. Although big and mighty, the Arkansas River is an excellent paddling opportunity. However, it should always be respected, as should any river. Prior and during your trip, be aware of the State and Federal laws for legal operation of your paddle craft. A list of the required equipment (Federal and State) is available at the Fort Smith Flotilla 15-5’s website found here: http://a0851505.uscgaux.info/paddlecraftsafety.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Before starting your journey, it is highly recommended that you file a float plan. Here is a link a USCG AUX float plan http://www.floatplancentral.org/downloa ... atPlan.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . Although not specifically tailored to paddle craft, it gets the job done which is to inform reliable people of your trip.

In addition to the float plan, here are a few other safety tips:
- Wear your life jacket.
- Be prepared to swim.
- Never boat alone. Travel in groups whenever possible and know the experience level of those in your group.
- Consider taking a paddle craft safety course.
- Confine you first outings to calm backwater areas.
- Be familiar with capsize recovery techniques.
- Carry the right gear.
- Always check the weather forecast and river conditions before setting out.

Inevitably, if you paddle long enough on the Arkansas River you will come upon a lock. No worries, it is perfectly acceptable for a paddle craft to navigate through a river lock. Here are some rules to follow while locking through.
1) There is no fee for locking through.
2) Stay out of the restricted areas.
3) Stay in your boat when locking through.
4) Inform lock that you want to lock through by pulling the small boat signal chain located at the end of the wall or call the lock on a marine radio.
5) Enter the lock when the gates are fully open and you receive the green signal light to enter.
6) While in the lock, stay in the center of the chamber, away from walls. (You may be given special instructions by the lock staff.)
7) One short blast designates the lockage is complete, and you may exit the lock.

The USCG AUX and US Corps of Engineers have been communicating with the Arkansas Canoe Club – River Valley Chapter concerning a float trip through Lock and Dam 13 sometime in late September. The trip would both begin (above the dam) and end (below the dam) all within Springhill Park. Details will be posted, here, on the Arkansas Canoe Club Forum when they become available.

[okieboater]

Many thanks to
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
for taking the time to make this post and give us the facts.

Much appreciated!

[robcmullins]

Wow! This is GREAT information! A HUGE 'thank you' to the US Coast Guard and for providing the great links as well. I believe this is the unequivocal authority on the subject. Fantastic!

[Wildwood]

Trail Monkey,
It sure was!! I had a blast. I was in a lime green Old Town Vapor. I think I got my first Remix XP10 the next week.
Jan

[Trail Monkey]

I thought that was you. I am the guy that hung back with you and the other guy that caught the last shuttle. I was the one in the blue Ford F250. Good to see you on here. Talk to you some time.
Eddie

[Wildwood]

Trail Monkey,
It's good to hear from you! I didn't do the Arkansas River race this year becuz I took my grandson to Rec School at Mammoth Spring that weekend. Stay in touch.

Jan