Trying to Learn

[ChristineReed]

I am very interested in kayaking on a regular basis but I have no idea what I'm doing.
I'm taking a Kayaking 101 class this weekend at Millwood State Park, where do I go from there?

Please Help!

[Canoe_Codger]

The first suggestion that comes to my mind is to hook up with some members here for some easy floats, and attend a swimming pool roll practice session. That would be a very good start. Most of the fine folks here are more than willing to teach and escort a new paddler as they become acquainted with their boat, improve their skills and enjoy the local waters. Watch this board for announcements of training sessions and trip invitations. And put your location (general or specific) in your posting profile.

Michael

[ChristineReed]

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out, I haven't bought a boat yet, but am in the market.
I want to wait and try some different kinds so I know what I'm looking for.
I live in Little Rock, AR but I'm willing to travel on the weekends around the state, to practice and meet new people!

I was looking at the class information on the canoeclub web site and the information seems like it's all old.
Does anyone know if any of that is still going on, or is it best just to find out from the message board?

[okieboater]

The rendezvous comes up in sept down at Malvern. a great place to meet ACC members and test boats as well.

do a search on the message board for more information

[Steve S]

The two big paddling classes, White Water School and Rec Boat School, were in May and June. But Rendezvous will be held at Camp Couchdale (45 minutes from Little Rock) on September 20-22. You would have the opportunity to try out boats and talk to other paddlers from around the region.

Another idea is to come to the Central Chapter meetings at the Oyster Bar on the 4th Tuesday of each month. You would be able to talk to both whitewater and flatwater boaters and find out what trips are being planned. You also might find someone with an extra boat that you could try out.

And as Canoe_Codger said, you could drop by a pool session at UALR on a Wednesday evening or Saturday afternoon.

[Jim E]

Here is link to the Rendezvous. The date still shows last year but much of the info is the same!

First you might want to decide if your interests are more lake/flatwater touring or whitewater kayaking. After that choice, many can help you along your chosen path.

[Cowper]

First you might want to decide if your interests are more lake/flatwater touring or whitewater kayaking. After that choice, many can help you along your chosen path.

EXCELLENT point!

The Millwood intro will give you some exposure to recreational kayaks and flatwater. And Rendezvous is a must. Here are a few more things to add to a "to do" list:

1) Go to at least one pool session in Little Rock. (UALR, watch for posts on this board, if you don't see enough detail, ask and we'll fill in.) Bring a swimsuit; if you confirm others are going by asking on the thread, someone will loan you a boat for the first time.

2) Go down to Rockport (aka, Malvern Whitewater Park) at least one or two Saturdays and just watch. Strike up a conversation with some of the boaters there.

3) If you get a boat of any type, depending on your work hours, consider joining a group going to Little Missouri during the week, or one of the "Remmel to Rockport" floats which happen almost every Saturday until Labor Day.

[ChristineReed]

Will I be able to rent a boat for activities at the rendezvous? I may have one by then, but I may not

[Canoe_Codger]

Good used kayaks come up for sale here almost constanly as people upgrade or clean out their garages. There is nothing wrong with acquiring a used but servicible boat for your first one. And as an added bonus, many sellers include some of the needed gear with the boat (skirts, paddles, PFDs etc.). As to Rendevous, you may be able to borrow a wide variety to test paddle if you haven't found one of your own by then.

Michael

[Jim Krueger]

Christine,

If you haven't acquired a boat by then, let me know. We have a Dagger Approach&gear you'd be welcome to use for the weekend. Marlo and I, and other friends will probably be floating the Remmel to Rockport section of the Ouachita R. several Saturdays before then if you'd care to give it a go.

Best Regards
Jim

[hilbili]

The guys at O.O.O. told me the Liquid Logic XP is on sale, and will probably be available for demo at Rendezvous!

[Clif]

once again sounding like an either or deal
MANY folks end up with more than one boat to do flat/calmer rivers and a boat better suited for more rapids. May be best to start one direction or the other, but not like you have to do one or the other.... just paddle Looks like you are headed in a good direction

[jonest]

OOO = Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters in Hot Springs, AR
Address: 112 Blackhawk Ln, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Phone:(501) 767-1373

[ramblinman174]

My name is Trey, I was a raft guide in CO, now I'm in Hot Springs trying to learn to kayak, I just bought a kayak a few weeks ago. Hit me up I need people to train with tjjackson03@gmail.com

[Tim Eubanks]

My name is Trey, I was a raft guide in CO, now I'm in Hot Springs trying to learn to kayak, I just bought a kayak a few weeks ago. Hit me up I need people to train with tjjackson03@gmail.com

Trey
Head down the the ledge at Rockport. If they are running water there's almost always some boaters there who could help you. Probably should post on the board to get a confirmation on release.